TN: NGT to Hear Plea on Tree Cutting for Highway Expansion on April 15

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) will hear a petition on April 15 about the cutting of trees for a highway expansion project in Tamil Nadu. The petition raises concerns about the environmental impact of removing large numbers of trees to make space for the wider road. Environmental activists and concerned citizens filed the petition, asking the NGT to stop the tree cutting and review the project’s impact on nature.

The highway project aims to improve road connectivity and reduce travel time. However, to complete the expansion, the government must remove hundreds of trees along the route. This has caused worry among people who care about the environment. They believe cutting down so many trees will damage the local ecosystem, increase air pollution, and affect the quality of life for nearby residents.

The petitioners have urged the NGT to step in and stop the tree felling until a proper environmental study is done. They want the government to explore alternative solutions that can protect the trees while still allowing road development. They also demand that authorities follow all environmental rules and get the necessary clearances before starting the work.

The NGT plays an important role in handling environmental issues across India. It has the power to stop or change projects that harm nature. By accepting the petition, the NGT has shown that it takes the concerns seriously. Now, all eyes are on the hearing scheduled for April 15.

The outcome of this hearing could impact not just this project but also future roadwork plans in Tamil Nadu and other parts of India. If the tribunal rules in favor of the petitioners, the government may need to rethink how it balances development and environmental protection.

This case highlights the ongoing struggle between infrastructure growth and environmental care. Many people support better roads, but they also want to protect trees, animals, and clean air. The NGT’s decision will likely spark more debate on how to build without harming nature.