Cutting down trees at the Gemini Flyover in Chennai grabbing the attention - Many residents, activists are unhappy!!
Posted on: 28/Feb/2023 9:23:33 AM
The highly popular Gemini Flyover that was inaugurated in 1971 by the former chief minister of TN Mr. M. Karunanidhi on the busy Anna Salai in Chennai would soon be renovated by installing artefacts etc. For this, atleast 10 trees have been cut in this place. It must be taken into account that the history of Dravidian movement would be brought out by the artefacts here.
Assistant divisional engineer of the state Highways dept Mr. Singaravelan spoke about how he would look into this issue. It was mentioned by the superintending engineer belonging to GCC( bridges dept) Mr. BV. Babu that the flyover and the underpass was maintained by the Highways dept and not by the GCC.
Permission was not obtained to fell down the trees here and this was according to Mr. TD. Babu, member of district green committee. He added that the permission to fell trees here would only be given only if there was no other alternative available. He was unhappy about the government departments that were responsible for the felling down of trees here.
It must be noted that the illegal felling down of trees happens even with the contractors selected to implement the SWD projects of GCC and it would go unchecked.He concluded that there would be accountability and fear only when the officers concerned regarding tyeh felling down of trees were pulled up.
Now, the green cover in Chennai is reducing due to many new constructions etc and at this time the cutting down of trees at the Gemini flyover hasn`t gone well with the residents and activists etc.
Tree foundation based Supraja Dharini spoke about why the officers could not transplant the trees instead of cutting them down. She added that on the trees many birds, insects and reptiles also live and cutting down trees would disturb the ecosystem to a huge extent. It would be better if the infrastructure development projects were planned in such a way that there would not be any chopping of the trees etc. Information is that the Gemini Flyover is being renovated with hand railings, paintings, railings etc at a cost of rs 8.5 crores.
After the renovation works get completed here, there would be tricone torches (a symbol of Dravidian movement), a 6 foot tall lion designed by Mr. Trotsky Marudhu etc. Point is that the curving arm (that represents the elephant trunk) would be painted in grey colour.
