Tamil Nadu's Salem expressway project gets nod from Supreme CourtThe Supreme Court has given a go-ahead for Tamil Nadu's Salem expressway project.

The Supreme Court today has given a verdict against the earlier Madras High Court order. (Photo: PTI)

It was a disappointing day for the farmers of Salem, not just because of the new farm laws but also because of today’s judgment by the Supreme Court on the Salem Highway project. The Supreme Court today has given a verdict against the earlier Madras High Court order stating that the expressway project can go ahead. The apex court has given its nod for the acquisition of farmland, and other areas that were earlier opposed by farmers.

What is the Chennai-Salem highway project?

Chennai-Salem highway project which falls under the - Bharatmala Pariyojna Phase I5 is a Rs 10,000 crore project which will cut short the six-hour journey from the capital city of Chennai to Salem by nearly two and half hours.

As the project was proposed and the groundwork for the acquisition of land began several protests and opposition was witnessed in Salem and the nearby region. Farmers in Salem protested against their farmlands being taken in for the project. Nearly 5000 acres of fertile land was proposed to be acquired for the project. Meanwhile, environmentalists in the state too opposed this project as forest land and water bodies were also falling under the pathway of the project.

The proposal which saw widespread opposition also saw 35 landowners and PMK youth wing leader Anbumani Ramadoss moving the Madras High court against this project. On April 8, 2019, Madras High Court cancelled the land acquisitions planned by the National Highway Authority of India. The High court’s order was a sigh of relief for the people in the region.

What is the new verdict of the Supreme Court?

The Supreme Court which was hearing a plea by the National Highways Authority challenging the Madras High Court order has overturned the high court’s verdict. The court today has given a nod to the Centre to restart the land acquisition for the eight-lane highway, which is around 277 km long, in compliance with the environmental rules. The court has also made it very clear that the process must be started afresh.

The SC judgement said, “The Central Government and/or NHAI may proceed further in the matter in accordance with law for acquisition of notified lands for the construction of a national highway for the proposed section/stretch.”

Apex court has said that validity of the permissions or a clearance given by the environment and a forest law was not the subject matter before the High Court and has added that the affected persons can question the validity before the appropriate forum.

The Madras High court had in its order said that a proper environmental clearance was mandatory since the project would have an adverse impact on the environment, including water bodies and it had also said that an impact report of the project should also be conducted