Sat Feb 01 14:54:38 IST 2025: ## Chennai Metro’s Green Cover Compensation Plan Under Scrutiny

**Chennai, February 1, 2025** – The Madras High Court is overseeing Chennai Metro Rail Limited’s (CMRL) efforts to compensate for tree loss during the construction of Phase II of the city’s metro rail project. The court is particularly concerned about the impact on Nehru Park, Panagal Park, and Thiru Vi Ka Park.

CMRL has informed the court that it will lower the roof slabs of underground stations by 5 meters to accommodate deep-rooted saplings. In Nehru Park, 65 trees were felled, and 791 saplings were planted elsewhere as compensation. The court has requested a detailed report on this plan, including timelines for completion.

The situation in Panagal Park is more complex. CMRL is utilizing a significant portion of the park, with construction expected to continue until 2027. 163 of the 186 trees permitted to be felled have already been removed. The court has requested a full accounting of trees in the park before and after construction.

Concerns were also raised about the lack of sapling planting at Thiru Vi Ka Park due to illegal parking. The court has directed the Additional Commissioner of Police (Traffic) to address this issue.

The court has ordered a joint inspection by stakeholders, including the district green committee, to assess the environmental impact and recommend further action by February 17. A separate inquiry into a Southern Railway subway construction near the High Court is also underway. The court’s actions highlight the ongoing debate between urban development and environmental preservation in Chennai.

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