A meeting was organised by the Highways Department with members of various consumer rights bodies in Udhagamandalam recently, where the Gudalur Consumer Resource and Environmental Protection Association submitted a list of demands, including removing dangerous trees located by the side of the road in Nadugani and Devala.Secretary of the consumer rights organisation S. Sivasubramaniam said the trees in the area were at risk of falling on passing motorists and urged the Highways Department to identify and remove the trees. The organisation also wanted shrubs and vegetation blocking sight lines of motorists removed and for retaining walls along vulnerable areas in Nadugani and Devala constructed.They also wanted portions of the Pandalur to Mukkatti and Elias Kadai to Kolapalli Road widened and desilt drainage channels along Kotagiri Road to ensure proper flow of rainwater and prevent roads from being inundated during the monsoons. They also urged the Highways Department to remove encroachments and allocate land for construction of more bus shelters, said Mr. Sivasubramaniam.“We also demanded that steps be taken to widen the road near the Coonoor Railway Station, as well as the Gudalur–Ooty road and clear overgrown bushes,” he said. During the meeting, Highways Department officials said that roads with the highest traffic volume would be prioritised for widening after conducting traffic studies. As an interim measure, roads would be widened using cement concrete wherever feasible. They also said inspections would be carried out to identify locations requiring retaining walls and that blocked rainwater drainage channels would be surveyed and cleared. Published - July 06, 2026 06:39 pm IST