The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has sought response from the authorities to a public interest litigation petition seeking a direction to restrain the authorities from carrying out any kind of construction activities in Tamirabharani river.A Division Bench of Justices G.R. Swaminathan and B. Pugalendhi was hearing the petition filed by S. Kamaraj alias Muthalakurichi Kamaraj of Thoothukudi district. The petitioner said Tirunelveli Corporation has invited tenders for a riverfront development project estimated at a cost of Rs.59.05 crore.He said the proposed project which extends to a 7 km stretch includes public spaces such as parks, lawns, plazas, viewing decks, bicycle bridges, water walkways, and commercial kiosks. Additionally, the project includes a 12 km channelisation of drains, de-silting, dredging, stone pitching of banks, and other conservation measures.He said, however, the tender notice issued by the authorities lacked several important aspects on environmental impact assessment such as floodplain management, river ecology and long-term geomorphic impacts.The proposed project would reduce the original width of the river. The reductions influence flood hydraulics and alter flood velocity. Further, it would damage Padithurais and Mandapams, an integral part of the river, he said.He said the authorities ought to have obtained public consultation prior to the commencement of the project. The project would alter the original size of the river, he said.He sought a direction to the authorities to conduct the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) with Biodiversity Impact Study in connection with the project prior to the commencement of any construction activities.He also sought a direction to restrain any kind of construction activities being proposed to be carried out in the river by altering its natural stream and ensure the river is maintained in its original size and width as per revenue records. The court adjourned the hearing in the case by one week. Published - August 01, 2026 08:29 pm IST