As a member of the residents-fisherfolk group that is campaigning against the proposed Elevated Expressway from Marina to Kottivakkam, I request Madras Musings to alert its readers to the fact that there is a petition campaign urging the Union Minister of Environment to reject the beach highway proposal on merits. We intend to turn in the petition with the signatures to the Minister on October 27 after a press conference. We would be grateful if you can carry this appeal to your readers to sign the petition. Here’s the proposed text:

An Appeal from the Save Chennai Beaches Campaign

How would you like to see a highway running through your beach? If you think this is preposterous, beware — the State Highways Department’s proposed 6-lane elevated expressway connecting Marina Beach to ECR (through Marina, Besant Nagar, Thiruvanmiyur and Kottivakkam beaches) intends to do just that. To register your protest, please sign the petition addressed to the Union Minister of Environment and Forests at:
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/abandon-the-elevated-highway-and-save-chennai-beaches.”

Nityanand Jayaraman
For Save Chennai Beaches Campaign
c/o 42A, 1st Floor, 5th Avenue,
Besant Nagar,
Chennai 600 090