Delhi's proposed tunnel connecting Shiv Murti interchange on NH-48 to Nelson Mandela Marg in Vasant Kunj has raised environmental and safety concerns among south Delhi residents, according to the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC). Concerns include potential damage to the local forest ecosystem, risks to houses, and environmental degradation. The tunnel, to be constructed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), will span 4.9 km underground and require the felling of 417 trees. The DPCC compiled feedback from two public hearings held in September and shared its findings with the Union environment ministry, which will decide whether to grant environmental clearance. Construction is slated to begin in July 2025. Local residents expressed apprehensions about the project. Mahipalpur resident Niskarsh voiced fears of structural damage to his home due to the tunnel passing directly beneath it. However, the DPCC report assured that a tunnel boring machine (TBM) would minimise surface impacts and prevent structural damage, supported by rigorous safety and monitoring measures. Concerns about environmental protection were also raised. Resident Jitendra Kumar Yadav questioned how the project would mitigate ecological harm. In response, the DPCC cited an Environment Management Plan (EMP) that includes measures to reduce air pollution and other environmental impacts during construction. The DPCC emphasised that the tunnel aims to alleviate severe traffic congestion in Mahipalpur and surrounding areas. NH-48 currently experiences heavy traffic from Gurugram to Chattarpur and Vasant Kunj, compounded by congestion near Delhi airport and Mahipalpur markets. The project requires clearance under the Forest Conservation Act (FCA) as it affects 5.825 hectares of southern Ridge land and 1.68 hectares of deemed forest. The Ridge Management Board approved the project in November 2022, followed by the Central Empowered Committee in June 2023 and final approval from the Supreme Court in October 2023. The Union environment ministry will now decide on the FCA clearance for the project. (Hindustan Times)