The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) recently defended its decision to use pond land for constructing an underpass near Mamallapuram, citing road safety as the top priority. The NHAI stated that the underpass was essential to ensure the safety of motorists and pedestrians in the area. The controversial move had faced criticism from environmentalists and local residents who raised concerns about the impact on the ecosystem. However, the NHAI emphasized that the underpass was designed to improve traffic flow and reduce the risk of accidents on the busy highway. The project is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to enhance infrastructure and connectivity across the country. NHAI officials assured that necessary measures would be taken to mitigate any environmental impact caused by the construction. The underpass near Mamallapuram is expected to ease traffic congestion and improve the overall commuting experience for residents and tourists in the region. Stay tuned for more updates on this development.