The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has defended its decision to use land near a pond for constructing an underpass near Mamallapuram, stating that road safety was the top priority. The project has faced criticism from environmentalists and locals who raised concerns about the impact on the ecosystem and heritage sites in the area. NHAI officials emphasized that the underpass was necessary to improve connectivity and ensure smooth traffic flow in the region. They assured that all necessary precautions were taken to minimize the environmental impact of the construction work. The underpass is part of a larger infrastructure development project aimed at enhancing transportation infrastructure in the region. Despite the opposition, NHAI remains committed to completing the project in a timely manner. The controversy highlights the delicate balance between development and environmental conservation in India. As debates continue, NHAI’s stance underscores the importance of prioritizing road safety and infrastructure development to meet the growing transportation needs of the country.