Residents of South Delhi have raised concerns over the proposed tunnel between Shiv Murti interchange on NH-48 and Nelson Mandela Marg in Vasant Kunj, fearing it could harm the local forest, environment, and potentially damage houses in the area.

The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) presented these concerns in a report to the Union Environment Ministry, following public hearings conducted in September. The ministry will decide whether to grant environmental clearance for the project, with construction slated to begin in July 2025.

The tunnel, planned by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), will span 4.9 km underground and require the felling of around 417 trees.

The DPCC report addressed local residents' objections, assuring that a tunnel boring machine (TBM) will be used, which is unlikely to impact the surface or nearby houses. Proper safety checks will be conducted during construction to prevent damage to structures, the report stated.

Environmental management plans (EMP) will be implemented during construction to mitigate environmental damage, particularly from air pollution caused by ready mix plants. The DPCC also emphasised that the tunnel would help alleviate congestion in Mahipalpur and surrounding areas, particularly on NH-48, a major route to and from Delhi airport and surrounding markets.

The project has already received approval from Delhi’s Ridge Management Board, the Central Empowered Committee, and the Supreme Court.