It146;s still DMK vs Amma on environment front

One of the most important initiatives towards the end of Baalu8217;s tenure was making environment clearance mandatory for projects worth more than Rs 50 crore. Although the official line was that it was triggered by a Supreme Court order, it is believed Baalu wanted to stop Jayalalithaa from building a new secretariat at Anna University, Kotturpuram. The DMK decided to withdraw from the government just when the notification had run its mandatory 90 days.

The Coastal Regulation Act prohibiting demolition or construction 50 metres from any coastline. Again aimed at stopping Jayalalithaa from shifting the Queen Mary8217;s College campus from the Marina beachfront.

It did not stop here. When Jayalalithaa decided to send temple elephants to Mudumalai Sanctuary for a rejuvenation camp, Baalu sent a letter asking the government to stop the translocation of elephants 8216;8216;until further orders8217;8217;.