The proposed Rs 10,000 crore eight-lane highway connecting Chennai and Salem will slice through several hill ranges including the Shervroys, Kalrayan, Javvadhu, Kavuthimalai and Vediappanmalai hill ranges. A 10 km-long forest area will also be acquired. Environmentalists are up in arms saying if implemented this project would worsen groundwater situation in the state which is already engaaged in war for waters with neighbouring states.