[JP] Residents oppose Tunnel Construction Under Their Homes

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Residents Speak Out in Court Over Concerns of a Maglev Tunnel Construction Under Their Homes

Residents living in Ōta Ward, Setagaya Ward, and Machida City in Tokyo have filed a lawsuit against the government, demanding the revocation of the approval granted to JR Central to use "deep underground" space at depths of 40 meters or more for the construction of the Linear Chuo Shinkansen (Shinagawa-Nagoya) underground tunnel. They argue that this decision violates their constitutional rights to peaceful living and property. The first oral hearing of the case took place on the 30th at the Tokyo District Court, presided over by Judge Yukio Hinata. The government has requested the dismissal of the lawsuit.

Government's Response: "Some Plaintiffs Lack Standing"

Yukiko Hoshina (77), a resident of Ōta Ward living above the tunnel route, expressed her concerns in court, stating that she has neither the financial means nor the physical strength to relocate or rebuild her home if the ground beneath her house is damaged due to the construction. "I am tormented by anxiety and have sleepless nights. I hope that the court will fairly judge this human rights violation, stop the construction, and allow us to return to a peaceful life as soon as possible," she pleaded to the judge.

In its response, the government argued that some plaintiffs do not reside above the tunnel route and thus lack the legal standing to sue ("plaintiff standing"). The government requested the dismissal of the lawsuit for these plaintiffs, while indicating that arguments against the remaining plaintiffs will be presented at a later date.

The Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism approved JR Central's use of the deep underground in October 2018. JR Central began exploratory drilling in October 2021, but the project has faced multiple interruptions due to equipment malfunctions.

Info based on Japanese Media News. Source: https://news.goo.ne.jp/article/tokyo/re ... 43977.html Accessed 20024-07-30