NGT Halts Chennai’s Rs 100 Crore Beach Project

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has put a stop to the Tamil Nadu government’s ambitious Rs 100 crore beach development project stretching from Kasimedu to Kovalam in Chennai. The tribunal’s decision mandates that all requisite approvals from relevant authorities must be secured before any further development can proceed.

The project, which aims to enhance the coastal areas for public use, faced allegations from environmental activists and media reports of violating environmental regulations. Activist K Saravanan highlighted that the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) was allegedly levelling coastal dunes under the guise of beautification, an action that breaches existing environmental laws. Additionally, concerns were raised about the proximity of some project sites to turtle nesting areas. The increased lighting and human activity in these zones could severely endanger the turtle population and damage their eggs.

In defence, the CMDA claimed to have obtained the necessary Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearance for its ‘comprehensive shoreline development plan.’ They stated that the construction activities, particularly pedestrian pathways, were being conducted approximately 40 metres from the high tide line (HTL), with only 10 metres of encroachment within the HTL deemed illegal. The CMDA further emphasised their goal to develop the beach for ‘blue flag certification,’ a prestigious international recognition for beaches that meet high standards of environmental management, cleanliness, and safety.

However, the NGT’s southern zone bench, led by Justice Pushpa Sathyanarayana and Satyagopal Korlapati, pointed out that for a beach to qualify for the blue flag certification, it must be identified and approved by the Union Ministry of Environment. Currently, none of the beaches between Kasimedu and Akkarai have been designated for such certification by the Centre, thereby rendering the CMDA’s development activities unauthorised. The tribunal ordered the CMDA to seek approval from the ministry before proceeding. The CMDA’s blueprint for the beach development included pedestrian walkways, landscaped areas, play zones, vendor spaces, open parking, and communal gathering spots. The tribunal’s assessment concluded that while pedestrian walkways, parking facilities, and outdoor fitness equipment might be permissible, other proposed activities were not authorised without proper clearance.

In a related directive, the NGT also instructed the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) to levy compensation on a private firm managing Rakh Bagh for illegal activities. Residents had raised complaints about M/s O P Munjal Foundation, which allegedly violated the terms of their maintenance agreement with the Ludhiana Municipal Corporation. Furthermore, Hero Cycles Limited was accused of allowing commercial activities within the park premises, contrary to the agreement. The NGT affirmed its jurisdiction over these environmental issues and directed that compensation for past violations be considered. This ruling underscore the importance of adhering to environmental regulations and securing necessary clearances for developmental projects, particularly those impacting sensitive coastal ecosystems. It also highlights the role of judicial oversight in ensuring sustainable and responsible development practices.