NHAI penalised for violating CRZ norms in Odiyur Lagoon

The Tamil Nadu State Coastal Zone Management Authority (TNSCZMA) has imposed a fine of Rs. 9.60 lakh on the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) for violating Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms by dumping excavated material into the ecologically sensitive Odiyur Lagoon.

The violation occurred during the construction of a bridge as part of the East Coast Road (ECR) expansion project under the Bharatmala Pariyojana initiative. The TNSCZMA’s decision was based on a petition filed by the Palluyir Trust for Nature Education and Research, highlighting the environmental concerns associated with the dumping activities. According to the TNSCZMA, the NHAI’s actions contravened the conditions stipulated in the CRZ clearance issued in October 2020. The clearance explicitly prohibits the dumping of excavated material into water bodies and mandates the restoration of the site to its original condition post-construction. The district collector’s report confirmed the continuous dumping of material into the lagoon, leading to the imposition of the fine.

The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) calculated the environmental compensation based on the impact and duration of the violation, employing a formula devised by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The TNSCZMA has directed the NHAI to comply with the provisions of the CRZ Notification, 2011, and the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. The NHAI, in its defense, has stated that the dumping was necessary for constructing a cofferdam to facilitate the bridge’s foundation work. The authority has committed to removing the dumped material within one month of completing the bridge construction, which is expected to conclude by January 2026. However, environmentalists remain concerned about the long-term ecological impact on the lagoon, which serves as a critical habitat for migratory birds and supports diverse marine life.

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has previously directed the NHAI to preserve the seagrass beds and intertidal zones within the lagoon during the ECR widening project. The tribunal emphasized the importance of maintaining the ecological balance and preventing further degradation of the wetland ecosystem. Environmentalists have urged the NHAI to reconsider the alignment of the road to minimize its impact on the lagoon’s biodiversity. This incident underscores the ongoing challenges in balancing infrastructural development with environmental conservation. It highlights the need for stringent adherence to environmental regulations and proactive measures to protect sensitive ecosystems from the adverse effects of large-scale projects.

As the ECR expansion project progresses, stakeholders, including governmental bodies, environmental organizations, and local communities, must collaborate to ensure that development initiatives do not compromise the ecological integrity of vital habitats like the Odiyur Lagoon.

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NHAI penalised for violating CRZ norms in Odiyur Lagoon