IIT-M buildings post 2006 have no nod: TNPCB

The response was filed based on the inspection of the premises conducted by the District Environmental Engineer (DEE) on 15 July 2017. “The institution has constructed additional 10 buildings after September 2006 and proposed additional buildings are under construction of total built-up area of 3,29,676.12 sq. km. for which consent of the Board is yet to be obtained,” stated the response. 

The inspection also examined the solid waste management disposal mechanism and biogas plants. The IIT Madras generates 2 tonne of waste per day from 1158 households, but the other municipal solid waste from the premises is disposed through Greater Chennai Corporation. At the time of the inspection, plastic waste was noticed in parts of the campus. 

“Plastic waste was noticed in some areas of the campus namely near Krishna Gate, Velachery Gate and STP area as noticed during inspection. At the time of inspection, the biogas unit with a capacity of 1 tonne was not in operation,” stated the report. 

The report also addressed the areas where action needs to be taken. Some of the suggestions include, “Remove waste plastic found lying in the areas mentioned above. Maintain records on collection and disposal of biodegradable and non-biodegradable municipal solid waste. 

Ensure plastic waste not disposed along with municipal solid waste disposed through Corporation. Provide display boards in all strategic area namely residential quarters, auditorium, stores, canteen, hostels and academic buildings showing the ill-effects of plastics. Action should be taken to operate biogas plant continuously and efficiently. 

Action to be taken to apply for CTE (Consent to Establish) of Board for  additional buildings constructed after 2006.” 

Animal activist Antony Rubin has filed a case with the Southern Bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) against IIT Madras, after an RTI reply revealed that 220 deer and eight blackbucks have died between 2014-2016. 

Antony has appealed to the NGT to ban non-recyclable plastics on campus, put up notices prohibiting the dumping of waste and ensure proper disposal guidelines are followed. He also sought a  close monitoring of vehicles on campus. The next hearing has been posted to August 7.