TN to set up sailing academy near Cooum

Ahead of preparing the DPR for the project, officials have proposed engaging experts for preparing borehole investigation and to carry out environment impact assessment studies.

“We are going to engage consultants for the preparation of the DPR for establishment of SDAT Sailing Academy and Centre of Excellence in Sailing near Cooum river,” a senior SDAT official told DT Next.

The consultant would be selected through a tender process. According to him, the appointed consultants, who should be experts in marine projects, would prepare detailed report covering design, tranquillity study and shoreline evaluation, the official added.

“The consultant will submit the report within seven months from the date of appointment,” he said adding, “The selected company will take up borehole investigation, which includes drilling the ground to obtain soil, sediments and fluid samples for testing.”

The official said the environment impact assessment studies includes checking of air quality, identification of waste generated in the water and finalisation of mitigation measures. “In addition, the consultancy experts will also check the sampling locations for surface water and their analysis results, identification of impacts, evaluation of water pollution control management,” he said.

According to him, once the company completes its site work, it would act as an agency to obtain environment impact assessment clearance from the State Coastal Zone Management Authority, which is mandatory for the sailing academy. “Approval from Tamil Nadu Maritime Board will also be obtained for setting up the sailing academy,” he said.

A senior member from Tamil Nadu Sailing Association said that the whole stretch of the Cooum river should be cleaned properly. “For a big vessel, the minimum depth should be about 50 feet and for a small boat the depth should be a minimum 10 feet,” he added.