State CZMA issues stop work notice to city Corporation

Chennai

According to a communication sent by the authority to Corporation Commissioner G Prakash, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) had issued an order to the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change and Coastal Zone Management Authority to take appropriate action against the authority who are engaged in the construction of storm water drain project at Sholinganallur, Uthandi and Palavakkam villages without necessary clearance. The order was issued on December 23.

“It is informed that any construction or development activity in the coastal regulation zone area without prior approval from the concerned authorities will attract the penal provisions of Environment (Protection) Act, 1986,” the order stated.

However, residents allege that the Corporation was proceeding with the construction of storm water drain. “Until Wednesday, the construction works were continuing despite the stop work notice,” alleged R Balakrishnan of VGP Golden Sea View Residents’ Welfare Association.

The Corporation has commenced the work in Kovalam Basin (south Chennai) at a cost of around Rs 1,700 crore with the loan assistance from German Development Bank (KfW). But the residents in those areas have been opposing the project, stating that there was no need for drains in the areas along the coast as the soil absorbs the rainwater.