Ensure immediate sanction of WRD funds for Kakka Aazhi removal, NGT directs chief secretary
The bench also observed that in the earlier order, it was recorded that the work would commence upon the sanction of funds.
National Green Tribunal
CHENNAI: Taking note of the submission made by the Tamil Nadu State Wetland Authority (TNSWA) about the delay in allocation of funds by the Water Resources Department (WRD) to commence removal of invasive Kakka Aazhi (Charru Mussel) from Ennore Creek and Kosasthalaiyar, even after three weeks, the southern bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) directed the Chief Secretary to immediately intervene and ensure that the required funds were sanctioned.
While hearing the case concerning the ecological degradation due to the invasive species, the bench comprising judicial member Justice Pushpa Sathyanarayana and expert member Afroz Ahmad directed the Chief Secretary to intervene immediately and ensure sanction of the proposed funds, at least in installments, to avoid further delay in the dredging work. “We direct the authorities to ensure that once the work is commenced, it should be carried out seamlessly,” the order added.
The bench also observed that in the earlier order, it was recorded that the work would commence upon the sanction of funds. However, even after the lapse of three weeks, it is now reported that the funds have not been sanctioned, resulting in further delay.
Earlier, in its report, the Wetland Authority informed the Tribunal that, based on an earlier order of the Tribunal, the chief secretary has directed the chief engineer of the WRD to immediately commence the dredging works to remove the mussels in Kattupalli, Puzhuthivakkam, and Athipattu in consultation with the TNSWA.
Following the direction, the WRD prepared a proposal for Rs 90 crore for dredging work and forwarded it to the department secretary. The Authority has followed up on the proposal for allocation of funds required for dredging work, and a letter has been sent to the WRD secretary dated August 7. However, the WRD reply is awaited, the Authority said.
“It is pertinent to clarify that as the WRD is the competent department concerning the Ennore Creek, the said funding proposal was prepared by the WRD, and not by the Tamil Nadu State Wetland Authority,” it added.
The report also stated that the Department of Fisheries and Fishermen Welfare has not come forward to coordinate with the Water Resources Department for carrying out the dredging work.
