Survey TN, Pondy coast line for illegal shrimp hatcheries: NGT to CAA

CHENNAI: In connection with illegal shrimp hatcheries polluting the environment and operating without the clearance of Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ), the Southern Bench of National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed Coastal Aquaculture Authority (CAA) to survey all hatcheries along the coastline of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. Hatcheries operating within prohibited limits have been directed to be removed.

The Bench comprising Justice Pushpa Sathyanarayana and expert member Satyagopal Korlapati took suo motu and appointed a joint committee to inspect the violation by hatcheries.

Additionally, the committee was also directed to ascertain the number of illegal shrimp hatcheries functioning without proper permission and impacting the soil and water.

Taking note of the report submitted by the joint committee and taking into account the facts, the Tribunal urged CAA to ensure compliance of CRZ notification, 2011, CAA Act, 2005, the Air (Prevention of control of pollution) Act 1981 and the Water (Prevention of control of pollution) Act 1974 are applicable in the area.

Additionally, all hatcheries had been directed to obtain clearance from Coastal Zone Management Authority (CZMA), apart from obtaining registration under the CAA Act, 2005.

The hatcheries operating within the prohibited zone should be removed by CAA and also impose necessary environmental compensation, directed the bench.

Subsequently, an already appointed monitoring committee will continue to monitor the coastal aqua cultural activities operating in violations across TN.

Further, the Tribunal also stated that if the aqua cultural activities are not coming under the purview of State Pollution Control Board (SPCB), steps may be taken to issue appropriate guidelines or directions to regulate these hatcheries and bring them under the purview of Air and Water (Prevention of control of pollution) Act 1981 and 1974 respectively.