Why Did TN Coastal Authority Fine NHAI for Dumping in Odiyur Lagoon?

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Why Did TN Coastal Authority Fine NHAI for Dumping in Odiyur Lagoon?

Synopsis

The Tamil Nadu State Coastal Zone Management Authority has taken a significant step by fining the NHAI for environmental violations in the construction of a bridge. This decision not only emphasizes the importance of adhering to Coastal Regulation Zone norms but also highlights the ongoing ecological concerns associated with infrastructure projects.

Key Takeaways

  • TNSCZMA imposes a fine on NHAI for environmental violations.
  • Excavated materials were dumped into Odiyur Lagoon.
  • Actions taken after a petition from Palluyir Trust.
  • CRZ compliance is critical for ecological preservation.
  • Judicial review is ongoing regarding this case.

Chennai, May 25 (NationPress) The Tamil Nadu State Coastal Zone Management Authority (TNSCZMA) has levied an environmental penalty of Rs 9.60 lakh on the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) for breaching Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) regulations during the bridge construction as part of the East Coast Road (ECR) expansion project.

This fine was imposed due to the ongoing disposal of excavated materials into the ecologically sensitive Odiyur Lagoon in the Chengalpattu district. This decision was made during a recent meeting of the Authority, referencing the CRZ Notification, 2011, and the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

The move came after a petition by the Palluyir Trust for Nature Education and Research, which brought attention to the infractions occurring during the bridge's construction.

Following this complaint, the Authority instructed the District Collector of Chengalpattu to perform an on-site assessment to confirm if the alleged dumping was indeed happening within the CRZ zone and to take appropriate action.

The report from the District Collector validated that NHAI was dumping construction waste into Odiyur Lagoon, which was a clear violation of the CRZ clearance stipulations.

As per the original CRZ clearance granted to NHAI in October 2020, one of the primary conditions was to refrain from dumping excavated materials in water bodies or their vicinities.

Furthermore, the site was required to be restored to its near-original state upon the completion of the bridge construction. The Authority noted that NHAI had not adhered to these requirements.

Consequently, the TNSCZMA reported the violation to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), which instructed the state authority to take action against the project proponent.

The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) calculated the environmental compensation based on the duration and impact of the violation, employing a formula developed by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

The Authority approved the computed compensation and directed the Member Secretary of TNSCZMA to initiate punitive measures against NHAI under applicable environmental laws.

It's important to note that this bridge construction is part of the Chennai-Puducherry expansion of the ECR under Phase 1 of the Bharatmala Pariyojana project.

The project entails the realignment of the existing two-lane 240-meter bridge over Odiyur Lake, linking Paramankeni and Mudaliarkuppam villages in Cheyyur taluk. To enhance road geometry and achieve a design speed of 100 km/hr, NHAI proposed a new 490-meter bridge with an improved approach curve.

Meanwhile, this issue is also under judicial review, with the southern bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) examining a related case concerning the debris dumping into Odiyur Lagoon.

Point of View

We must align with the nation's commitment to environmental preservation. The TNSCZMA's decisive action against the NHAI for CRZ violations represents a critical stance towards protecting our sensitive ecosystems. This incident serves as a reminder of our responsibility to uphold environmental standards in pursuit of development.
NationPress
27/07/2025

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the reason for the fine imposed on NHAI?
The fine was imposed due to the continuous dumping of excavated materials into the ecologically sensitive Odiyur Lagoon, violating Coastal Regulation Zone norms.
What was the amount of the penalty?
The Tamil Nadu State Coastal Zone Management Authority imposed an environmental compensation of Rs 9.60 lakh on NHAI.
Who filed the petition that led to this action?
The petition was filed by Palluyir Trust for Nature Education and Research, which highlighted the violations during the bridge construction.
What are the implications of this violation?
The violation signifies a breach of environmental regulations, which could lead to more stringent oversight and potential penalties for future infractions.
Is this issue under judicial review?
Yes, the matter is currently under judicial scrutiny, with the National Green Tribunal examining a related case.