File report on Kumari CRZ violation, NGT directs TNPCB

Justice K Ramakrishnan, Judicial Member and Saibal Dasgupta, Expert Member, made the observation while hearing a plea to grant permanent injunction from establishing the plant.

R Kalistas, a fisherman by profession, had approached the tribunal, alleging that the land where the proposed plant is to be established is in the middle of the village and the area is falling within CRZ – II where such activities are not permitted and granted. He further alleged that religious institutions have also raised objections but the panchayat is adamant on proceeding with the establishment of the said unit.

Countering this, the TNSPCB said that the town panchayat has established and commissioned the compost yard on August 2017 and it was only for Municipal Solid Waste generated in Kollencode town panchayat. The TNSPCB said that the area was inspected and the unit was being carried out properly in a scientific manner.

The TNSPCB submitted that on the instruction of District Environment Engineer, Nagercoil, the unit was inspected on January 22, 2020, and it was found that it is within the CRZ II zone and functioning without getting clearance from the Coastal Zone Management Authority. Counsel for the TNSPCB said that the unit cannot function and wants to file status and action taken report in the regard.

They also mentioned that the unit was generating less than five metric tonne per day and for such micro composing unit need no authorisation under 2016 rules.

Recording the submissions, the bench posts the matter for hearing and submission of a report on February 25.