The stage is set for construction of Muthamizh Arignar Dr Kalaignar Pen monument in Bay of Bengal off the coast of Marina Beach by the Public Works Department after Union Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change has accorded Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearance subject to compliance of 15 conditions, including no objection certificate from INS Adyar.
Ther clearance also comes in the wake of the government planning year-long celebrations to mark the 100th birth anniversary of Karunanidhi, who was born on June 3, 1924. The state government is building the Pen Monument to commemorate the contribution to Eyal, Esai, Nadagam done by Muthamizh Arignar Kalaignar Dr M Karunanidhi to Tamil literature. Pen symbolizes his greatest talent and prowess through which he ruled Tamil hearts and grew up to be a mass leader.
Since the proposed monument would be located some 360 metres into the Bay of Bengal from the Marina beach coast, the State government sought permission under Section 4 (ii)(j) of the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) notification amended in March 22, 2016.
The Centre has written letter to the Public Works department on June 19 highlighting that the CRZ clearance was provided based on the recommendations of the Expert Appraisal Committee (CRZ) which cleared the project on April 17, 2023 and Tamil Nadu Coastal Zone Management Authority on April 6, 2023.
The Tamil Nadu State Coastal Zone Management Authority (TNSCZMA) has recommended the project to construct the proposed ‘Pen’ monument after laying down 17 conditions for the project. Official sources confirmed that the clearance has been given by the Environment ministry.
Of the 15 specific conditions put forth by the Union Environment Ministry, one pertains to the ban on construction activity from January 1 to April 30, considered to be the turtle nesting season. Though this issue was raised during the public hearing, the environment ministry was informed that accredited experts and researchers conducted studies and based on their recommendations the state would take all necessary steps to minimise the impact on ecology.
Another condition pertains to submitting reports pertaining to erosion and accretion. This comes after studies and a report of National Centre for Coastal Research states that the project coastal region is on low accretion zone.
The state has been asked to set up an expert monitoring committee to ensure conditions stipulated by TNSCZMA for CRZ clearance are complied. The CRZ clearance is also subject to final order from National Green Tribunal (south Zone ) and other cases if any.
Besides the specific conditions, the Union environment ministry has also highlighted that the clearance is subject to the final order of the Supreme Court pertaining to Goa Foundation versus Union of India as may be applicable to the project.
No comments:
Post a Comment