NGT Orders Mangaluru Smart City to Strictly Adhere to Coastal Regulations
In a significant environmental ruling, the National Green Tribunal (NGT), Southern Zone in Chennai, has directed Mangaluru Smart City Limited (MSCL) to strictly comply with the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification of 2011. This directive comes in response to a petition filed by the National Environment Care Federation (NECF), highlighting concerns over a cycle track project along the river in Bolar.
Environmental Activist Raises Alarm Over Illegal Project
Shashidhar Shetty, secretary of the NECF, addressed reporters in Mangaluru on Tuesday, detailing the federation's legal challenge. He asserted that the cycle track and walking path project undertaken by MSCL is illegal and violates coastal protection norms. Shetty demanded that all work completed so far be cleared in accordance with the NGT's orders, emphasizing the need for immediate corrective action.
The NGT's order, issued on March 24, explicitly mandates that MSCL adhere not only to the CRZ Notification but also to all conditions set forth in the CRZ clearance and other applicable statutory provisions. Justice Pushpa Sathyanarayana, the judicial member, noted in the judgment that the project is under scrutiny from both the tribunal and environmental activists. "It would therefore be appropriate for the project proponent to strictly comply with the applicable rules, regulations and imposed conditions to ensure the seamless execution of the project," Shetty quoted from the ruling.
Long-Standing Advocacy for Environmental Protection
Shetty highlighted that the NECF has been engaged in legal battles to safeguard land and water resources for the past 25 years. In light of the NGT's directive, he issued a stern warning to MSCL: "We demand that the MSCL should stop unauthorised works and all illegal structures developed by them should be destroyed." Additionally, he called for an action taken report on the NGT's order to be submitted to the NECF within 15 days.
If MSCL fails to comply with the tribunal's directions, Shetty indicated that the federation will have no choice but to appeal to the NGT again. This move underscores the ongoing tension between development projects and environmental conservation efforts in coastal regions.
The case highlights the critical role of judicial oversight in enforcing environmental laws, particularly in sensitive areas like Mangaluru's riverbanks. As smart city initiatives expand, adherence to regulations such as the CRZ Notification becomes paramount to prevent ecological damage and ensure sustainable urban development.
