The southern bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has ordered the formation of a joint committee comprising the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) and the state fisheries department to remove 'garbage islands' from the east coast beaches stretching from Kasimedu to Ennore.
Concerns Over Thermocol and Solid Waste
The bench, consisting of Justice Pushpa Sathyanarayana and expert member Prashant Gargava, expressed serious concern over the accumulation of thermocol and other waste disposed of at various points along the Adyar and Cooum rivers. To address this issue, the tribunal had earlier suggested the installation of booms or skimmers to collect floating thermocol and other solid waste from packaging sources.
The interim order was passed in response to a suo motu plea initiated based on a newspaper report highlighting the problem. While the petition was pending, another report on April 24 revealed that stagnation of waste had again created a garbage island, posing risks to both human health and marine organisms.
Utilizing the Annual Fishing Ban for Cleanup
The tribunal noted that the annual fishing ban is currently in force. Although the ban aims to improve fishing stock, the bench emphasized that the period can be effectively used for cleaning the fishing harbour and removing debris that accumulates while fishermen maintain their boats. With over 45 days remaining in the 60-day ban period, the authorities have ample time to take action.
The bench described the garbage islands as a primary concern and an eyesore, urging immediate cleanup efforts.
Formation of Joint Committee
The NGT directed the constitution of a joint committee headed by the GCC commissioner. The committee includes the director of fisheries and fishermen welfare department, the chairperson of Chennai Port Trust authority, and the manager of Kasimedu Fishing Harbour. The committee is tasked with utilizing the ban period to clean the fishing harbour, involving fishermen in the process.
