The National Green Tribunal, Southern Bench, on Wednesday closed an application demanding effective measures to prevent the dumping of debris on the beach near the Adyar Estuary in Srinivasapuram, after the Chennai Corporation spelt out the preventive measures it has put in place.
Disposing of the application, the Bench said, “A perusal of the report of the preventive measures and also the photographs are clearly indicative of the fact that sufficient preventive measures have been taken.”
The Tribunal also made it clear that the dumping of debris should not reoccur. The Bench expressed hope that “the measures that have been taken as found in the report will continue to be in place and serve the purpose for which they have been taken.”
At its last hearing, the Tribunal had warned of serious action against officials if no constructive action was taken within a week.
Corporation Commissioner Vikram Kapur detailed the measures in a counter-affidavit before the Bench, comprising its judicial member Justice M. Chockalingam and expert member R. Nagendran. The Bench was hearing an application filed by K. Saravanan, a city resident, against the construction of an illegal road by dumping of construction debris on the eco-sensitive Srinivasapuram beach near the Adyar Estuary.
The applicant also sought a direction for the removal of debris and other solid waste dumped on Marina beach to restore the area to its original condition within a specified timeframe.
The Tribunal had, last February, granted an interim injunction against such dumping of solid waste and construction debris in the beach area.
In his reply, Mr. Kapur said that all along the edge of the road, a 400-metre-long trench had been dug to prevent the entry of vehicles. Casuarina poles had also been erected at eight-foot intervals. This barricade would prevent temporary unauthorised movement into the beach area.
“A closed circuit camera has been installed to record the activities on the beach and it will act as a deterrent to wrong-doers. A security guard will be there 24 X 7 and a cabin has been provided for him,” Mr. Kapur added.
The police have been addressed to provide an outpost and a mobile patrol team in the area. Four boards to caution the public against unauthorised waste dumping have also been installed at prominent locations on the beach.
The Corporation has also requested TN Minerals Ltd to supply boulders from its quarry in Vellore district. The Commissioner said, “Once the boulders are received, they will be placed along the edge of the beach to prevent heavy vehicles from entering the sandy area to dump debris, without affecting the movement of the beach-goers/public. The zonal office XIII staff will keep a constant vigil in the beach area to preserve its pristine status.”
