The National Green Tribunal (NGT), on Friday, stayed the work initiated to widen and upgrade Marina Loop Road after a petitioner alleged violations of coastal regulation zone (CRZ) rules.
The Rs. 47-crore project, aimed at easing traffic flow, had raked up a controversy with members of fishing communities along the Marina agitating against it.
Last week, they blocked traffic on the road and called the entire project a threat to their livelihood.
This followed the Chennai Corporation pasting eviction notices on many fishermen’s houses, warning the alleged encroachers of legal action if they do not vacate by March 27.
In his petition, S. Venkatesh, a resident of T. Nagar, alleged the project had encroached into the seashore as the Corporation had levelled about 2.5 metres on the seaward side of an existing road all along the Marina (between Lighthouse and Foreshore Estate). It had also begun laying a road on this stretch.
“The area where the road is being laid is within 35 meters of the sea and much closer to the High Tide Line. I am advised to submit that the present coastline ought to be classified as CRZ-I since it is a turtle nesting area,” the petition said.
Even otherwise, he charged, the project was a clear violation of CRZ-II under which such activities are permitted only on the landward side of an existing road.
Countering his claims, R. Gokul, counsel appearing for the Corporation, said only encroachments were being removed for the project and no new area had been levelled.
However, admitting the petition, the Southern Bench of NGT issued an interim stay on the work till the next hearing on March 24.
It also ordered notice to the Corporation seeking a reply by the next hearing.
