The Tamil Nadu government’s proposal to convert overhead electricity distribution lines into underground cables in Nagapattinam district has been cleared by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
The proposal predates Cyclone Gaja, and was conceived in 2017, after a few storms wreaked havoc along the coast, officials said.
The proposed project, estimated to cost ₹186 crore, entails the conversion of overhead power lines to underground lines in Nagapattinam district under the Coastal Disaster Risk Reduction Project (CDRRP), with World Bank assistance.
The project aims to reduce vulnerability of coastal communities to a range of natural hazards like cyclones, storm surges, floods and tsunamis, the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) of the MoEF noted during its meeting to consider the project.
Areas covered
“The total length of proposed cable to be laid will be about 211.38 km. Out of the total length, about 28.2 km of cable laying falls in CRZ II and 15.24 km in CRZ III,” the EAC noted.
The conversion of the lines cover Nagapattinam town, Nagore, ThoniThurai, Vellipalayam, Velipalayam Water Works and Velankanni town. Around 570 workers will be employed for implementing the project that is expected to be completed in 21 months.
Based on the recommendations of the EAC, the MoEF granted Coastal Regulation Zone clearance for the project and imposed certain specific and general conditions for implementing the project.
“Cables should be laid along the side of the road and alongside the bridge while crossing the river. There shall be no dressing or alteration of the sand dunes, natural features including landscape changes for beautification, recreation and other such purpose,” the MoEF said in its letter granting the clearance.
A senior official of Tangedco said the proposal was first mooted in 2017, for which sanction had been accorded only now. The underground power cable system is to serve consumers in the coastal areas of Nagapattinam Taluk, while the overhead cable system will remain in place in interior areas.
