Unlocking the Truth: Expert Report Declares Tuna Harbour Safe and Viable – The Times of India

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Unlocking the Truth: Expert Report Declares Tuna Harbour Safe and Viable – The Times of India

The new tuna fishing harbor in Thiruvottiyur, estimated to cost ₹275 crore, has received the green light from the Centre of Advanced Study in Marine Biology. This approval came after an expert review confirmed that the harbor’s construction and operation would have minimal effects on marine life.

Concerns about potential ecological harm were raised by local fishermen, prompting an assessment mandated by the National Green Tribunal (NGT). The study, conducted by Annamalai University’s research center with input from the Tamil Nadu Biodiversity Board, looked at various marine ecosystems, including seagrasses, seaweeds, fish, and turtles.

The Tamil Nadu fisheries department, through executive engineer K. Saravanakumar, presented a detailed environmental impact report to the NGT. To further evaluate pollution risks, Indomer Coastal Hydraulics was consulted to analyze possible fuel spills from construction activities and from fishing boats.

The State Environmental Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) reviewed these findings and granted an amendment to the project’s environmental clearance on September 30, 2024. However, work was halted earlier in April due to violations involving untreated sewage discharge into the sea. After an NGT direction, a review led to project clearance being reinstated in June, with strict conditions implemented. These conditions included bans on fish processing and strict measures for sewage treatment.

After receiving fresh clearance in September, work resumed. The fisheries department is currently seeking permission to operate while also proposing to allocate 2% of the project cost for improvements to nearby government schools.

The fisheries department asserts that they have complied with all regulatory requirements. They have urged the NGT to dismiss a petition that seeks to ban the project, noting that delays could significantly increase costs and impact community benefits. The latest court hearing saw the petitioner request additional time to respond, leading to an adjournment until March 24.



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