Ennore port expansion gets green nod

Ennore port expansion gets green nod

News:

1. An expert appraisal committee (EAC) of the Union Ministry of Environment and Forest has recommended granting of Environmental Clearance and CRZ clearance for the Phase-III expansion of the Kamarajar Port Ltd (KPL) in Ennore.

Important facts:

2. The expansion proposals of KPL include an automobile export/ import terminal, container terminal, bulk terminal, multi cargo berth and marine liquid terminal

3. As per the latest map, no development zone shall be maintained 100 m on either side of the Kosasthalaiyar river , noted by EAC while recommending the project for clearance.

4. The clearance is based on the latest draft Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP).

5. However, the EAC’s clearance is subject to the final outcome of cases filed against the expansion at the National Green Tribunal.

6. As per the CRZ notification, 2011, all proposals have to be evaluated as per the approved Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP).

7. As per the original map, this is an inter-tidal zone and as per the 2011 notification, no development activities can happen in this zone

8. Criticisms:

• Environment activists argued that a project cannot be recommended for clearance based on a’ wrong map’ that has not been notified by the Ministry
• They termed it illegal as the writ petition against the draft CZMP was pending in the Madras High Court.