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Mullaperiyar: T.N. moves SC against parking project
Context:
- The southern bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) gave green signal to Kerala’s proposal of a mega car parking project in the water spread area of the Mullaperiyar dam.
- But the Tamil Nadu government raised a strong opposition against the decision.
What is the project?
- The various construction projects includes parking for the tourist vehicles and construction of reception blocks, cafeteria, sewage treatment plant, eco-shops complex, toilets, dining block, office block, road work, and road work for battery operated vehicle, developing different thematic arboretums, landscaping, etc.
- Purpose of the project: project is intended for tourism and commercial activities.
What are the reasons for the Tamil Nadu government to oppose the project?
- The construction and the water spread area of the dam falls within the leased area of the Tamil Nadu government.
- The construction would environmentally affect the catchment area; the water spread area of the dam and consequently the waters of the reservoir.
- The waters of the reservoir are used for drinking and irrigation purposes by the people of five districts of Tamil Nadu.
What are clarifications put forward by NGT?
- The Tribunal clarified that no clearance is required to be taken by Kerala under the Forest Conservation Act, 1980.
- It holds that such activities do not amount to diversion of forest land and utilisation of forest land for non-forest purpose attracting the provisions of the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980.
Mullaperiyar Dam:
- The Mullaperiyar Dam or Mullaiperiyar Dam is a masonry gravity dam on the Periyar River in the Indian state of Kerala.
- It is located 881 m (2,890 ft) above mean sea level, on the Cardamom Hills of the Western Ghats in Thekkady, Idukki District of Kerala, South India.