7 June 2010
P.V. Srividya
The Hindu
NAGAPATTINAM: The minutes of the Coastal Regulatory Zone meeting convened on April 29, to discuss the Rs.7,200 crore project proposed by M/s Chettinadu Power Corporation Private Limited reveal that the Fisheries and the Forest Department does not endorse the Environment Impact Assessment report of the Company. According to the minutes, the proposal for five thermal plants along a 15 km coast would affect one lakh fisherfolk impacting upon the temperature and the salinity of the sea. Each thermal plant with their captive jetties and the movement of ships would affect the fisherfolk here. Individual companies with individual EIAs would not reveal the combined impact of all the proposed power plants, when put into operation, the minute states.
Migration of Olive Ridleys
The Forest Department has given its objection for the project on grounds that the discharge of hot water would affect migration of Olive Ridleys that nests here during October to March.
Further, the Forest Department has sought a study on the impact of intake of sea water and discharge of hot water into the sea from an existing thermal plant to ascertain the impact on the marine life. Further, the Point Calimere, Wild Life Sanctuary and Wet Lands that support four lakh birds was located 60 kms away and the collective discharge of hot water into the sea by all the proposed power plants would impact on the oceanic current movement affecting Coastal point Calimere, says the minutes of CRZ. According to the minutes, Tranquebar Danish Fort located within 2 kms from the proposed site was not mentioned in the Marine EIA Report.
The monument is protected under the Archaeological and Protection of Monuments Act 1958, and requires an NOC from the Department of Archeology.
The pertinent observation of the minutes has been that “the combined effect of all the power pants on the marine biodiversity has to be carried out by reputed institutions like Anna University, IIT, NIOT or similar institutions”.