CHENNAI: The southern bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Wednesday issued a notice to Hare Krishna Movement for allegedly encroaching seashore land to put up a huge construction in violation of Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) rules.
This followed an additional affidavit filed by an applicant and social activist Jawaharlal Shanmugam pertaining to illegal constructions in CRZ areas between Adyar and Mahabalipuram.
Recently, Express carried a detailed report on Hare Krishna Movement and other influential builders that they are allegedly constructing permanent structures concretising the Tiruvanmiyur sea front, which is endangered Olive Ridley Turtle’s nesting ground. Movement’s counsel Uma Maheshwari, took notice and impleaded the organisation in the case. She maintained that the organisation had obtained all statutory clearances. The tribunal directed the counsel to submit all relevant documents.
Meanwhile, the applicant also raised an objection to under-construction upscale luxury apartment Marina Bay promoted by Casa Grande lying in the close proximity to Tiruvanmiyur-Tiruvalluvar Nagar beach front. He alleged that the width of the shore is reduced to hardly 100-125 metres and this could pose a serious danger during cyclonic storms and Tsunami. The tribunal noted that the respondents are free to implead themselves.
Also, the bench, comprising Justice P Jyothimani and expert member PS Rao, expressed disappointment over inaction by the State government and Chennai River Restoration Trust regarding an illegal road laid on the Muttukadu lagoon and the illegal bungalows built on the Muttukadu shore.
In August last year, NGT, based on an Express report, directed the government to remove the road, which was providing direct access to the bungalows. The tribunal has warned of summoning senior officials in case of no reply.