CHENNAI: ACCUSING the Union Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) of practising double standards, the Rajakkamangalam Thurai Fishing Harbour Private Limited, whose Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearance was cancelled, has said the ministry had given clearance to a similar port just 5 km away from the disputed site.
The green ministry, which had initially granted CRZ clearance for a proposed port in Rajakkamangalam Thurai in Kanniyakumari district, had to cancel it owing to the presence of sand dunes and instances of marine turtles using the proposed area for nesting.
Arguing before the southern bench of National Green Tribunal (NGT) comprising Justice MS Nambiar and expert member PS Rao, the firm said in 2008 environment clearance was granted for a fishing harbour promoted by Jeppiar Fishing Harbour Muttom Private Limited, 5 km away from its proposed site.
Clearance to Jeppiaar Fishing Habour was based on the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) approved by State Level Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA), Tamil Nadu. According to the document, a copy of which is available with Express, no ecologically sensitive area exists within 10 km periphery of the project site, which meant Rajakkamangalam Thurai fishing harbour also doesn’t fall under the eco-sensitive zone, the counsel argued.