The Chennai Corporation has submitted before the National Green Tribunal a series of measures, including installation of closed-circuit camera, it has initiated to curb dumping of debris on the Marina.
Satisfied with the submissions, the southern bench comprising of Judicial Member Justice M Chockalingam and Expert Member Professor R Nagendran closed a petition filed by K Saravanan, a resident of Urur Kuppam, against such dumping of debris on the beaches and hoped the measures adopted would be implemented properly.
When the hearing of the case, which had been pending before the bench for over 15 months, came up on Wednesday, a report detailing the actions initiated to stop the dumping activities was filed by the Chennai Corporation.
According to the report, all along the edge of the road on the beach where the dumping takes place, a 400 metre long trench has been dug to prevent entry of vehicles. Casuarina poles have also been erected along the stretch to stop the movement of unauthorised vehicle onto the beach.
The report said a closed-circuit camera has now been installed for continuous recording of activities on the beach. This would act as a deterrent to wrong-doers.
While the police have been asked to provide an outpost and mobile patrolling in the area, a security guard arrangement has been made by the Corporation for 24-hour watch. The guard has in fact been provided a cabin.
The Corporation pointed out four warning boards have been erected to caution the public against unauthorised waste dumping. Also, boulders to be brought from Vellore would be placed along the beach in such a way that it would prevent heavy vehicles from entering the sands. The boulders were being sourced through the Tamil Nadu Minerals Limited and would be in place by October 5.
Recording the submissions the bench noted that sufficient measures had been initiated. Calling the petitioner a “public-spirited person”, the tribunal also conveyed its appreciation to Saravanan, who had continuously followed up the case for over 15 months since it was filed in New Delhi.