MoEF Press Release of 15-07-10
It is surprising that MoEF Press Release of 15 th July, asking Regional Chief Conservator of Forests from Bangalore to carry out inspection of the power project site of NCC at Sompeta to ascertain the factual position, does not refer to NEAA Order of 14 th July quashing Environmental Clearance granted to the power project of NCC, which is of vital importance.
The Press Release emphasizes the fact that the EAC also got it confirmed that the project site is Non-CRZ` area. The main point in question is, whether the project site is within wetlands or not, on which the press release is conveniently silent, and not about CRZ.
NEAA Inspection
The National Environmentl Appelate Authority (NEAA) after inspection of the project site along with expert on wetlands, Dr.S.Kaul, Director, MoEF and the local Revenue Divisional Officer accompanied by his Surveyor, finds that Govt. land to an extent of 972.69 acres allotted to the power project of NCC, is a typical Wetland of great ecological importance and the Authority stated that they had no doubts with regard to this.
It was also stated by NEAA that the reports of various agencies, including that of Sub-Committee of Expert Apprisal Committee (EAC) were found misleading and EAC was also carried away by these reports and reversed its decision of 32 nd meeting held on 13-14, October 2008.
NEAA Order of 14-07-2010
The NEAA in its Order of 14 th July in appeal No.1 of 2010, categorically pronounced its view, that Environmental Clearance (EC) accorded by MoEF, based on wrong information, is bad and accordingly quashed the EC granted to Power Plant of NCC by MoEF Order dated 9 th December 2009 .
The NEAA also directed that MoEF should undertake survey of all wetlands in Srikakulam district for their Ecological Sensitiveness, as soon as possible, and pending this no project should be cleared in such locations.
Apprehensions
While the reports of various agencies, including that of sub-committee of EAC, were found to be misleading and the E C granted by MoEF to power project of NCC was quashed by NEAA, what is the purpose of the inspection of the NCC Project site by RCCF Bangalore at this stage?
While the reports of various agencies, including that of sub-committee of EAC, were found to be misleading and the E C granted by MoEF to power project of NCC was quashed by NEAA, what is the purpose of the inspection of the NCC Project site by RCCF Bangalore at this stage?
The proposed inspection of NCC Power Project site and a reappraisal by the EAC, is apprehend to be nothing but an attempt to reopen the issue already adjudicated by the NEAA, going against the very spirit of the quasi-judicial nature of the proceedings before the NEAA. The question of another appraisal by EAC therefore should not arise at all.
Appeal.
It is requested that survey of all Wetlands in Srikakulam district for their Ecological Sensitiveness, as directed by NEAA, be undertaken by MoEF at the earliest within a given time frame by involving local communities, concerned citizens and organizations.
It is requested that survey of all Wetlands in Srikakulam district for their Ecological Sensitiveness, as directed by NEAA, be undertaken by MoEF at the earliest within a given time frame by involving local communities, concerned citizens and organizations.
It is also requested that the Environmental Clearances granted, ignoring public opposition, for Power Projects at Bhavanapadu and Meghavaram, which are an integral part of ecologically sensitive Naupada Wetland system, be suspended and the projects proponents be directed not to go ahead with the implementation of the projects, untill the proposed survey of the Wetlands in Srikakulam district is completed and further orders on the subject, based on the outcome of the survey, are issued
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Sir,
ReplyDeleteAmayam island in kololambu, Edappal panchayath, Malappuram district, Kerala state, India which have rich in biodiversity (40 acres) and kol wet land around the island is also rich in its rare biodiversity. This kol wet land is a part of vembanad kayal (13,632 hectors) and declared as RAMSAR SITE category” A”( no 1214) in 2002. There is fresh water “backwaters”(KOL LAND) are around the island.Edapal gramma panchayath permitted to start an APPAREL PARK under KINFRA in this island . We are afraid of losing the ecological balance of nature. This kol wet land has an important place in biodiversity register of India as “RAMSAR SITES” and it also in world biodiversity map. Most of us are paddy farmers depending back water for cultivation. The chemical using in this industry will pollute our land, water and air. The waste water will contaminate our water resources.(in monsoon season this kol wet land is our water reservoirs) The daily need of water for the above industry is five lakh liters (500000 liters) per day as per news paper reports. This type of water abuse will dry up our water resources very quickly. Transporting facility to this site can be done only by filling kol land for about 1.5 kilometers. We need help from all sides to save nature and for safe living. This island is a shelter for many type of migrating and regional birds. We people expect your kind consideration to take necessary action to withdraw this project from this site.
Dear Rahul,
ReplyDeletePlease try and bring this matter to the notice of Kerala State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB)and send a copy of the representation made to KSPCB for followup at my end.
J.Rama Rao