Green Tribunal stays dirt track construction

CHENNAI: The National Green Tribunal has passed an interim order directing the Department of Environment and PWD to stop dumping construction debris across the Adyar Creek to build a dirt track to connect Srinivasapuram and MRC Nagar. “In view of the allegations made prima facie we are of the opinion that construction of such a road is detrimental to the marine ecology,” the tribunal, comprising Prof R Nagendran, expert member, and Justice C V Ramulu, judicial member, held. It directed them to “not allow dumping of construction debris in the disputed area for constructing the road until further orders”. The Tribunal passed the orders in a case filed by K Saravanan, an environmentalist and a fisherman from Urur Kuppam. The matter has been posted for April 25. It also observed that three respondents - the Environment Secretary, the Chairperson of the State Coastal Zone Management Authority and the Secretary of PWD - had failed to file any representation.