CHENNAI: No sand mining or transportation activities were observed at Cooum River mouth, according to an inspection report submitted by a National Green Tribunal (NGT) joint-committee.
The panel, which was constituted by the NGT to study illegal sand mining near Napier Bridge, said that only maintenance work was taken up by the PWD to prevent flooding and it did not cause any ecological damage.
The committee, which had representatives from the Union environment ministry, TN Coastal Zone Management Authority, PWD, the city police and the collector, had inspected the estuary in October 2021 and January. During their site visit, the committee members noticed that vehicles such as JCB excavators were deployed for removing accumulated sand bars — a common occurrence during every monsoon season —to regularise tidal flow conditions.
Even though the committee observed that no clearance for dredging had been taken from the authorities concerned, it did not suggest any action against this.
However, it has recommended action against vehicles, which are parked unnecessarily in this area, and directed police to maintain the record of all vehicles entering the eco-sensitive zone (Coastal Regulatory Zone-IA) through Anna Square bus stand.
Police on its behalf told the tribunal that they already have installed CCTV surveillance cameras and sought more support from the collector regarding this.
An eight-member police team has been posted at the spot to keep a vigil round the clock to prevent illegal activities, said the joint commissioner of GCP (East Zone).
The tribunal posted the next hearing of the case on January 31.
