Home / Environment / NGT Orders Clean-up of Chennai's 'Garbage Islands'
NGT Orders Clean-up of Chennai's 'Garbage Islands'
16 May
Summary
- NGT forms joint committee for beach garbage removal.
- Thermocol and waste from rivers are primary concerns.
- Fishing ban period to be used for harbor cleanup efforts.
The southern bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has mandated the creation of a joint committee to address the issue of 'garbage islands' along Chennai's east coast beaches, stretching from Kasimedu to Ennore. This committee will include representatives from the Greater Chennai Corporation and the state fisheries department.
The primary concern is the accumulation of waste, notably thermocol, which is being disposed of along the Adyar and Cooum rivers and subsequently washes into the sea. The NGT noted that previous suggestions included installing booms and skimmers to collect such floating debris.
Recognizing the ongoing fishing ban, the NGT suggested utilizing this period to clean fishing harbors. Although a portion of the ban has passed, significant time remains for authorities to act on this pressing issue, which has become an eyesore and a health hazard.
The tribunal directed the formation of a joint committee, to be headed by the GCC commissioner, to involve fishermen in cleaning the harbor during the ban period. Other members will include the director of the fisheries and fishermen welfare department, the chairperson of the Chennai Port Trust authority, and the manager of the Kasimedu Fishing Harbour.
