Home / Environment / NGT Reopens Quarry Near Blackbuck Habitat
NGT Reopens Quarry Near Blackbuck Habitat
6 Mar
Summary
- NGT directs reconsideration of quarry rejection near blackbuck sanctuary.
- Blackbucks are timid animals, sensitive to human disturbance.
- Quarry site is 1.92 km from sanctuary, outside its Eco-Sensitive Zone.
The Southern Bench of the National Green Tribunal has mandated the Tamil Nadu State Environmental Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) to re-evaluate its decision to reject a proposed rough stone and gravel quarry. This quarry is situated near the Vallanadu Blackbuck Sanctuary in Thoothukudi district.
The tribunal's directive came after an appeal, quashing the April 11, 2023 rejection order. The SEIAA must now reconsider the application within six weeks, ensuring the project proponent receives a personal hearing and appropriate safeguards are established.
The proposed quarry site spans 6.02.5 hectares in Padmanabamangalam village, located approximately 1.92 km from the sanctuary and outside its Eco-Sensitive Zone. Concerns were raised by the State Expert Appraisal Committee regarding blackbucks grazing outside the sanctuary.
However, the NGT noted that the rejection was based solely on potential disturbance to the 'timid and shy' blackbucks. The tribunal suggested imposing suitable conditions for animal protection instead of an outright refusal, as mitigation measures had not been fully examined.
