TN Forest Dept to take up mitigation measures in Gulf of MannarMarine National Park

Permission has been granted for the establishment of two thermal power plants about six km away; the Forest Dept intends to collect data on marina flora and fauna as a first step

The Tamil Nadu Forest Department will take up mitigation measures and put up a strict monitoring regime to negate any impact on corals, and the marine eco-system, in the Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park, by the proposed thermal power plants.

The Coastal Regulation Zone clearance for the development for the proposed 2 X 500 MW Thermal Power Plants was granted by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change. The wildlife clearance for the plants was issued by the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL), but with conditions. The NBWL Standing Committee decided to recommend the proposal in view of the distance of more than 6 km of the project from the Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park. However, laying down conditions while granting the Environmental Clearance, the Committee said the cost of the mitigation measures would have to be borne by the Neyveli Lignite Corporation (NLC), the project proponent.