Notice to Adani Port and SEZ, GMB on alleged damage to ecology

The show cause notice issued to Adani Port and SEZ and Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB) at Mundra for alleged damage to ecology and mangroves has been disposed of with directions that they examine possible violations of specific condition of all the environmental and Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearances, the government said today.
Environment Minister Anil Madhav Dave said APSEZ and GMB were issued show cause by the government in September 2013 while keeping environmental clearance in abeyance pending decision on the show cause notice.
Dave, in a written reply in Rajya Sabha, said with regard to the responses from the project proponents and comments received from GMB and Gujarat Coastal Zonal Management Authority, the show cause notice has been disposed of with directions which include:

"Bocha Island, ecologically sensitive geomorphological features and area in the Island and creeks around the Island will be declared as conservation zone and action plan for its conservation must be prepared and APSEZ should provide necessary financial assistance for this purpose.
"The violations of specific condition of all the ECs and CRZ clearances, if any, will be examined and proceeded with the provision of EP Act, 1986 independently," he said.
Other directions include formulating of comprehensive and integrated conservation plan including detailed bathymetry study and protection of creeks and mangrove area including buffer zone, mapping of co-ordinates running length, and putting in place a CRZ boundary.

"APSEZ will submit specific plan to protect the livelihood of fishermen along with budget. APSEZ will voluntarily return the grazing land, if any, in their possession.

"A regional strategic impact assessment report with a special focus on Mundra region will be prepared. The cost towards these studies will also be borne by the PP," he said.
The minister said the important recommendations of the Sunita Narain Committee on alleged damage to ecology and mangroves by Adani Port and SEZ Ltd at Mundra include protection of North Port area and Bocha Island and declaring it as conservation zone and all the creeks, water bodies and reclaimed land in these areas should be restored and brought back to pre-2005 status within six months.

The recommendations also include making an action plan for protection of all mangrove conservation areas and put in public domain, within three months, for monitoring among others.