Environment Ministry orders relocation of desalination plant project
Part of: GS Prelims and GS-III- Environment
In News:
The Ministry of Environment and Forests’ Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) has directed the Tamil Nadu Water and Drainage Board (TWAD) to shift its project site.
The project site was for setting up a 60 MLD Sea and Brackish Water Reverse Osmosis (SWRO) plant near the Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park.
According to The EAC,
The project site is within the eco-sensitive zone of the Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park.
The release of brine will certainly impact the fish catch affecting the fishermen.
Reefs, seaweeds, seagrass and the overall ecosystem of the area will also be affected.
No detailed marine environmental impact assessment had been carried out for the project.
Important value additions:
The Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park
It is a protected area of India.
It consists of 21 small islands and adjacent coral reefs in the Gulf of Mannar in the Indian Ocean.
It is the core area of the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve.
Public access inside the Park is limited to glass bottom boat rides.
