Green Tribunal Orders New Look at Quarry Plan Near Blackbuck Habitat in Tamil Nadu

The Green Tribunal wants Tamil Nadu's environmental authority to review a quarry plan near blackbucks again. This is because the first rejection did not check if safety steps could protect the animals.
By Newsroom | Environment, Wildlife |

JUDICIAL BODY QUESTIONS ENVIRONMENTAL AUTHORITY'S REJECTION

The Southern Bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has told the Tamil Nadu State Environmental Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) to look again at its decision to block a rough stone and gravel quarry. This proposed digging operation is near the Vallanadu Blackbuck Sanctuary in Thoothukudi district. The NGT pointed out that the original rejection did not properly explore whether safeguards could actually protect wildlife.

The NGT's intervention implies that the SEIAA's rejection may have been too hasty, focusing on potential harm rather than examining if measures could mitigate such risks. The tribunal specifically stated that the SEIAA failed to examine 'mitigation measures'. It has now ordered the SEIAA to reconsider the quarry proposal and make a new decision. The site itself is reported to be approximately 1.92 km from the sanctuary boundary and about 1.44 km outside its designated Eco-Sensitive Zone. The area slated for the quarry covers 6.02.5 hectares in Padmanabamangalam village.

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WILDLIFE CONCERNS PERSIST DESPITE JUDICIAL REVIEW

While the NGT has sent the matter back for a fresh look, concerns about the blackbucks themselves remain. The State Expert Appraisal Committee (SEAC) had previously recommended blocking the proposal. Their reasoning highlighted that blackbucks are known to graze outside the sanctuary’s confines, making them vulnerable to getting caught in mining areas, even with fencing.

The NGT, however, acknowledged that while the apprehension about blackbuck movement outside the sanctuary was a basis for rejection, it did not sufficiently consider if protective steps could be implemented. The tribunal underscored that blackbucks are "very timid and shy animals" and susceptible to harm from human activities. Therefore, any approval would need to ensure "adequate safeguards."

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The case centers on a delicate balance between economic development and the protection of a vulnerable species. The SEIAA had accepted the SEAC’s recommendation for rejection, citing potential environmental degradation and the depletion of fertile topsoil.

BACKGROUND

The Vallanadu Blackbuck Sanctuary, located in Tamil Nadu, was established with the primary aim of conserving the Indian antelope, or blackbuck. These animals are known for their timid nature, and their habitat is considered ecologically sensitive. The SEIAA, as the environmental impact assessment authority in Tamil Nadu, is tasked with evaluating such proposals. The SEAC acts as an advisory body, providing recommendations to the SEIAA. The NGT serves as an appellate body for environmental disputes. This specific case involves an appeal against an order issued by the SEIAA on April 16, 2024. The NGT's directive suggests a procedural flaw in the SEIAA's initial assessment, necessitating a deeper dive into potential mitigation strategies before a final decision can be made.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did the Green Tribunal tell Tamil Nadu's environmental body to look at the quarry plan again?
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) ordered the Tamil Nadu State Environmental Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) to re-examine a quarry plan. The NGT said the SEIAA did not properly check if safety steps could protect wildlife before rejecting the plan.
Q: Where is the proposed quarry located in relation to the blackbuck sanctuary?
The proposed quarry is about 1.92 km away from the Vallanadu Blackbuck Sanctuary boundary and 1.44 km outside its Eco-Sensitive Zone in the Thoothukudi district.
Q: What were the main worries about the quarry plan near the blackbuck habitat?
There were worries that blackbucks, which sometimes graze outside the sanctuary, could be harmed by the quarry. The State Expert Appraisal Committee (SEAC) thought the animals might get caught in mining areas, even with fences.
Q: What did the Green Tribunal say about protecting the blackbucks?
The NGT agreed that blackbucks are timid animals and can be harmed by human activities. It said that if the quarry is approved, there must be strong safety measures to protect them.
Q: What is the next step for the quarry proposal in Tamil Nadu?
The SEIAA in Tamil Nadu must now reconsider the quarry proposal. They need to look closely at possible safety measures for the blackbucks and then make a new decision.