MEF reiterates clearance to Sethusamudram Project

The Ministry of Environment & Forests (MEF) in a written reply to Dr K S Manoj said that it gave clearance to Sethusamudram Project based on a study done by National Environment Engineering Research Institute, Nagpur (NEERI).

It mentioned that the Environment Assessment Impact (EAI) study for the Sethusamudram Shipping Canal Project done by NEERI has predicted certain impacts which are addressed in Environmental Management Plan of the project; and based on assessment of the study and the EMP, the Ministry of Environment and Forests gave environment clearance to the project.

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Also Sethusamudram Corporation Limited, under Ministry of Shipping, has provided advanced study conducted by Japan’s National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology and India’s Indomer Hydraulics Private Limited in which an animated model of Tsunami has been evolved which showed that the region covered by Sethusamudran Project would be least affected.

The Ministry also gave reference to a study conducted by National Institute of Ocean Technology, Chennai; according to which because of the resistance effect of the near shore structures against tsunami passage hence the damages due to tsunami would be only along near shore beach areas while Sethusamudran Shipping Canal will not show any such resistance except bed scouring.

Sethusamudram project has become one of the most debated issues in present context when government is trying to reach a decision on the execution of the project which has been halted now. Many experts have found inconsistencies with what NEERI’s EIA. EIA is a thorough study of natural processes and environmental consequences and the risk by studying the minute detail of hydrography, marine water quality and ecological resources.

Reportedly, NEERI has not studied the impact of dredged material and the place where it will be dumped and the impact of natural phenomenon like cyclone which has been known to cause severe erosion in past.

Presently the matter is with Supreme Court in which centre in its affidavit has asked for green signal while many religious and environmental organisation are opposing the move. The matter is posted to be heard on April 29.