The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has ordered a temporary halt to the state government’s ambitious Rs 100 crore project aimed at developing beaches from Kasimedu to Kovalam in Chennai. The suspension will remain in place until the project secures all mandatory approvals from relevant authorities.The stay order comes after environmental activist K. Saravanan and various news reports raised concerns that the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA), under the pretext of beautification, was unlawfully levelling coastal dunes, thereby violating environmental laws. Critics pointed out that some of the development sites are perilously close to turtle nesting areas, where artificial lighting could pose a serious threat to the nesting process. Additionally, the reports warned that increased commercialization and higher visitor numbers could harm turtle eggs.
In its defense, the CMDA asserted that it had obtained the necessary Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearance for its “comprehensive shoreline development plan.” The agency clarified that the construction of pathways was being undertaken approximately 40 metres from the high tide line (HTL), with only a minor infringement of 10 metres within the HTL boundary. The CMDA further stated that the project aims to achieve ‘blue flag certification,’ a recognition for meeting high environmental and quality standards.