The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has asked shrimp farms to close for operating in prohibited zones.
What’s it about? The NGT has directed shrimp farms located in ECR to be closed down since they’re located in prohibited zones. It also ordered action against the owners for violating environment protection guidelines i.e., not having a Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearance and releasing untreated waste into water bodies.
- In March 2021, the NGT formed a committee to file a report post-inspection of shrimp hatcheries and collect water samples. It stated they weren’t registered under the Coastal Aquaculture Authority (CAA) Act.
- The NGT asked the committee to monitor them to ensure there aren’t any further violations, including preventing discharges of harmful effluents into tidal zones.
Complaints: Based on news reports, the NGT registered a case. It also took notice of residents from Kanathur village in Chengalpattu who filed a complaint with the District Collector. They demanded the illegal construction of the farms be stopped and not give permission for additional ones.