The Aryavarth Express
Agency(Mangaluru): Responding to concerns about the impact on local communities and the environment, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has mandated a thorough inspection of the Netravati Riverfront Promenade Project in Mangaluru. This decision follows a suo motu observation of a news report and a communication from the National Environment Care Federation (NECF) of Mangaluru, both highlighting potential environmental norm violations by Mangaluru Smart City Limited in the project’s execution.
On March 5, the NGT’s principal bench, led by Chairman Prakash Shrivastava and including Expert Members A. Senthil Vel and Afroz Ahmad, announced the formation of a joint committee for this purpose. The committee will consist of representatives from the Central Pollution Control Board, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and the National Centre for Coastal Research. The Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner will coordinate the committee’s activities.
The appointed committee is tasked with visiting the project site to determine the actual situation and the extent of any environmental norm breaches. Their findings are expected to be reported back to the appropriate bench of the NGT. Notably, the NGT’s Southern Bench in Chennai, which is already addressing a related application filed by the NECF, will handle this case alongside the existing application.
Following the tribunal’s order, the NECF has requested the inclusion of its representatives in the committee’s inspection and report preparation process. In a letter dated March 18 to the Deputy Commissioner, Federation Secretary H. Shashidhar Shetty emphasized the NECF’s vested interest in the matter, underscoring the organization’s dedication to coastal zone preservation and sustainable development.
This proactive approach by the NGT underscores its commitment to safeguarding environmental standards and public welfare, particularly in projects with significant ecological and community implications like the Netravati Riverfront Promenade Project.