NGT issues interim order restraining MSCL from carrying out Nethravathi riverfront project work

The Southern Bench of the National Green Tribunal restrained Mangaluru Smart City Ltd., from continuing the Netravathi riverfront project work till the next date of hearing. | Photo Credit: FILE PHOTO

The Southern Bench of the National Green Tribunal restrained Mangaluru Smart City Ltd., from continuing the Netravathi riverfront project work till its next hearing that will be held on Sunday, in its interim order on Friday, in Chennai.

A Bench comprising Judicial Member Arun Kumar Tyagi and Expert Member Satyagopal Korlapati passed the interim order on an application filed by National Environment Care Federation, Mangaluru, and another suo motu case taken up by the NGT Principal Bench based on media reports. MSCL is restrained from carrying out activities in the Coastal Regulation Zone of the Netravathi Riverfront, the Bench said.

Taking serious note of the failure of the Joint Committee, ordered to be constituted by the Principal Bench, not submitting its inspection report, the Tribunal said the report should be submitted before June 24. Failure would lead to imposition of costs to be paid personally by the committee members.

While NECF had alleged violation of CRZ norms during the construction activities, the Karnataka State Coastal Zone Management Authority too said that MSCL had violated the conditions at certain worksites, the Bench noted. It took serious note of the National Centre for Coastal Research, Chennai, not nominating its member to the Joint Committee and directed the Dakshina Kannada Deputy Commissioner to get the member nominated.