It asks company to carry out a fresh cumulative assessment study

The National Green Tribunal (NGT), New Delhi, has suspended the environment clearance (EC) granted by Union Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) for the proposed coal-based thermal power plant of IL& FS Tamil Nadu Power Company Ltd in Cuddalore district. The tribunal directed the company to carry out a cumulative assessment study afresh within a radius of 25 km from the project site and submit it to the MoEF for stipulating any additional conditions and safeguards required for the protection and preservation of the Pichavaram mangroves and marine environment.

PICHAVARAM: At least five of the tsunami-ravaged islets surrounding the Pichavaram mangrove forests are facing the threat of extinction because of continuous sea erosion.

The endangered islets are: Chinna Vaikkal, M.G.R. Thittu, Kannagi Nagar, Mudasal Odai and Pillu Medu, all part of the Killai Town Panchayat.

Report on Visit to Pichavaram in Tamil Nadu