Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of In re : News item published in Newspaper The Hindu dated 19.03.2023 titled “India’s Sinking Island” dated 13/10/2023.

The matter related to the issue of dangers of sea level rise and submergence of low lying islands. In pursuance to the previous directions of the court, the joint committee has filed a report dated October 10, 2023. The report reflects that there is rise in the water level of the sea and the areas of the islands are coming into submergence because of the said rise. The report also suggested policies and measures to protect the islands.

The NGT, September 13, 2023 took note of the fact that in the notification dated January 18, 2019 issued by the MoEF&CC, it has been provided that Integrated Island Management Plans (IIMPs) will be formulated by the respective states/Union Territories for the concerned islands. The earlier notification, January 6, 2011 was issued for preparation of the Integrated Island Management Plan for Andaman Nicobar and Lakshadweep. The suggestions incorporated in the report, October 10, 2023 need to be looked into for preparation/amendment of the Integrated Island Management Plan.

The tribunal directed notice to be issued to the Coastal Management Authority of all the coastal states as also the Union Territories. A memo of parties should be prepared by the Registry of the NGT which would the coastal management authorities of all the coastal states, Union Territories, the Secretary, MoEF&CC, Secretary of Ministry of Earth Science and Secretary, Island Development Authority. The next hearing of the case has been listed for January 8, 2024.