Concerns Over Dugong Conservation Center

Expert Appraisal Committee Recommendations for International Dugong Conservation Centre, Tamil Nadu

1. Project Overview:

   • Location: Manora, Thanjavur District, Tamil Nadu.
   • Purpose: Establishment of an International Dugong Conservation Centre for conservation, research, rescue, rehabilitation, and public awareness regarding dugongs, which are critically endangered marine mammals.
   • Estimated Cost: ₹40.94 crore.
   • Size: Planned across approximately 28,000 square metres.

2. Environmental Considerations:

   • The site is located in the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ), specifically:
     • CRZ-III No Development Zone: Approximately 22,000 square metres of the project site falls within this zone that prohibits extensive construction.
     • CRZ-I Areas: Includes sensitive ecosystems like mangroves and seagrass meadows, crucial for marine biodiversity.

3. EAC Concerns:

   • Noted the importance of dugongs as a keystone species for seagrass ecosystems.
   • Raised alarms about extensive concrete construction that may harm the ecologically sensitive areas.
   • Criticized the reliance on conventional cement and concrete structures in the project design.

4. Recommendations by EAC:

   • The project should adopt a Low Impact Engineering approach to minimize environmental harm.
   • Suggested the exploration of alternative construction methods including:
     • Timber-based construction
     • Prefabricated or composite materials
   • Recommended relocating structures from the No Development Zone and studying successful models from similar facilities in other regions of India.

5. Future Actions:

   • The proposal will be reviewed again after the Tamil Nadu government submits a revised plan addressing the EAC's concerns regarding eco-friendly construction and compatibility with conservation planning.

Key Takeaways:

• The project is emblematic of the conflict between development and environmental conservation, emphasizing the need for sustainable design practices in ecologically sensitive regions.
• The EAC's insistence on revising the project's design aligns with the principles outlined in India's Environment Protection Act and Coastal Regulation Zone Notification which aim to protect coastal and marine biodiversity.

1. Legislative References:
   • Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification: Aimed at protecting coastal areas, this notification regulates activities in CRZs to prevent damage to the environment.
   • Environment Protection Act: Provides a framework for environmental governance and protection in India, underscoring the necessity of sustainable development practices.

By addressing these concerns, the proposed conservation centre aims to reinforce the commitment to both biodiversity conservation and sustainable development in harmony with India’s environmental laws and regulations.