NGT halts Mangaluru Smart City works over Environmental Issues

National Green Tribunal (NGT)

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has ordered Mangaluru Smart City Limited (MSCL) to halt work on converting a coastal area into a riverfront promenade. This decision follows complaints that the project violates coastal regulation zone rules and jeopardizes the livelihoods of hundreds of fishermen.

A bench comprising Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi and expert member Satyagopal Korlapati stated that MSCL is restrained from continuing the project until the next hearing. The tribunal warned that any structures built in violation of the regulations would be dismantled, and costs would be imposed.

The principal bench of NGT initiated a suo motu case in March after media reports and a letter from the National Environment Care Federation highlighted grievances from fishnet producers, boatyard owners, and employees who were asked to vacate the area for the promenade project.

The letter also pointed out violations such as the use of heavy machinery in the sensitive coastal regulation zone. In response, the tribunal set up a panel of officials, including the director of the National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR), to investigate. The Southern Zone Bench, which took up the case, expressed disappointment that the NCCR director had not nominated a member for the panel.