Severe backlash has emerged from concerned citizens of the state following the Tamil Nadu State Coastal Zone Management Authority (TNSCZMA) granting Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearance for the construction of the Kalaignar Convention Centre in Muttukadu, located along the East Coast Road (ECR).
The Kalaignar Convention Centre project spans 1,48,454 square meters, with 47,658 square meters designated for buildings. The facility will include a 1,500-seat convention hall, a 1,000-seat auditorium, a 4,000-person exhibition hall, landscaped open spaces, dining areas, and parking for 4,000 vehicles. With an estimated cost of ₹525 crore, the project is being led by the Public Works Department. The government has noted that the land is divided into CRZ-III and non-CRZ zones. Of the total area, 24,767 square meters fall within the CRZ-III zone, which is located 200 to 500 meters from the High Tide Line, where development is prohibited. This area will be preserved as a no-development zone for green belt purposes. The remaining 1,23,687 square meters lies outside the CRZ, where construction can take place.
Muttukadu, located along Tamil Nadu’s East Coast Road (ECR), is part of a sensitive ecological zone due to its proximity to the Bay of Bengal. The region boasts diverse coastal ecosystems, including wetlands, mangroves, and estuaries, which play a crucial role in maintaining local biodiversity and providing essential ecosystem services such as water filtration, flood control, and carbon sequestration.
The area is known for its scenic beauty and environmental significance, with the Muttukadu Backwaters being a popular spot for water sports and tourism. Muttukadu has been designated an Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ), which places restrictions on development and construction to safeguard the fragile ecosystems, wildlife, and natural resources. The zone is particularly important for migratory birds, with 181 species already identified. The wetlands and mangroves also provide vital habitats for birds, fish, and other wildlife. Furthermore, the lagoon that connects Muttukadu to the sea helps drain floodwaters into the ocean during peak monsoon seasons.
However, the eco-sensitive zone is already suffering from contamination due to industrial, residential, and tourism activities, especially the operation of boathouses. Recent research has highlighted the heavy metal pollution in the coastal sediments of Muttukadu. The study found high levels of metals such as Fe, Mn, Cr, Zn, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Co, with the highest concentrations found at specific locations. Contamination indices indicated moderate levels of pollution, with metals like Cr, Cu, and Pb showing low to moderate anthropogenic influence. Ecological risk assessments also highlighted significant habitat risks due to human activities, with some metals sourced from industrial and other anthropogenic factors.
Against this backdrop, the Tamil Nadu government’s proposed Kalaignar Convention Centre project has been met with severe criticism. It is argued that the construction of this large facility—featuring a 1,500-seat convention hall, a 1,000-seat auditorium, a 4,000-person exhibition hall, and parking for 4,000 vehicles—would further exacerbate the region’s environmental degradation. The project would require extensive infrastructure, including roads and waste management systems, which some believe the government is not adequately prepared to manage. It is also noted that the recent National Green Tribunal (NGT) reprimanded the state for beach littering during Kaanum Pongal celebrations, questioning how the government plans to handle the waste generated by such a large-scale development.
Critics argue that the project is more about boosting the ruling DMK’s image by naming it after the late Karunanidhi, rather than a genuine need for the community. They believe the environmental and financial costs will ultimately be borne by the public and the ecosystem, further straining an already delicate environment.
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