Allotment of salt lands to Mulapeta Port violates CRZ norms, says activist

Visakhapatnam: Noted social activist and former IAS officer EAS Sarma has strongly opposed the Centre's decision to transfer 385.24 acres of salt pan lands to Mulapeta (erstwhile Bhavanapadu) Port in Srikakulam district.

In a mail to Tanmay Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC), he stated that the Ministry of Commerce and Industry had given permission for leasing out the land in question to Andhra Pradesh Maritime Board (APMB) inviolation of norms stipulated in the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) notification of 2011.

He said "the port is located adjacent to a wetland area of utmost ecological significance. The Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON) has studied that wetland system and submitted its report to MEFCC in 2012. Therefore, it is imprudent for the government to permit port activity that will damage the wetlands. Causing damage to wetlands runs counter to the National Environment Policy (NEP) and the Wetlands (Conservation & Management) Rules of 2017. "

MEFCC had granted environment clearance for Bhavanapadu Port in Srikakulam district of AP vide EC No. EC23A3501AP5303985N dated 31-5-2023.

Sarma pointed out that under Clauses 7 & 8 of the CRZ Notification, no industrial activity involving chemical substances etc. is to be permitted in salt pan lands. Therefore, allowing the port to make use of the saltpan lands would violate the CRZ norms, he contended.

He cited research literature that is replete with studies on the ecological importance of salt pan lands which form part of wetland systems, adding "salt marshes are highly productive intertidal wetlands providing important ecological services for maintaining coastal biodiversity, buffering against oceanic storms, and acting as efficient carbon sinks."