Protest over Adani’sKattupalli Port expansion project

A proposed expansion of the Kattupalli Port by Adani Ports in the ecologically sensitive coastal area between Pulicatlake and Chennai has sparked protests in the area. 

Context

• A proposed expansion of the Kattupalli Port by Adani Ports in the ecologically sensitive coastal area between Pulicatlake and Chennai has sparked protests in the area. 

Major Concerns

• Violation of rules and regulations: The project violates several environmental rules and regulations in the high-erosion area near Ennore.
• A threat to biodiversity:It poses a great threat to the biodiversity of the region.
  • especiallydanger to avian and marine biodiversity.
• Beach Erosion: The extension of the port will erode the northern part of the coast at an alarming rate of 16 meters per year.
  • At present, the erosion rate is 8.6 m / year.
  • Beaches eroding at a rate of 1m / year are considered ‘high eroding.
• A threat to the conservation sites: The proposed site of construction is just 1 km away fromPulicat Wildlife Sanctuary.
  • As per the law, a port cannot be built within 10 kilometers of a sanctuary.
• Livelihoods impacted: The proposed mega port will also change the lives of the people of Ennore. There are nearly 80 fishing community villages in and around the seashore.
• Supporting road projects& further environmental degradation: This project is also paving the way for the Salem-Chennai eight-lane expressway proposed by the state government.