A Great Victory of Fishing Communities- NGT scraps Super Thermal Power Plant (STPP) on Nayachar Island.
13 Fishermen Cooperative Societies, operating in the Nayachar island, moved the NGT Eastern Bench at Kolkata against the establishment of Super Thermal Power Plant in the island proposed by the Governmentof West Bengal.
The Hon'ble Eastern Bench of NGT, in their verdict dated observed –
"…. we are of the considered view that there is no scope to allow construction of the thermal power plant and Industrial Park, as the case may be, in the area as it will disturb the fragile ecosystem of Nayachar Island and create eco-problem and will damage the environment.
Considering the aforesaid aspects and the legal issue, we are of the opinion that the application as filed by the applicants fishermen association is to be allowed.
Hence, we allow the application and pass the following orders :-
i) The project proponent (respondent No. 7) is restrained from taking any further steps for construction of Thermal Power Project and Industrial Park in any manner whatsoever in Nayachar Island.
ii) The respondent No. 6 shall continue with the Integrated Brackish Water Aqua Culture Development Project at Nayachar Island. The State respondents will take steps and measures for the benefit of fishermen of the locality whose right to 'live' under Article 21 of the Constitution of India and maintenance of their livelihood is to be protected. Compliance report to be filed by the Chief Secretary, Govt. of West Bengal by two months in the Registry of this Tribunal."
This victory of the fishing communities will go a long way to protect the livelihood rights of the fishing communities as well as the natural resources.
Dakshinbanga Matsyajibi Forum salutes the fishing communities of Nayachar Island for their stubborn and relentless struggle. They have set an example.
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