Declining state of Varkala cliff: NGT issues notice to GSI, others

Notice have been issued to directors of GSI and National Centre for Earth Sciences, district magistrate of Thiruvananthapuram, and member secretaries of Kerala Coastal Zone Management Authority, Kerala State Pollution Control Board, and Central Pollution Control Board

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has sought a reply from the Geological Survey of India (GSI) and others over the deteriorating condition of Varkala cliff, a designated national geo-heritage site.

The NGT was hearing the issue after taking suo motu cognisance of a media report regarding the site facing threats due to environmental violations and administrative oversight.

A bench of NGT chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava, judicial member Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi and expert member A. Senthil Vel said, “The news highlights that the most alarming violation was the controversial step of demolishing part of the cliff, supposedly to prevent landslips and that the GSI termed the demolition shocking given the site’s immense geological and geomorphologic significance.” The bench on November 22 further took note of the report over the extensive unauthorised constructions along the cliff, such as resorts, restaurants, parking lots and a helipad.

Structural integrity

“The news article alleges that these developments not only violate the site’s heritage status, but also directly threaten its structural integrity. The construction activities have particularly damaged the critical top laterite layer of the cliff, exposing the vulnerable sandstone beneath to accelerated weathering processes,” it stated.

The tribunal noted that the report said the cliff, which was a crucial aquifer and natural water harvesting system for coastal communities, hosted unique biodiversity in its microhabitat, and supported underwater reefs essential for local fishing communities.

‘Prone to landslips’

“The unauthorised construction and modifications are disrupting these vital ecosystem services. Moreover, the destruction of natural drainage patterns and vegetation cover has made the cliff prone to erosion and landslips, especially during intense monsoon periods,” the NGT said.

The news report, it said, raised “substantial issues” regarding compliance with environmental norms.

“The matter indicates a violation of the provisions of the Environment Protection Act, and the Biodiversity Act,” it underlined.

The NGT therefore impleaded as respondents the directors of GSI and National Centre for Earth Sciences, the district magistrate of Thiruvananthapuram and the member secretaries of Kerala Coastal Zone Management Authority, Kerala State Pollution Control Board, and Central Pollution Control Board.

“Issue notice to the above respondents for filing their response/reply by way of affidavit before the (Chennai) southern zonal bench of the tribunal at least one week before the next date of hearing (January 10),” the tribunal said.

Published - November 29, 2024 08:51 pm IST