Expert Appraisal Committee insists on eco-friendly redesign for dugong conservation centre at Manora in Thanjavur district

The decision by the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) under the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) to insist on an eco-friendly redesign for the proposed Dugong Conservation Centre at Manora, Thanjavur district, is a significant development underscoring India's commitment to environmental protection and sustainable development. This move highlights the intricate balance required between infrastructure development and safeguarding ecologically sensitive areas, particularly coastal zones.

**Background Context: The Plight of the Dugong and India's Conservation Efforts**

Dugongs, often referred to as 'sea cows', are the only strictly marine herbivorous mammals. They feed primarily on seagrass and play a crucial role in maintaining the health of marine ecosystems. Globally, dugongs are classified as 'Vulnerable' by the IUCN, while in India, they are critically endangered. Their population has dwindled significantly due to habitat loss (destruction of seagrass beds), accidental entanglement in fishing nets, illegal hunting, and marine pollution. In India, dugongs are primarily found in the Gulf of Mannar, Palk Bay, Gulf of Kutch, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Recognizing their precarious status, India has listed dugongs under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, affording them the highest level of protection. The establishment of a dedicated conservation centre is a step towards bolstering these efforts, aiming to facilitate research, rehabilitation, and public awareness.

**What Happened: EAC's Intervention and Rationale**

The Tamil Nadu government proposed a Dugong Conservation Centre at Manora in the ecologically sensitive coastal region of Thanjavur district. However, the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC), a body responsible for evaluating projects for environmental clearance, raised concerns over the proposed extensive concrete construction. The EAC's mandate is to ensure that development projects adhere to environmental norms and do not cause irreparable damage to natural habitats. Their insistence on an eco-friendly redesign stems from the understanding that coastal areas are fragile ecosystems, vulnerable to sea-level rise, erosion, and biodiversity loss. Extensive concrete structures can alter natural coastal processes, destroy habitats, and exacerbate environmental degradation, especially in a region designated for conservation.

**Key Stakeholders Involved**

1. **Union Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) and its Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC):** As the primary regulatory body, the MoEFCC, through the EAC, acts as the gatekeeper for environmental clearances. Their role is to scrutinize projects and ensure compliance with environmental laws, thereby upholding ecological integrity.

2. **Tamil Nadu Forest Department / State Government:** As the project proponent, the state government aims to establish the centre for conservation and potentially promote ecotourism. They are responsible for implementing the project while adhering to environmental guidelines.

3. **Local Communities:** Residents of Manora and surrounding coastal areas could be impacted by the project, both positively (employment, ecotourism) and negatively (disruption of traditional livelihoods, potential displacement). Their involvement and welfare are crucial for the long-term success of any conservation initiative.

4. **Environmental Scientists and Conservationists:** These experts provide scientific input and advocate for sustainable practices, influencing policy decisions and ensuring that conservation goals are met without compromising ecological principles.

**Significance for India's Environmental Governance**

This incident is highly significant for India. Firstly, it reaffirms the robustness of India's environmental impact assessment (EIA) process and the independent functioning of bodies like the EAC. It demonstrates that environmental concerns are not mere formalities but critical considerations in project approvals. Secondly, it highlights the importance of Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notifications, which classify coastal areas based on their ecological sensitivity and regulate development activities. Manora falls under such a zone, necessitating stringent adherence to CRZ norms. Thirdly, it reinforces India's commitment to biodiversity conservation, particularly for endangered species like the dugong, aligning with national goals and international conventions like the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS), to which India is a signatory.

**Constitutional and Legal Underpinnings**

India's commitment to environmental protection is enshrined in its Constitution. **Article 48A** of the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) states that "The State shall endeavour to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and wildlife of the country." Furthermore, **Article 51A(g)**, a Fundamental Duty, mandates every citizen "to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wildlife, and to have compassion for living creatures." These constitutional provisions are operationalized through various acts, including the **Environmental (Protection) Act, 1986**, which provides the framework for environmental impact assessments (EIA), and the **Wildlife Protection Act, 1972**, which safeguards endangered species. The **Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification**, issued under the EPA, 1986, specifically regulates developmental activities in coastal areas to protect their unique ecology.

**Future Implications and Broader Themes**

This decision sets a crucial precedent for future infrastructure projects in ecologically sensitive regions across India. It signals a shift towards 'green infrastructure' and 'eco-sensitive development', where environmental considerations are integrated from the design phase itself, rather than being an afterthought. It emphasizes that conservation centres, while serving a noble cause, must also be constructed in a manner that aligns with conservation principles. This approach will be vital for achieving India's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and SDG 15 (Life on Land). It also strengthens the public's trust in environmental regulatory bodies, assuring that development will not come at the cost of irreversible ecological damage. The emphasis on eco-friendly redesign can also spur innovation in sustainable construction and promote the use of local, less impactful materials, potentially fostering local economies and traditional knowledge systems. Ultimately, this move reinforces India's resolve to balance its developmental aspirations with its ecological responsibilities, both nationally and globally.