Tantransco power line works would result in felling of nearly 1,200 trees
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CHENNAI: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) here on Friday has stalled the installation of 400 kV lines between Kalivanthapattu substation to Ottiyambakkam substation being carried out by Tamil Nadu Transmission Corporation Ltd (Tantransco) at Kelambakkam owing to potential threat to the local ecosystem.
The tribunal Bench, comprising Justice P. Jyothimani and R. Nagendra,was hearing a petition by Indian tractor major M/s Tractors and Farm Equipment Ltd (Tafe), which runs a not-for-profit adaptive research and agricultural extension centre “J” Farm on 200 acres.
The complainant submitted that Tantransco power line works would result in felling of nearly 1,200 trees, including Agathi, Banana, coconut, mango and neem trees in its centre.
Tantransco had already installed two high tension (HT) towers in the premises of the centre and was preparing to commence the stringing work as part of establishment of 400/230-110 kV sub-station at Sholinganallur.
The applicant counsel submitted that Tafe had permitted Tantransco to install the two HT towers on the condition that there would be minimal damage to the trees and plantation.
However, substantial damage to the trees and plantations and infrastructure such as pipelines and irrigation facilities was caused and there had been deforestation over 900 sq.mt for each tower.
Now, installation of 400 kV lines meant destruction of nearly 1,200 more full-grown trees, which would compromise with the integrity of the research facility, the counsel argued, while urging the tribunal to order Tantransco to relocate the HT towers. Tantransco counsel said relocating HT towers implied altering route of lines which would escalate project costs. The Bench ordered status quo.
( Source : deccan chronicle )
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