The Pulicat Birds Sanctuary’s eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) is under threat as the State government plans to denotify a sizable area to settle claims from local communities and develop an industrial park. Environmentalists argue that this will damage the sanctuary’s unique hydrology and biodiversity, which supports over 250 bird species and livelihoods for over 1 lakh people.
The government-appointed Advisory Council on the Environment has endorsed the environmental impact assessment report for the San Tin Technopole project, with eight conditions. The project aims to create a technology hub near the border with mainland China, but has faced objections from conservation groups. The council’s approval comes despite concerns raised by green groups regarding the accuracy of the assessment and the potential impact on fish ponds and wetlands in the area. The Civil Engineering and Development Department is required to submit a habitat creation and management plan outlining mitigation measures before filling 90 hectares of fish ponds. Other conditions include the establishment of an environment committee and the filing of a detailed design of wildlife corridors.
