India, Dec. 7 -- The Government of India has issued a release:
The second day of the Regional Conference on Environment - 2025, organized by the National Green Tribunal (NGT), Southern Zone Bench, Chennai, in collaboration with the Southern State Pollution Control Boards and Committees, successfully concluded today at Kalaivanar Arangam, Chennai. The conference was conducted under the leadership of Justice Prakash Shrivastava, Chairperson, NGT, with guidance from Justice Pushpa Sathyanarayana, Judicial Member, NGT, Southern Zone Bench, Chennai.
After the successful conclusion of the first day on December 06, 2025, the second day began with the third session on Challenges in Protecting Coastal Zones, chaired by Justice Suraj Govindaraj, Judge, High Court of Karnataka. His lordship highlighted the severe environmental impact of human activities, such as plastic pollution and urban development, on marine life and coastal regions. He cited alarming examples, including a whale found with 100 plastic bags and microplastics detected in breast milk and placenta. The discussion emphasized the need for proactive measures by judges and authorities to prevent environmental degradation.
Dr. Murali Krishna Chimata, Additional Director / Scientist-E, Regional Office, Vijayawada, MoEF&CC, stated that India's 11,098.81 km coastline faces severe threats due to pollution, with 11-12 million tons of plastic discharged annually and habitat loss contributing to 405 global dead zones. He highlighted the economic impact, with 3 billion people dependent on oceans and 20% of global protein coming from fish, and stressed the importance of coral reefs and mangroves for biodiversity and livelihoods. International efforts through conventions and national regulatory frameworks were also discussed.
Dr. Kalaiarasan, Environmental Engineer & Additional Project Director, Directorate of Environment & Climate Change, Government of Kerala, focused on challenges in protecting coastal zones, particularly in Kerala, which has suffered from erosion, waste management issues, and enforcement challenges, with over 2,700 violations reported by 2020. He explained the concept of sediment cells introduced by NCSCM, which categorize coastal areas based on sediment movement. Shoreline changes from 1992 to 2022 showed 34% erosion and 26.9% accretion nationwide, and climate change projections predict a 1.1degC to 2degC temperature rise by 2030 and 3.3degC to 4.8degC by 2080.
Dr. T.D. Babu, environmentalist and trustee of Nizhal, Directorate of Environment & Climate Change, Government of Kerala, emphasized addressing environmental crises at the root. He highlighted the ecological value of the Bay of Bengal and Tamil coastal landscapes, particularly seagrass (high carbon storage) and mangroves (bioshields and fish nurseries), stressing that human activities are degrading mudflats, lagoons, and fisheries. He urged responsible coastal ecosystem management.
The conference concluded with a Valedictory Session graced by Justice R. Mahadevan, Judge, Supreme Court of India.
Justice Prakash Shrivastava, Chairperson, NGT, started with Justice R. Mahadevan's landmark judgment which emphasized that industries are fully responsible for ecological restoration, setting a strong precedent. Contributions from legal and administrative leaders, including Mr. A.R.L. Sundaresan and Smt. Supriya Sahu, have strengthened environmental regulation.
Before closing, his Lordship reflected on this Sanskrit verse:
"न्यायेन पृथिवीं रक्षेम, नियमेन जीवसंपदाम्।
सर्वे मिलित्वा सत्कर्मणि, हरितं पर्यावरणं धारयेत्॥"
"Through justice, let us protect the Earth; through regulation, let us safeguard life's treasures. Together in righteous action, may we uphold a green environment."
Smt. Supriya Sahu, Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Environment, Climate Change & Forests, Government of Tamil Nadu, spoke about Tamil Nadu's environmental governance, focusing on translating policy into action, addressing climate change, and conserving biodiversity.
Mr. A.R.L. Sundaresan, Additional Solicitor General of India, High Court of Madras, emphasized that from now onward, the focus must be on two priorities: protecting the environment today and preserving biodiversity for the future.
A Prize Distribution Ceremony followed, recognizing students for being winners in various environmental competitions.
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
