Question : Coastal Road Projects

(a) the details of stalled coastal road projects including National Highways and the reasons therefor along with the funds sanctioned and spent thereon, road and state-wise during the last six years and the current year;

(b) the number of requests received from the States and other agencies to clear these coastal road projects along with the action taken by the Government thereon;

(c) whether some coastal road projects are causing irreversible damage to the environment by reclamation of coastal land that would impede tidal waters and destroy coral deposits in the States and if so, the details thereof;

(d) whether such damage was reported and fines imposed, if so, the details thereof; and

(e) the corrective steps to be taken to ensure compliance of criteria adopted before giving permission for coastal road projects in future?

THE MINISTER OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS

(SHRI NITIN JAIRAM GADKARI)

(a) One coastal road project from Sattanathapuram to Nagapattinam section of NH 45A in the state of Tamilnadu is delayed. This project has been taken up under HAM mode and the agreement was signed on 03.12.2018. However, appointed date could not be fixed due to delay in handing over of 90% land as per Concession Agreement. The matter has been taken up with State Government of Tamil Nadu to expedite LA. In the meantime, in 3 Public Interest Litigation (PIL) cases filed on Hon’ble High Court of Madras. Hon’ble Court vide order dated 08.01.2020 had directed to hold the project and obtain MoEF clearance. Necessary action is being taken to appeal against the order of Hon’ble High Court of Madras in Hon’ble Supreme Court of India.

(b) As per guidelines of the Ministry, the concerned State Governments are to provide encumbrance free land /ROW to NHAI/MoRT&H for development of port roads.
(c) to (e) Necessary clearances are taken before giving permission for coastal road projects.

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