NGT Probes Netravati Riverfront Project in Mangalore

Context

The principal bench of the NGT in New Delhi has taken action on the Netravati Waterfront Promenade Development Project in Mangalore.

Key Points

• The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has acknowledged the importance of the environmental and social issues related to the project and has taken action by forming a committee to investigate and provide a thorough report. 
• The concerns raised by the local chapter of the National Environmental Conservation Foundation (NECF) regarding the impact of the project on the community have been taken into consideration. 
• The project has been criticised for its potential negative effects on the environment and the livelihoods of the local population.

Netravati Riverfront Project

About

• The Netravati Riverfront Project is a remarkable urban development project which to a great extent is not solely focused on developing the ecological and the recreational aspects of the river but on enhancing the entire surrounding.
• The implementation of this project mostly involves the execution of different components including beautification of the river banks, construction of pedestrian and cycling trails, establishment of recreational centres, expense on improvement of leisure infrastructure to boost tourism and water activities.

Objective

• Beautification and Restoration: Increase the visual beauty of the riverfront by creating well-groomed parks, providing habitat restoration, and integrating the natural environment into the built infrastructure.
• Recreation and Leisure: Develop areas dedicated to good-for-you activities like walking, cycling, eating al fresco, and so many other forms of recreation which stimulate locals to exercise more.
• Environmental Conservation: Develop environmental conservation policies and programs such as flood control, water conservation, and biodiversity enhancement measures, that allow for adopting long-term ecological sustainability measures as well.
• Economic Development: Cause economic development by development of tourism through which investment and business opportunities will be drawn to the place around the riverfront. Finally, it will enhance the locals’ prosperity.
• Infrastructure Improvement: Providing the required infrastructures necessities such as walking paths, cycling routes, parks, recreational options and waterfront avenues to increase the accessibility and include residents and tourists.
• Cultural Heritage Preservation: Preserve and present the cultural identity and historical importance associated with the Netravati River, thus intensifying the sense of belonging and providing cultural tourism.

Key Features

• Key components and features of the project.

• Beautification of Riverbanks

• Construction of Walkways and Cycling Paths

• Creation of Green Spaces

• Installation of Recreational Facilities

• Development of Infrastructure for Tourism and Water-based Activities

About NGT

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) is a specialised judicial body in India that was established under the National Green Tribunal Act of 2010. It was formed to handle cases and disputes related to environmental protection, conservation of forests, and other natural resources. The primary objective of the NGT is to provide effective and speedy resolution of environmental issues and ensure the enforcement of environmental laws and regulations.

Key features and functions of the National Green Tribunal include

• NGT is equipped with exclusive jurisdiction, in the matters of law-breaking access to any sort of pollution, forest and biodiversity conservation and other ecological laws.
• NGT has its presence in various places across India, with different regional benches in different states. This leads to people who are involved in legal cases to approach or consult the NGT comfortably, especially those who are living far away from any offices.
• The NGT is intended to address all environmental problems and uniformity at ease by ensuring speedy resolution to environmental disputes.
• The NGT has the authority to listen to appeals and review decisions made by regulatory bodies regarding environmental matters. It can also give instructions, make rulings, and deliver verdicts to ensure that environmental laws and regulations are followed. 
• The NGT has the power to enforce its decisions and orders by imposing penalties, fines, and remedial measures on those who break environmental laws.

Conclusion

The National Green Tribunal’s investigation into the Netravati Riverfront Project in Mangalore emphasises the need to balance urban development and environmental conservation. By examining the project’s compliance with environmental regulations and its potential impacts on the local ecosystem, the NGT highlights the importance of conducting thorough assessments and incorporating sustainable practices in large-scale urban development initiatives.

Source: DTE

UPSC Mains Practice Question

Q.Discuss the objectives and potential challenges associated with the implementation of the Netravati Riverfront Project in Mangalore. How can the project contribute to the sustainable development and urban revitalization of the area?

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