Approach NGT, HC tells PIL for coastal erosion resolution

Bengaluru, NT Bureau: The times the actual cost High Court advised a petitioner to approach the National Green Tribunal to seek a solution for the problem of coastal erosion.

The HC gave this direction while hearing a petition seeking a direction to the Karnataka government to adopt the ‘Sea Wave Breaker’ method used in Kerala.

The public interest petition filed by Abdul Khader Jilani, a resident of Melangadi, Ullal, was heard by Chief Justice Prasanna B Varale and Justice MGS Kamal on Thursday and was disposed of with the direction.

After listening to the argument of Abubakar Shafi, advocate for the petitioner for some time, the bench said that NGT was the suitable and competent forum to find a solution to the problem stated in the petition.

The NGT was created for the issues raised by the petitioners, the Court observed and therefore, it advised the petitioner that he could approach it.

The public interest litigation (PIL) claimed that fishermen living in coastal villages of the state including Bettappadi village are facing the problem due to erosion. Due to this both their lives and livelihood are insecure and it is also having a lot of negative impact on the environment.

The Ports and Inland Water Transport Department lays reefs and tetrapods every year spending huge amounts but no permanent solution has been found, the PIL said