Chennai, December 7, 2025:
The second day of the Regional Conference on Environment 2025, hosted by the National Green Tribunal (NGT), Southern Zone Bench, in association with various Southern State Pollution Control Boards and Committees, wrapped up successfully at Kalaivanar Arangam, Chennai. The event was held under the leadership of Justice Prakash Shrivastava, Chairperson of the NGT, with support from Justice Pushpa Sathyanarayana, Judicial Member of the Southern Zone Bench.
Focus on Coastal Protection
The day opened with the third session, centred on the Challenges in Protecting Coastal Zones, chaired by Justice Suraj Govindaraj of the Karnataka High Court. He drew attention to the escalating harm caused by human activities such as plastic pollution and unchecked urban growth, citing troubling examples like a whale found with 100 plastic bags in its stomach and the presence of microplastics in human breast milk and placenta. Judges and authorities, he said, must adopt proactive strategies to halt further environmental deterioration.
Expert Insights on Coastal Degradation
Dr. Murali Krishna Chimata, Additional Director/Scientist-E, MoEF&CC, Vijayawada, outlined the severe pressures on India’s 11,098.81 km coastline, including annual plastic discharge of 11–12 million tons and habitat loss leading to 405 dead zones worldwide. With three billion people relying on oceans and 20% of global protein sourced from fish, he stressed the critical role of coral reefs and mangroves. He also highlighted international conventions and national policies shaping coastal conservation.
Dr. Kalaiarasan, Environmental Engineer and Additional Project Director, Government of Kerala, discussed Kerala’s coastal challenges—erosion, poor waste management, enforcement difficulties, and over 2,700 violations reported by 2020. He explained the concept of sediment cells, used to classify coastal regions based on sediment movement. Data from 1992–2022 indicates 34% erosion and 26.9% accretion across India’s coastlines. Climate projections show temperatures may rise 1.1°C–2°C by 2030 and 3.3°C–4.8°C by 2080.
Dr. T.D. Babu, environmentalist and trustee of Nizhal, emphasized the importance of addressing ecological issues at their source. He underlined the ecological significance of the Bay of Bengal and Tamil Nadu’s coastal ecosystems—especially mangroves and seagrasses, which are vital for carbon storage and serve as natural shields and fish nurseries. He warned that mudflats, lagoons, and fisheries are rapidly degrading due to human interference.
Valedictory Session and Key Messages
The conference concluded with a Valedictory Session attended by Justice R. Mahadevan, Judge of the Supreme Court of India.
Justice Prakash Shrivastava highlighted Justice Mahadevan’s landmark ruling establishing that industries bear full responsibility for environmental restoration—a precedent that reinforces ecological accountability. He also acknowledged the contributions of senior officials, including Mr. A.R.L. Sundaresan and Smt. Supriya Sahu, in strengthening environmental governance.
Before closing, Justice Shrivastava recited a Sanskrit verse:
“न्यायेन पृथिवीं रक्षेम, नियमेन जीवसंपदाम्।
सर्वे मिलित्वा सत्कर्मणि, हरितं पर्यावरणं धारयेत्॥”
“With justice, let us protect the Earth; with discipline, let us safeguard all living beings. United in good deeds, may we preserve a green and thriving environment.”
Commitment from Policy Leaders
Smt. Supriya Sahu, Additional Chief Secretary, Government of Tamil Nadu, underscored the State’s efforts in environmental management, climate action, and biodiversity conservation.
Mr. A.R.L. Sundaresan, Additional Solicitor General of India, stated that the way forward must prioritize environmental protection today and biodiversity preservation for tomorrow.
