Madras HC seeks explanation from Coimbatore Corporation on floating solar panels and commercial activities at Periyakulam

The Madras High Court has sought an mentation from the Coimbatore Corporation regarding the installation of floating star panels and the behaviour of commercialized activities astatine Periyakulam (Ukkadam Big Tank) successful the city.

The absorption was issued during the caller proceeding of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed successful November 2024. The PIL sought a absorption to halt commercialized operations and region the floating star panels astatine Periyakulam, stating that they are detrimental to migratory birds and aquatic taxon and whitethorn interfere with the ecological functioning of the lake.

The floating star panels astatine Periyakulam was installed to make 154 kW of powerfulness astatine an estimated outgo of ₹1.45 crore connected October 2024. The Corporation has besides introduced commercialized tourism activities astatine the water successful concern with a backstage firm, ECHT, since 2022, offering velocity boat, pontoon boat, pitchy ski, shark boat, aqua rhythm and kayak services. Zip enactment and zip rhythm facilities were aboriginal added successful 2023 done different relation astatine a outgo of ₹62.17 lakh.

During the hearing, counsel for the Corporation requested further clip to record its response. The tribunal was informed that akin concerns extended beyond Periyakulam, arsenic high-speed diesel motor boats were being operated successful respective lakes located wrong halfway wood areas successful the district, causing disturbance to wildlife and contributing to aerial and h2o pollution.

The tribunal was told that the cognition of specified boats make large sound up to 100 metres from the riverbed, affecting wildlife and aquatic species, and results successful diesel leakage into the water.

Taking enactment of the submissions, the tribunal added the Tamil Nadu Tourism Development Corporation arsenic a enactment to the lawsuit and directed that notices beryllium issued for it to record its response.

The lawsuit has been posted for the adjacent proceeding connected December 5.