NGT Halts Chennai Beach Project

24 May 2024 CW Team

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has recently put a stop to a major beach development project in Chennai, valued at 100 crores, due to environmental concerns. This decision underscores the NGT's commitment to preserving ecological balance while assessing urban development plans. The halted project was intended to enhance the coastal infrastructure and boost tourism but faced opposition due to potential adverse effects on the local ecosystem and community.

The NGT's intervention came after public interest litigations raised issues regarding the environmental impact assessments associated with the project. Concerns were particularly pointed towards the disruption of natural habitats and the alteration of coastal dynamics, which could have far-reaching consequences for biodiversity and the livelihoods of communities dependent on these ecosystems. The tribunal's ruling highlights the growing scrutiny of development projects that may compromise environmental sustainability.

This decision aligns with other actions taken by the NGT, including the recent directives to halt construction activities by Chennai Metro Rail Limited along the Nanmangalam Reserve Forest area, reflecting a broader enforcement of environmental laws in urban development projects across the region. The NGT has been pivotal in ensuring that development projects comply with environmental standards to foster sustainable growth.

The halt of the Chennai beach development project serves as a critical reminder of the need for a balanced approach to urban planning. It emphasizes the importance of incorporating sustainable practices and rigorous environmental impact assessments before initiating significant infrastructural projects. This approach not only protects the environment but also ensures the long-term viability and acceptance of development projects within local communities.

Real Estate

05 Sep 2025

Vitizen Hotels Signs Deal at Manyata Tech Park

Vikram Kamats Hospitality, as part of its ongoing expansion in key metropolitan markets, announced that its material subsidiary, Vitizen Hotels, has signed a long-term lease agreement for a 45-key hotel property at Manyata Tech Park, Bengaluru.Strategically located in the city’s prominent IT hub, the property is well-positioned to serve corporate travelers, business professionals, and long-stay guests. The addition aligns with the company’s asset-light growth model, leveraging long-term leases to expand its footprint in high-demand urban markets.The hotel is expected to strengthen the comp..

CONCOR Signs MoU with BPIPL to Operate Container Terminal at Bhavnagar Port

Container Corporation of India (CONCOR) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bhavnagar Port Infrastructure (BPIPL) on September 4, 2025, in New Delhi to operate and maintain the upcoming container terminal at the northside of Bhavnagar Port, Gujarat.BPIPL had earlier entered into an agreement with the Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB) in September 2024 for the port’s development. Under this arrangement, 235 hectares of land has been leased to BPIPL for 30 years, with provision for expansion by an additional 250 hectares.The new terminal is expected to significantly enhance logistic..

Concord Launches India’s First Indigenous Zero-Emission Rail Propulsion

Concord Control Systems (CCSL), a leader in embedded electronics and critical rail technologies, has announced the development of India’s first fully indigenous zero-emission propulsion system, marking a significant step toward the country’s railway electrification and net-zero goals for 2030.Powered by Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) batteries and featuring a DC chopper-based drive, the propulsion system eliminates idling losses common in diesel engines, offering higher efficiency, lower costs, and zero emissions.What sets this innovation apart is its completely indigenous design. Except for..