The Elliot’s beach saga – 12 More news!

Before you read this, do scroll down for the results of the survey done by CSG. It will certainly surprise the Corporation!
Here’s more information on the court order staying the construction of the joggers’ track in Palavakkam.
The court also ordered issuance of notice to the respondents – State Tourism and Environment departments, Union Environment Ministry, State Coastal Zone Management Authority, Kancheepuram District Collector and Palavakkam and Kottivakkam panchayats – asking them to file their reply in two weeks. The case was adjouned for April 16th for further hearing.
According to the petitioner V. Srinivasan of Thiruvanmiyur, the 350 metre ‘track’ was being laid with 100 metre from the High Tide line(HTL) while Kottivakkam, Palavakkam and Neelangarai and other areas on the East Coast were coming under coastal regulation Zone III in which the area upto 200 metres from the HTL has been earmarked as ‘no development zone’.
The Tourism Directorate which is laying the Joggers’ Track, did not also obtain any permission from the Central Government or the State Coastal Zone Management Authority for the work, the petitioner said.
Stating that the particular stretch of beach was known for the growth of flower beds of ”vinca rosea’, a plant used for the treatment of cancer, but the flower beds were uprooted for the work, the petitioner argued that it would be ecologically suicidal to permit such activities on the beach front itself. Further this sort of work would lead to the shrinking of the beach and prevent the fishing community from drying their nets and parking their boats.
News from City Express dated 30th March 2007.