6. Conclusion

1) The NEERI EIA and the TFR have not consulted the recent studies on the sedimentation dynamics of the Project Area (Palk Bay).

2) They have totally neglected the number one risk factor in the Project Area, namely Cyclonic disturbances.

3) The EIA has analyzed (albeit partially) the sedimentation dynamics in the Adam’s Bridge area of the Palk Bay only. It has ignored totally, the sedimentation dynamics in other parts of the Bay and especially in the Palk Strait area where the northern leg of the channel is to be dredged.

4) The substratum of the northern leg of the channel is yet to be studied. The study is important as it will reveal the method of excavation (dredging or blasting) for this part of the channel. Knowledge of the nature of the material excavated or dredged is necessary for planning safe disposal strategies.

5) Plans to identify dump sites that will be safe to the environment around and will have the capacity to withstand the harsher realities of the environment are yet to be drawn.

6) Micro area sedimentation studies within the Palk Bay are absolutely necessary for planning a safe and stable channel design, navigation course, dredged dump and auxiliary structures.

7) The EIA and the TFR are incomplete in their content in the above said parameters.

8) The Expert Committee formed by the Ministry of Environment & Forests has cleared the project recently. However, keeping the issue of the honor of our Nation and the future costs of possible failures, the Committee should muster the courage to withdraw its decision of clearing the project.

9) If the MoE&F fails to overcome its departmental ego, the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board should muster all its energies to wean the central ministry from its delusion.

10) Both the MoE&F and TNPCB should direct the Tuticorin Port Trust to withdraw the EIA and TFR as they are incomplete in their content in the above said parameters.

11) They should request the Central and the State Governments to direct and encourage the institutions (like NIO, NIOT, IMD, GSI, Anna University, Institute of Atmospheric Sciences) involved in basic researches to take up studies that would have the capacity to throw more light on the environmental dynamics of the Palk Bay. They should direct the TPT to ask NEERI to come out with a thorough Environmental Impact Assessment and Technical Feasibility Reports in the future.