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Judgment
The matter has been taken up in light of captioned media report to the effect that there are encroachments in Coastal areas in Andhra Pradesh by Aquaculture Farms and other violations of environmental norms by them, including causing of pollution.
The report inter alia mentions encroachment of Kolleru Lake and Buckingham Canal at several locations. It states that electric wires are laid on the ground, putting the workers’ life at risk. Waste from the Aquaculture pond is polluting the fields. Aquaculture farms are operating without permission of the Coastal Aquaculture Authority. Other areas of their operations mentioned are Kolleru area, Nizampatnam area of Guntur District, Prakasam District from Chinnaganjam to Gudluru, Krishna District in Mandavalli Mandalam, several mandals in Guntur District, East Godavari District, Vishakapatnam, West Godavari District and Nellore District.
We find that the media report does not identify any individual violators though it makes allegations of general failure of Governance to check illegalities. We have considered the matter.
In pursuance of judgment of the Hon’ble Supreme Court in S. Jagannath vs. Union of India & Ors., (1997) 2 SCC 87, the Parliament has enacted the Coastal Aquaculture Authority Act, 2005. Functions of the said authority include regulation of operation of Aquaculture Farms in Coastal areas by registration subject to conditions which can then be enforced. There are provisions for registration of persons carrying on Coastal Aquaculture activities and adherence to the norms being overseen by the authorities. Conducting such activities without registration is a punishable offence.
In view of above, we find it appropriate to refer the issue raised in the media report to the Coastal Aquaculture Authority for further appropriate action in accordance with law.
The application is disposed of.
A copy of this order alongwith a copy of the media report be forwarded to the Coastal Aquaculture Authority by e-mail.