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.

Technology

29 Jul 2026

AI-Enabled Workflows Lift Profitability and Productivity

Organisations modernising frontline workflows with artificial intelligence, automation and real-time data are reporting stronger financial performance, higher productivity and improved employee engagement, according to a global study by Zebra Technologies and Oxford Economics.The research covered 1,000 senior leaders across retail, manufacturing, transportation and logistics in the US, Mexico, the UK, Germany, India, Japan, Australia and New Zealand.In transportation and logistics, 54 per cent of companies that improved picking and packing operations reported faster operational performance, wh..

India Leads Global AI Readiness but Implementation Lags

Indian companies lead global averages across all eight artificial intelligence readiness indicators tracked by JLL, but only 19 per cent have started making changes to their workplaces, according to the JLL 2026 Future of Work Survey.The study found that 77 per cent of Indian business leaders expect AI to change their office requirements, creating a 58-percentage-point gap between awareness and implementation. The survey covered more than 2,200 CEOs, CFOs and real estate leaders across 21 countries during the first quarter of 2026.Despite concerns over automation, 58 per cent of Indian leaders..

Three WOLFF Cranes Build Riyadh Cable-Stayed Bridges

Three WOLFF 180 B luffing jib cranes are supporting the construction of two cable-stayed bridges alongside the existing Wadi Laban Bridge in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The project is being developed for the Royal Commission for Riyadh City and executed by the ICRC joint venture comprising IC Ictas and Al Rashid Trading & Contracting Company.The cranes are handling lifting operations including formwork, reinforcement, concrete placement, work platforms, surveying equipment and other construction materials. Each crane is fitted with a 40 m jib, reaches a hook height of 157 m and offers a maximum ..