NGT Halts Visakhapatnam Ship Conversion Project Pending Coastal Clearances

The National Green Tribunal's southern bench directed on February 25, 2026 that no construction, stabilisation or tourism activities may proceed on the grounded vessel MV MAA at Visakhapatnam until all statutory approvals are obtained, as the site falls within a CRZ-IB ecologically sensitive intertidal zone where neither CRZ clearance nor forest clearance has been granted. The Andhra Pradesh Coastal Zone Management Authority has not granted clearance and requires expert assessments of structural, coastal and wastewater impacts before any approval.

The NGT bench of Justice Pushpa Sathyanarayana had taken suo moto cognisance of a 2023 news item about the proposal to convert the grounded ship into a tourist attraction with structural stabilisation, steel supports, pathways and a restaurant. The court noted the proposal falls in CRZ-IB and CRZ-II zones, requiring scrutiny of sewage treatment plant adequacy during cyclones, effects on sediment transport and coastal geomorphology, and food waste management. The forest department must process a 0.55-hectare forest land diversion proposal in accordance with statutory provisions while considering alternative access routes.

On methane emissions, Rajasthan submitted a report to NGT detailing measures at solid waste dumpsites in Chirawa, Jhunjhunu and Taranagar, Churu identified as methane hotspots by IIRS/ISRO. The Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board conducted detailed inspections in June 2024. Around 68,951 metric tonnes of legacy waste are present at the Chirawa dumpsite, with bio-mining commenced in May 2024 and targeted for completion by July 2025. Show cause notices were issued to both Nagar Palikas in July 2024 for absence of methane gas detectors, inadequate air monitoring and non-compliance with SWM Rules 2016.

Municipal Corporation Faridabad reported to NGT on February 25, 2026 that mismanagement complaints at the Sector 21-A waste transfer station have been addressed through completion of an RCC boundary wall, engagement of SVN Associates for waste transportation, enhanced lighting and strict enforcement against littering. The corporation has deployed dedicated monitoring personnel and imposed penalties of Rs 5,000 to Rs 50,000 for littering. In compliance with an NGT order from October 30, 2025, Faridabad Municipal Corporation has also submitted a demand draft of Rs 1 lakh as ordered environmental compensation.

Key figure — 68,951 metric tonnes of legacy waste at Chirawa dumpsite in Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan