NGT Halts Tourism Project on Stranded MV Maa Cargo Vessel in Visakhapatnam
The National Green Tribunal has suspended a tourism project proposed by the APTDC to convert the grounded cargo ship MV Maa into an attraction. The order mandates necessary environmental and CRZ clearances, amid growing concerns over marine ecosystem impact and structural safety.
Highlights
- •The NGT has halted all tourism development activities involving the stranded cargo vessel MV Maa.
- •The project requires mandatory environmental clearances, including CRZ and forest department approvals.
- •Environmental groups warn of risks to the sensitive intertidal zone and local biodiversity.
- •The APCZMA must now perform detailed inspections and impact assessments before any final decision.
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has officially intervened to halt any development of a proposed tourism project involving a stranded cargo ship. The vessel, identified as the MV Maa from Bangladesh, has been grounded near the popular Tenneti Park beach in Visakhapatnam since 2020. The tribunal's latest directive mandates that no construction, structural installation, or tourism-related activities can proceed until the project secures all necessary statutory clearances.
Legal Hurdles for the MV Maa Tourism Proposal
The AP Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC) had originally envisioned transforming the grounded MV Maa into a unique coastal attraction. However, the NGT has emphasized that obtaining coastal regulation zone (CRZ) and forest clearances is a prerequisite for any such venture. The tribunal initiated these suo motu proceedings in October 2023, following mounting public concern over the potential environmental impact of the project.
The ship first ran aground on October 13, 2020, during adverse weather while at anchorage. Despite multiple attempts to refloat the vessel, it was eventually declared a total loss and moved to its current location near Tenneti Park in December 2021. The APTDC plan to add visitor amenities has faced strong opposition from environmental advocacy groups, who argue that the site is located within the ecologically sensitive CRZ-IB intertidal zone.
Environmental and Structural Concerns
Beyond the regulatory requirements, there are significant ecological risks associated with the presence of the MV Maa. Experts and environmentalists have raised alarms regarding waste management, the impact on coastal processes, and the preservation of biodiversity. This area serves as a critical nursery for various marine species, including sponges, sea cucumbers, and corals. It is also part of a stretch used by Olive Ridley turtles for nesting, and researchers have documented rare marine life such as flatworms and nudibranchs in the immediate vicinity.
Furthermore, structural engineers warn that the long-term exposure to seawater has led to significant corrosion of the MV Maa. While some proponents suggest the ship could offer a unique ocean-view experience, experts point out that maintaining the vessel safely would require rigorous, continuous monitoring. There are also concerns that the ship may eventually require dismantling, regardless of the tourism plans. The NGT has now ordered the Andhra Pradesh Coastal Zone Management Authority (APCZMA) to conduct comprehensive field inspections and rigorous environmental impact assessments. These assessments will play a crucial role in determining whether the project will be permitted to continue or if the vessel must be removed entirely to protect the sensitive coastline.
