The NGT says large-scale gatherings at beaches continue to result in extensive littering.
| Photo Credit: RAGHUNATHAN SR
The southern bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed local bodies across Tamil Nadu to impose fines on those littering beaches, prepare mandatory pre-event environmental management plans for high-footfall gatherings, and publicly disclose data on waste generation and disposal at major public events.Disposing of a case initiated suo motu based on news reports on garbage accumulation along Chennai’s beaches, particularly Marina and Elliot’s beaches during Kaanum Pongal, the Tribunal said large-scale gatherings at beaches during festivals and holidays continued to result in extensive littering and environmental degradation.Behavioural changeThe bench, comprising Justice Pushpa Sathyanarayana and expert member Prashant Gargava, said that while authorities had undertaken awareness campaigns, installed waste bins, and strengthened cleaning operations, the issue could not be resolved through government action alone. It required behavioural change among the public.The bench directed the Department of Rural Development and urban local bodies to prepare and implement pre-event environmental management plans for high-footfall events, ensure strict enforcement against littering through fines, and strengthen monitoring and compliance mechanisms.It also asked local bodies to regulate vending during mass gatherings and maintain periodic public disclosures on waste generation, collection, and processing.Noting that beaches are ecologically sensitive habitats, particularly during the sea turtle nesting and hatching season from January to May, the NGT directed coastal local bodies to implement protective measures for marine ecology and safeguard sensitive zones.The bench also stressed strict implementation of the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026, and said mass gatherings near coastal areas and waterbodies should be managed through structured planning, proper waste management, vendor regulation, and continuous monitoring to minimise environmental impacts. Published - June 12, 2026 12:57 am IST
