Proposed Wind Farm at Dhanushkodi

The establishment of a 50-MW demonstration wind farm in Dhanushkodi, Rameswaram taluk, has generated concerns about ecological impacts on the coastal ecosystem and the Greater Flamingo Sanctuary.

Project Overview

• Proposed by the National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE) under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.
• The project involves setting up four wind turbines and a jetty for logistics and research.
• Dhanushkodi site is classified under Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) categories IB, II, and IVA.
• Identified as a test location for offshore wind energy research under India’s 2015 Offshore Wind Energy Policy.

Local Concerns

• Environmentalists and residents worry about impacts on fragile coastal ecosystems and bird populations.
• The site overlaps with fish breeding areas and turtle nesting grounds.
• Proximity to wetlands frequented by migratory birds, especially flamingos between December and March.
• Potential disturbance to marine life and fishing community livelihoods.

Recommendations and Actions

• District forest officials emphasized the need for a detailed Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).
• Assessment should cover seagrass beds, coral reefs, sea horses, and underwater noise levels.
• Environmentalists urged reconsideration of CRZ clearance to protect the sanctuary.

Regulatory Actions

• The DCZMA forwarded the proposal to the State Coastal Zone Management Authority under the CRZ Notification, 2011.
• Conditions include a detailed EIA, protection of marine breeding areas, and prior clearance from the Tamil Nadu Maritime Board.
• The Tamil Nadu State Coastal Zone Management Authority seeks additional inputs and will evaluate environmental and social implications before any clearance.