Concern raised over proposed 50-MW wind farm near Greater Flamingo Sanctuary in Dhanushkodi

A proposal to set up a 50 MW demonstration wind farm at Dhanushkodi in Rameswaram taluk has raised concerns from local residents and environmentalists over possible ecological impacts on the fragile coastal ecosystem and the nearby Greater Flamingo Sanctuary.

The project, proposed by the National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE) under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, aims to install four wind turbines with associated facilities and a scaffold for logistics and research. Dhanushkodi field, classified under Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) categories IB, II and IVA, has been identified as a test bed for offshore wind energy research under India’s Offshore Wind Energy Policy 2015.

The proposal was discussed in the 2024 meeting of the Ramanathapuram District Coastal Zone Management Authority (DCZMA). Project representatives explained that the facility is designed as a research and demonstration platform to support the development of offshore wind technology in Indian conditions. They said the project will provide renewable energy to Rameswaram and create local employment opportunities.

However, representatives of the local fishing community, including Nallathambi and Rayappan, raised strong objections during the meeting, saying the project site overlaps with fish breeding grounds and turtle nesting areas and is close to wetlands frequented by migratory birds such as flamingos between December and March. They warned that the proposed piers and turbines could disrupt marine life and affect the livelihoods of fishing communities.

District forest officials also noted that the project report did not take into account turtle nesting areas already notified by the Tamil Nadu government and highlighted concerns about flamingos visiting the area between December and March. They recommended a detailed Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) covering seagrass beds, coral reefs, seahorses and underwater noise levels.

Environmentalist K. Saravanan echoed these concerns in a recent presentation to the Tamil Nadu Coastal Zone Management Authority, warning that the wind farm’s proximity to the Greater Flamingo Sanctuary could pose a risk to bird populations due to collision and habitat degradation. He called for reconsideration of CRZ clearance to protect the sanctuary.

DCZMA had decided to forward the proposal to the State Coastal Zone Management Authority for consideration under the 2011 CRZ Notification, subject to various conditions, including preparation of a detailed EIA, protection of marine breeding areas and prior permission from the Tamil Nadu Maritime Board.

AR Rahul Nadh, Member Secretary, Tamil Nadu State Coastal Zone Management Authority, said that the Authority has sought additional inputs from the Ramanathapuram Collector regarding the project. He stated that the proposal will not be considered until the technical review is completed, adding that all environmental and social impacts will be carefully considered before any approval is obtained.