A proposed offshore wind research project in Dhanushkodi has triggered widespread concern among fishing communities and environmental groups, who warn that the initiative could harm marine habitats and disrupt local livelihoods.
Representatives from coastal fishing associations said the installation of turbines and related infrastructure in the region could disturb breeding areas of fish, turtles and migratory birds. They also pointed to a pending case before the National Green Tribunal (NGT) regarding the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) map, urging authorities to delay any approval until the legal process is complete.
SP Rayappan, a member of the District Coastal Zone Management Authority (DCZMA), cautioned that the project may threaten turtle nesting sites and migratory routes used by flamingos and milkfish. He noted that an earlier wind project in Thangachimadam failed, adding that Dhanushkodi should remain a preserved coastal landscape rather than be industrialised.
Officials from the District Forest Office echoed these concerns, stating that Dhanushkodi is a declared wetland frequented by flamingos between December and March, indicating high ecological value.
In response, an official from the National Institute of Wind Energy (NIWE) said the project is research-oriented and designed to minimise environmental disturbance. The institute assured that turbine noise levels would remain below 50 decibels beyond 500 metres, and measures such as bird diverters and bubble curtains would be used to reduce collision risks and underwater noise.
NIWE has committed to conducting detailed studies on seagrass beds, coral reefs, seahorses and marine sound levels as part of a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment. A ₹62 lakh Environmental Management Plan has also been proposed to continuously monitor water quality and biodiversity.
After multiple rounds of review, the District Coastal Zone Management Authority recommended forwarding the proposal to the Tamil Nadu State Coastal Zone Management Authority under CRZ guidelines for non-conventional energy projects. However, the recommendation includes 13 conditions aimed at protecting coastal ecology. These include prohibitions on disturbing sand dunes and fish spawning grounds, mandatory updated EIAs, and separate clearances for jetty construction. The project must also ensure safe passage for fishing vessels and marine patrol operations.
Environmental activist K. Saravanan has called for the withdrawal of the CRZ application, arguing that wind farms near the Greater Flamingo Sanctuary would pose collision risks and disrupt migratory bird patterns, citing studies from Gujarat and Karnataka.
State authorities said further technical details have been sought from the Ramanathapuram district administration. Final appraisal will take place only after a full ecological and social impact review is completed.