Greenbelt Design and Development Plan for Coastal Energen

Terracon Ecotech’s project with Coastal Energen Pvt Ltd in Tuticorin aimed to enhance urban air quality through strategic green belt development. (Now acquired by ADANI Power)

Service Provided

Green Belt Design

Landscape Design and Development

Sectors

Power

Introduction

Led by Terracon Ecotech, the project unfolded over three months, from February 2010 to April 2010, in the coastal town of Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu. Coastal Energen Pvt Ltd served as the client for this initiative, which centered around the growing concept of ‘green belts’ to enhance urban air quality through meticulous tree selection, reaffirming the intrinsic value of greenery in pollution mitigation.

Project Description

Coastal Energen Pvt Ltd, a part of the Coal and Oil Group, is involved in various aspects of energy supplies, including coal trading, mining, shipping, logistics, and power generation. Due to the potential impact of its operations on biodiversity, it was necessary for Coastal Energen to carry out GreenBelt planning. In response to this need, Terracon Ecotech has worked to provide Coastal Energen with a GreenBelt planning strategy aimed at reducing the company’s impact on biodiversity.

A Greenbelt is an open land area encircling an industrial site, acts as a buffer zone between the facility and the surrounding environment. It serves to optimize urban aesthetics, improve air quality, preserve biodiversity, and provide spaces for recreation and environmental education.

Executing this holistic approach, Terracon Ecotech zoned activity areas on existing and proposed land, providing a comprehensive blueprint for the green belt. From recommending specific plant species to ensure the suitability and resilience of vegetation in specific environmental conditions and to fulfilling statutory compliances, the consultancy extended to cost estimations, revenue forecasts, and bid specification document preparation for the 5-year green belt development plan.

We provided detailed drawings for plantation execution, covering specifications for earthwork, drip irrigation design since drip irrigation gives 90% efficient at allowing plants to use the water applied, and piping layout plans. Planting operations guidelines and procedures, including maintenance suggestions, were also submitted.

The project encompassed water budget estimation, resource planning during plantation and maintenance, identification of species sources, and feasibility assessments for establishing a nursery complex. Terracon Ecotech’s innovative solutions aimed not only at improving air quality but also at fostering sustainable green spaces for the local ecosystem and community well-being.

Methodology

In executing this project, our methodology involved a comprehensive zoning of activity areas on both existing and proposed land. We recommended site-specific plant species and quantities aligned with the statutory compliances of the Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF) and the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB). The project also entailed the provision of detailed drawings for plantation execution, specifying earthwork and other essential inputs. Furthermore, we proposed a drip irrigation design and piping layout plan to optimize the effectiveness of the greenbelt. Our comprehensive approach extended to submitting detailed guidelines and procedures for planting operations and maintenance during the designated periods.

Outcome

The outcomes of our efforts resulted in a well-structured ‘Master Plan for Greenbelt Development.’ The project successfully provided the client with valuable insights and recommendations for efficient greenbelt management. Our site-specific plant species and quantity recommendations, in alignment with regulatory standards, ensured the mitigation of air pollution and enhancement of overall air quality. Additionally, the submitted drawings, irrigation design, and maintenance guidelines serve as practical tools for the successful execution and upkeep of the greenbelt.

MoeF accepted the design of 400 trees per hectare against stipulated 1000 trees per hectare in the environment clearance condition.

Several awards in TamilNadu (TPCB website)