Chennai: Madras high court has constituted a three-member expert committee to assess shrimp farming activities in the Udayamarthandapuram–Thillaivilagam area in Tiruvarur district. The committee was tasked to examine whether the farms are operating with valid licences, whether licence conditions are followed, and whether chemicals, antibiotics, or harmful methods are used. The panel will ascertain whether shrimp farming is environmentally permissible in these ecologically sensitive areas. Justice D Bharatha Chakravarthy passed the order on a contempt plea moved by B Yoganathan. The petition alleged that despite court directions, the authorities failed to act against illegal shrimp farms. Directing the committee to complete the exercise in three months and submit report on or before June 11, the court adjourned the hearing to June 12. TNN
