From the possible threat of sea erosion to the onslaught of cyclones along the Kakinada coast, environmentalists are expressing a series of concerns over the recent relaxation of Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms by the government, while the rights activists are the worried lot about the possible loss of livelihood to the traditional fisherfolk as the relaxation is paving the way for more and more industrialisation along the coast.
"The CRZ came into the picture in the 1970s when Indira Gandhi was Prime Minister. Since then, the norms have been amended 24 times till now reducing the high tide zone from 500 metres to 50 metres," says Tallavajhula Patanjali Sastry, an environmentalist from Rajamahendravaram.
"At a time when developed countries are cleaning the seas by removing hundreds of tonnes of plastic wastes, it is unfortunate that the Indian government paved the way for polluting our seawaters further. Waters in a distance of three km from the coastline in Indian Territory have already been polluted and the current decision will result in multiplication of effluents," he points out.
Suspecting the involvement of corporate forces behind the government’s decision, Mr. Sastry expresses concern over the future generations, who, he says, have to face the consequences of the current decision of the government.
"Relaxation of rules will result in industrialisation along the coast, which, in turn, will have a cascading impact on the health of the Coringa mangroves. Till now, these mangroves protected the coast from cyclones and tsunamis. But, this is not going to be the case in the future, as the very existence of these mangroves will be at question in the advent of industrialisation," observes K. Tulasi Rao, Director of the A.P. State Biodiversity Board and also that of the Global Biodiversity Solutions.
Cost of revival
"Industrialisation along the coast might generate huge revenues. But, how much does it cost to revive the coastal area that gets affected by severe cyclones? The possible loss in the event of one cyclone is much higher than the possible revenue generation from the industries," Mr. Rao says.
Karri Padmasri, State president of Matsyakara Samkshema Samithi, expresses concern over the livelihood of traditional fishermen. "The catch is at its drastic low now. If the number of industries goes up, the chances of fishing will be reduced. A dialogue with the fishermen is the need of the hour, as they too are the stakeholders," she says.
"The government’s focus is more on tourism revenues than the livelihood of the fishermen. Despite opposition from the fisherfolk to the proposed relaxation, the government is going ahead with its plans only to destroy the ecosensitive zones in the name of development," says Rajesh Yedida, secretary of the Human Rights Forum’s State unit.
