Draft CRZ norms harmfulto coastal ecology: experts

Say new regulations will promote commercialisation

Marine scientists, biodiversity experts and stakeholders of the fisheries sector have voiced concern over the draft Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) notification 2018 issued by the Central government and its impact on the coastal communities and ecosystems.

A consultative meeting organised by the Centre for Sustainable Environment - India Biodiversity Action (CSEIBA), a newly-formed think tank comprising experts from various sectors, said the proposed overhaul of the coastal zone regulations would promote commercialisation in the most protected zones instead of the mandated conservation, endangering the fragile coastal environment.

Participants at the meeting said the move to reduce the No Development Zone (NDZ) from 200 m to 50 m for the thickly populated CRZ-3 zones and permit construction of houses up to 50 m from the High Tide Line would lead to a rash of buildings along the coast and expose coastal communities to the fury of coastal hazards.

The meeting observed that permitting ecotourism activities such as mangrove walks and construction of tree huts would lead to the destruction of the fragile coastal ecosystem.

It pointed out that the move to permit temporary tourist facilities on the landward side of highways in the NDZ could also harm the ecosystem and disturb the peace and harmony of local residents.

Speakers, however, felt that temporary holdings required for sustainable beach tourism could be allowed to support the livelihood of local people.

They stoutly opposed any move to permit reclamation in CRZ areas.

The meeting stressed the need for States and Union Territories to prepare or update their respective coastal zone management plan (CZMP) by engaging experienced agencies and in partnership with local communities.

It expressed reservations over the proposal to notify the National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management (NCSCM) as the sole authority for demarcation of the High Tide Line.

The participants urged the State governments to constitute district-level committees chaired by the District Magistrate or district panchayat president to enforce the CRZ norms.

Former chairman of Kerala State Biodiversity Board Oommen V. Oommen and member secretary K.P. Laladhas and former Director of National Centre for Earth Science Studies N.P. Kurian led the deliberations.