ENVIRONMENT-NOTIFICATION 2LST

The new notification stated that there should be clear
procedures for obtaining CRZ approval with time-lines
stipulated along with post-clearance monitoring and
enforcement mechanisms.
"Water area upto 12 nautical miles in the sea and the
entire water area of a tidal water body such as creek, river,
estuary, etc would now be included in the CRZ areas, without
imposing any restrictions on fishing activities," it said.
According to the notification, "The concept of a
Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP), to be prepared with the
fullest involvement and participation of local communities,
has been introduced."
"The concept of a hazard line to be demarcated over
the next five years has been introduced to protect life and
property of local communities and infrastructure along coastal
areas," it said.
It has also put in place measures to combat pollution
in coastal areas/coastal waters.
"The shorelines would be mapped through time-series
satellite images with no foreshore development being
permissible in high-eroding areas."
The notification also stated that the "no development
zone" is being reduced from 200 metres from the high-tide line
to 100 metres only to meet increased demands of housing of
fishing and other traditional coastal communities.
Jairam Ramesh said he held public consultations on the
new CRZ Notification in Goa, Mumbai, Kochi, Chennai and Puri.
"In addition, I have had five rounds of discussions
with fishermen associations from across the country," he said.
Admitting that a notification does provide
considerable flexibility to the Executive, the Minister said,
"I do acknowledge and appreciate that a law passed by
Parliament will enhance public confidence and trust that
amendments are introduced after adequate debate and
discussion."
He said he has reassured the fishermen associations
that he was personally in favour of such a move and that he
would attempt to take it forward. PTI