New Delhi,21 May:The draft of the Coastal Management Zone has been finalized and the Ministry of Environment & Forests invites public suggestions and objections in accordance with Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. The draft was issued on 9th May, 2008. Within a period of 60 days from the date of issue of this Notification suggestions and objections will be accepted.The objectives of this Notification is protection and sustainable development of this coastal stretches and marine environment through sustainable coastal zone management practices based on sound scientific principles taking into account the vulnerabilities of the coast to natural hazards, sustainable livelihood security for local communities, and conservation of ecologically and culturally significant coastal resources.
The CMZ area is classified as CMZ-I which is ecologically sensitive area, CMZ-II areas of particular concern, CMZ-III open areas including the coastal waters upto territorial limits and CMZ-IV islands of Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, offshore islands and islands in coastal backwaters.
For the purpose of management, the CMZ-I areas would be mapped, notified by the Central Government and managed through Integrated Coastal Zone Management Plans. The CMZ-II area which includes coastal municipalities/corporations, coastal panchayats with population density more than 400 persons per sq km, ports and harbours, tourism areas, airports etc., will be managed through Integrated Coastal Zone Management Plans. In the CMZ-III areas, the activities will be regulated on the seaward side of the setback line, while, developments on the landward side of the setback line can be undertaken as per local town and country planning regulations. In the areas classified as CMZ-IV, the management would be through Integrated Coastal Zone Management Plans.
The existing dwelling units and other infrastructures already existing on the seaward side of the setback line will not be disturbed. Further, no activities relating to fishing by traditional community shall be disturbed.
For the purpose of regulating the activities in the CMZ area a setback line on the landward side in the CMZ area would be demarcated based on vulnerability of the coast to natural and manmade hazards. The mapping of the setback line in the CMZ-I, II and III will be demarcated taking into account the parameters such as elevation, Geomorphology, sea level trends and horizontal shoreline displacement.
The implementation and enforcement of the notification shall be by the National and State/Union territory Coastal Zone Management Authorities. A National Board for Sustainable Coastal Zone Management shall be set up to provide policy advice to the Central Government on the matters related to Coastal Zone Management.
A National Institute for Sustainable Coastal Zone Management (NISCZM) shall be set up for assisting the Central Government and the State Governments to prepare the Integrated Coastal Zone Management Plans.
Further, the Ministry for the purpose of implementing the recommendations of the Prof. M. S. Swaminathan Committee has initiated a project with the assistance of the World Bank for demarcation of the setback line, capacity building and institutional development, preparation of Integrated Coastal Zone Management Plans for identified stretches in the State of Orissa, West Bengal and Gujarat.
Earlier the Ministry issued the Coastal Regulation Zone Notification, 1991 under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 to protect and conserve the Coastal Environment in the country. After receiving representations from diverse interest groups pointing out the inadequacies of the notification from the point of conservation and sustainable livelihoods, initiative was taken to review all Environmental Regulatory Systems under the Chairmanship of Prof. M.S. Swaminathan in July, 2004 to review the existing CRZ notification. The terms of reference of this expert committee included:
a) To review the reports of various Committees appointed by the Ministry of Environment and Forests on coastal zone management, consider international practices, and suggest the scientific principles for an integrated coastal zone management best suited for the country;
b) To define and enlist various coastal and marine resources and recommend the methodology for their identification and the extent of safeguards required for conservation and protection;
c) To revisit the CRZ, Notification, 1991 in the light of above and recommend necessary amendments to make the regulatory framework consistent with recommendations on (a) and (b) above and the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
The Expert Committee submitted its report to the Ministry in February, 2005 containing specific recommendations to build on the strengths of existing regulations and institutional structures and fill gaps for conservation and improving the management by enhancing the living and non-living resources of the Coastal zones by ensuring protection to Coastal population and structures from risk of inundation from extreme weather and geographical events; and by ensuring that the livelihood security of the coastal population is strengthened. After discussion with States, Union Territories, Environment Departments, NGOs etc. The draft of CRZ Notification was prepared and published.