The Hindu

Mangalore, Mar 8: The probe, ordered by the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF), into the complaints against the Mangalore Special Economic Zone (MSEZ), may have some positive impact on the ecologically sensitive mangroves of the region. It has been recommended to the Ministry that Coastal Regulatory Zone (CRZ) be demarcated afresh to protect the mangrove areas.

The technical sub-committee constituted by the Ministry has brought to light the violations of CRZ.

The findings of the sub-committee were discussed at a recent meeting of another committee of experts. Subsequently, it was recommended to the Ministry that the MSEZ be restrained from going ahead with phase II of the project.

The minutes of this meeting, which was made available on the website of the Ministry, stated: “The Regional Director of Coastal Regulation Zone, Government of Karnataka, showed certain areas in the CRZ close to Mangalore Port, abutting Jokatte Railway crossing. The mangrove areas are being filled up for reclamation.”

The sub-committee has noted that the MoEF had given a direction under section 5 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 on Dec. 13, 2007 for one such site. However, it said, that no action taken report had been provided by the Karnataka State Coastal Zone Management Authority.

The committee found that “there are a few other locations where such reclamations are going on” and that “the Regional Director informed that he has issued necessary direction to the violators.”

The committee has said that the reclaimed mangrove should be brought back to its original shape and steps be taken to conserve it. It sought the Ministry’s intervention in the matter and cautioned that other mangrove areas might be destroyed if urgent measures are not taken.