Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (RD)

Mangalore, Sep 12: B Janardhan Poojary, member of Rajya Sabha and former president of KPCC has drawn the attention of union government on the adverse effect on the livelihood of poor fishermen who are engaged in fisheries across the coastal areas from the proposed Coastal Management Zone (CMZ).

He has significantly drawn the attention of government during the proceedings held on Monday September 19 that the proposed CMZ instead of Coastal Regulatory Zone (CRZ) introduced during 1991 would allow setting up of Special Economic Zone (SEZ), resorts and mining along the coast. 

Moreover the extension of CMZ till 12 nautical miles from the sea shore would endanger the livelihood of fishermen who were hitherto surviving through fishing since ages as they are forced to change their fishing locations.  

The fishing community has already opposed the fisheries licenses awarded to 110 foreign deep sea vessels to undertake fishing in Indian waters.  Fishermen organizations have urged to legalize 3000 fisheries colonies that lies on the shore, as per the report of Murari Committee, Poojary stated.