Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (SP)
Mangalore, Jun 29: Addressing a workshop on CMZ Notification - 2008 and Registration, Evaluation and the Chemicals Certification Implementation Act held at Hotel Taj Manjarun in the city on Saturday June 28, chairman of the State Environment Effect Evaluation Authority and NITK professor Prof Sriniketan said, that there have been a lot of confusions among the officials with regard to the implementation of various laws. Therefore, clearer guidelines and greater clarity on other aspects of the Coastal Management Zone (CMZ) Act which is being newly brought about are necessary, he argued.
The Coastal Conservation Act of 1986 was later renamed as Coastal Regulatory Zone (CRZ) Act in 1991. This act has gone through 27 ammendments so far. In the name of stabilized development of the coastal region, new notification has been introduced, replacing the earlier act, he said.
The entrepreneurs, fishermen and officials need to send their opinions about the act to the union environment and forest ministry before July 8, towards ensuring that the CMZ is introduced as an integrated and scientifically drafted law. As laws like these are sensitive in nature, it would be better to conduct study from the lower micro level upwards rather than being imposed directly by the top officials, he felt. It would be prudent to implement the law only after collecting opinions, suggestions and conducting detailed studies on them, he felt.
Regional director of the Environment Pollution Control Board J N Patil addressed the gathering. Federation of Indian Industries environment law department head K P Nyayati welcomed and presented the programme. District Environment Pollution Control Board officer Ramesh Kumar proposed vote of thanks.
As per the CRZ which was in force, sea coast was regulated up to 500 metres from the tidal point of the sea. This will see an extension but it would take at least a few years more to decide on the actual border point because differences of opinions exist among experts on this issue. The buildings standing currently within this boundary will be allowed to exist but no repair works can perhaps be conducted, Nyayati opined.
Udupi district deputy commissioner P Hemalata in her address said that the three coastal districts of the state are facing scarcity of land. Because of the CRZ Act, investors are not coming forth for investing in tourism or other industries. Hence, before enacting the law, along with protection of the sea cost, development issues should also be taken into account, she insisted.