PTI 
 
MUMBAI, Jul 7: Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has appealed to south Indian states to unite against the north on the issue of implementing the draft Coastal Management Zone (CMZ).

In an article published in Marathi daily 'Loksatta,' party chief Raj Thackeray said north India has always looked down with contempt upon Maharashtra. If the draft notification of CMZ is implemented, the state's development will be adversely affected.

Thackeray's fresh stand seeking unity of southern states against the north comes after his tirade against north Indians living here.

Considering the apathetic attitude of north Indian leaders towards Maharashtra, Thackeray said, it is necessary for all southern states to join hands for Mumbai's development.

Thackeray said people from the north will head the CRZ or the CMZ. In order to stop this, all southern states need to join hands and start a campaign against CMZ.

Thackeray said Goa and Kerala progressed despite CRZ being in place. But north Indians created hurdles in the development of Maharashtra.

According to Thackeray, higher floor space index (FSI) is used for development of Mumbai. In case the notification is implemented, granting additional FSI would become impossible.

He also pointed out that if Mumbai's civic development is stopped due to CMZ, it would affect the economy of the state and the country.

The CMZ notification seeks protection and sustainable development of coastal stretches and marine environment through sustainable coastal zone management practices.

These are based on sound scientific principles taking into account the vulnerability of the coast to natural hazards, sustainable livelihood, security for local communities and conservation of ecologically and culturally significant coastal resources.