Proposal to change coastal zone rules faces criticism

Hyderabad: The draft notification proposing changes to the existing coastal regulatory zone (CRZ) rules to allow industrial growth, tourism and real estate along the 7,500-km coastline has come under criticism.

In May, the Union environment ministry had rolled out a proposal to modify CRZ norms. The legislation, if passed, will allow shift of industries to the coastline. The ministry has given time till June 18 for objections.

Experts say this will lead to devastation and will affect the livelihood of fisherfolk and the eco-system.

Dr Subba Rao, former scientist with the Central Groundwater Board, said, “The CRZ earmarked a buffer zone from the coastline for any construction activity. The new draft does not speak of the buffer area.”

He said if industry was allowed, it would “butcher” the Indian coastline eco-system.“A few industries in 1960 had moved from Hyderabad to Vizag. They are releasing untreated effleunts into the Bay of Bengal. There is no evaluation of the impact of the industrial estate on the coastline,” Dr Subba Rao said.

Experts said the proposed regulation will permit activities prohibited so far, favour tourism over coastal livelihood, industries over ecology and biodiversity, promote development by suppressing the fisheries. TS Biodiversity Board member Prof. C. Srinivasulu said, “The bed area of the sea and the tidal influenced water bodies serve as the primary source of livelihood and food security for over 14 million people. The notification allows construction of industries, ports, memorials, monuments etc. This will lead to encroachment of water areas. It will collapse of the small-scale fisheries economy, leading to widespread social disharmony”.

Environmentalist Satyam Raju said, “If the proposal is not dropped, the ministry should define the kind of projects which will be allowed. All polluting industries should be kept out.”