Coastal Zone Management and Regulations
Current
Responding to widespread demands from fishing communities and environmental groups, MoEF allowed the controversial Draft CMZ Notification 2008 to lapse. Soon after, Indian Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh held nationwide public consultations with the intent of producing coastal regulation laws that were stringent against violators, community friendly and progressive in meeting emerging challenges of climate change. Thousands travelled great distances to participate in these consultations, and hoped that the Minister would keep his promise of genuine reform.
On 8th February 2010 Jairam Ramesh concluded the last consultation in Cochin. The report of the consultation clearly acknowledges ESG's key demands that reform of coastal laws should not resort to issuing Notifications that are easily amended under pressure once more. Instead a progressive independent Act must be initiated to oversee the regulations of coastal development keeping primary the interests and traditional rights of fisher people and conservation of coastal ecosystems.
Within days of releasing the Consultation reports, MoEF has now proposed to comprehensively dismantle the existing Coastal Regulation Zone Notification and replace it with two separate Notifications: one for islands and the other for mainland coastal areas. These Notifications actively promote opening up our coastline for establishing SEZs, tourism projects, nuclear power plants, amongst other socially and environmentally destructive projects.
ESG has strongly criticised such regressive legislative proposals in a representation to Jairam Ramesh.
ESG is an independent not-for-profit organisation that promotes the cause of environmental and social justice through research, documentation, advocacy, training and campaign support. We aim to support the rights of local communities and voiceless ecosystems in a responsible, progressive manner that keeps contextual complexities in mind.