Latest news with #CRZNotification
Time of India
a day ago
- General
- Time of India
NCSCM confirms only 50m Coastal Regulation Zone buffer applies to Palk Bay coastline
's National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management (NCSCM) confirmed that only a 50-metre Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) buffer applies to the Palk Bay coastline—not 500 metres as claimed by a petitioner. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now This means that development controls along the coastline could ease significantly. Petitioner Arul Raj, a Ramanathapuram resident, sought directions to quash draft CZMP map numbers TN 44 to 60, arguing that Palk Bay was part of the sea and should therefore be subjected to a 500-metre CRZ as per the 2019 Notification. Filed before the National Green Tribunal (NGT), NCSCM's submission draws on the CRZ Notification, 2019, and official hydrographic charts to classify Palk Bay as a tidal-influenced water body. Under the notification, such water bodies attract only a 50m buffer from the High Tide Line (HTL), not the broader 500m applicable to open sea stretches. This interpretation reaffirms that only a smaller stretch of coastal land is subject to regulation, potentially opening up more area in Ramanathapuram and Pudukkottai districts for fishing infrastructure, tourism, and livelihood-based development. "While it could unlock economic opportunities along the southern coast, it also raises the possibility of increased ecological pressure in the absence of proper safeguards," said B Raja, an environmental activist. Following the Tribunal's direction, NCSCM conducted ground-truthing on March 15, 2025, across 20 coastal sites from Rameswaram to Manamelkudi. Scientists used handheld GPS devices to verify the presence of mangroves, salt marshes, and fisheries-related structures depicted in the draft CZMP maps. The petitioner based his claim on light blue shading in the draft maps, interpreting it as a 500-metre CRZ zone. NCSCM clarified that the colour was a draft-level visual error—not a legal demarcation. It added that the maps would be corrected if such errors were pointed out during public consultations. The Tribunal is scheduled to hear the matter on July 17. Email your feedback with name and address to MSID:: 121937674 413 |
Time of India
4 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Plan for new reservoir hits clearance hurdle
Chennai: Plans for Chennai's sixth reservoir near Thiruporur encountered a regulatory roadblock, delaying its execution. A state expert committee returned the proposal submitted by water resources department (WRD), asking the department to seek clearance under coastal regulatory zone (CRZ) rules instead of continuing with an application for environmental clearance. At a recent meeting, the state expert appraisal committee (SEAC) reviewed WRD's request to form a 4,375-acre reservoir in Kovalam sub-basin, located between ECR and Old Mahabalipuram Road. The 471-crore project aims to store up to 2.25 tmcft of water annually, helping to augment Chennai's drinking water supply. However, SEAC clarified that since the project does not involve major river valley development, hydroelectric generation or any tunnelling or mining, it does not require environmental clearance under the usual norms. Instead, it falls within the scope of CRZ due to its proximity to the coast. The committee directed the WRD to place the proposal before the Coastal Zone Management Authority for further evaluation, as mandated under CRZ Notification, 2011. The committee also raised concerns about untreated wastewater from nearby villages flowing into the reservoir via natural drains.
The Hindu
27-05-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Construction of unauthorised wall halted amid intensifying sea erosion in Kanathur
For years, the coastal village of Kanathur Reddykuppam, along the East Coast Road, has been gradually disappearing due to sea erosion, which has been steadily encroaching upon the coastal commons. With no designated area for mooring, local fishermen resorted to parking their boats on a vacant plot of land by the shoreline. In recent weeks, the erosion has worsened significantly. Meanwhile, the owner of the vacant land, a private individual, began constructing a compound wall. This unauthorised wall, erected just 10 metres from the sea, raised concern among residents, as it encroached upon the very space used by fishermen for years. Responding to complaints from the local community, officials from the Chengalpattu district, including the Tahsildar and other revenue officials, recently inspected the site and ordered a halt to the construction, which had taken place without necessary approvals. The wall had been built within an area classified as 'No Development Zone' as per the CRZ Notification, 2011. Ezhumalai, a fisherman from the area, said the land had remained unused for nearly two decades and served as a vital space for parking boats. 'Just over a month ago, someone suddenly began building a compound wall,' he said. Following community objections, district authorities intervened, halting further development. However, residents say the deeper issue remains unresolved. Fishermen are now calling for a permanent solution to the worsening erosion. 'Without a breakwater, it will be difficult to carry on,' Mr. Ezhumalai said. Rahul Nadh, Member Secretary of the Tamil Nadu State Coastal Zone Management Authority (TNSCZMA), confirmed that permission could not be granted for any hard structure at this time, as a case related to the matter is currently pending before the southern bench of the National Green Tribunal.
