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New Indian Express
31-07-2025
- General
- New Indian Express
Four more wetlands in Kerala move a step closer to Ramsar tag
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In a major boost to wetland conservation efforts in Kerala, four ecologically significant wetlands -- Vellayani and Akkulam-Veli in Thiruvananthapuram, Kottooli in Kozhikode, and the Kattampally-Valapattanam-Kuppam wetland complex in Kannur -- have moved a step closer to securing the Ramsar site status. The draft Ramsar Information Sheets (RIS) for these wetlands have been prepared by the State Wetland Authority Kerala (SWAK) and will be submitted to the Union ministry of environment, forests and climate change (MoEF&CC) soon. Once approved, these wetlands will be included in the prestigious Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance, which currently includes 75 sites from India -- the highest number among Asian countries. Environment department director Suneel Pamidi told TNIE that getting the Ramsar site status will help the state make a more focused effort to conserve these sites. 'It's an international recognition and the status will help get international funding for conservation efforts. SWAK will send the proposal to the Union government which will then submit it to the Ramsar Secretariat. These sites will get the status once the Ramsar Secretariat approves it,' Pamidi said. He said the process is going to be lengthy. 'We selected these sites which meet all the criteria designed by Ramsar. These are unique wetlands with rich diversity and important species of flora and fauna, birds and significant fish resources,' he said. SWAK is expected to approve the proposal in the next meeting to be held in August. Currently, Kerala has three Ramsar Sites -- Ashtamudi, Sasthamkotta and Vembanad Kol. An official with SWAK said the action plans for these sites have already been set in motion and are being executed with the participation of the local community, NGOs, and multiple stakeholders including local bodies.
Time of India
17-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
KCZMA ‘restriction' causes concern among residents over property ownership and transfer rights
Kochi: The Kerala Coastal Zone Management Authority's (KCZMA) decision that buildings should not be sold or transferred to non-traditional coastal communities has drawn apprehension among the coastal residents, as it affects those looking for joint ventures and other activities. According to the pre-condition put forth by KCZMA for giving CRZ-2019 clearance for construction in these zones, the building should not be sold or transferred to non-traditional coastal communities. For residents obtaining a building permit for residential construction, it states that it should not be used for any commercial activity. The purpose of construction should not be altered under any circumstances, and it should have a proper septic tank. The secretary of the panchayat should furnish a compliance report to the above effect in due course, ensuring that all conditions are mentioned. If any violation is noticed, the panchayat secretary will be held accountable. Ernakulam MP, Hibi Eden, in a communication to the KCZMA member secretary, Suneel Pamidi, said the restrictive condition stating that "the building should not be sold or transferred to non-traditional coastal communities" is causing considerable difficulties for applicants and property owners. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like We Have No Words For Dog The Bounty Hunter's Transformation Life Style Chatter Undo "The term 'non-traditional coastal community' lacks clarity and creates confusion in interpretation. More importantly, this condition may lead to the denial of loans from financial institutions when applicants attempt to use such property as collateral for purposes like higher education, medical expenses, or overseas studies of their children. The uncertainty around future ownership and transfer rights adversely impacts the value and usability of such properties," he said. Eden stated that when a restriction is placed on transferring the ownership of the building, it effectively obstructs the transfer of the land on which the building stands. This disproportionately affects residents in CRZ areas who are already vulnerable due to sea erosion and loss of land to water bodies. Imposing such limitations on land they lawfully own is neither reasonable nor justifiable. He said the clause should be withdrawn and steps should be taken to expedite the processing of building permit applications in CRZ areas. If needed, a special adaalat may be conducted to address long-pending applications, ensuring timely relief to affected residents.
