KOCHI: With the deadline for submission of proposals on the draft management plan for the implementation of the Coastal Regulation Zone rules coming to an end on the 30th, the norms on housing construction and maintenance are a matter of concern to coastal residents in nine districts. The complaint is strong that the general public did not get the consideration given to tourism in the plan.

The plan was prepared by the National Center for Earth Science Studies for the state government on the basis of the 2019 Coastal Regulation Zone Notification, which includes a map of the areas. Although the plan was published on April 22, the Gram Panchayats have not been able to evaluate it or submit proposals during the Covid time. The law applies to Kasaragod, Kannur, Kozhikode, Malappuram, Thrissur, Ernakulam, Alappuzha, Kollam, Thiruvananthapuram and Vembanad backwaters in Kottayam.

Ambiguity
The main criticism is that the criteria for determining which category of Coastal Regulation Zone rules are not scientific. With an area of ​​more than 2,161 people per square kilometer, it falls into three ecologically important categories, A and B. The conditions for permission to construct a house there are strict. Panchayat presidents say it is unfair to deny the benefit of less than 2,161 people in an area, even on the same coast, on the grounds that there are too many people nearby. Another concern is that there will be barriers to renovating and building new homes for fishermen. Salim, an engineer, said the plan did not specify whether the permit for a house outside 50 meters should be issued by a local body or authority.

Impact
Fishermen's organizations and experts say that if the plan is not amended, it will have repercussions on densely populated coastal areas. The plan applies to seas, lakes, inland waters and rivers. A special map has been prepared for the panchayats falling under sections 3A and 3B of the Coastal Regulation Zone rules. Areas where tourism projects can be implemented have also been mapped.