The Union Ministry of Environment has approved the coastal zone management plan submitted by the state. This is the first time in the country that the coastal zone has been exempted. The state prepared the plan based on the Central Coastal Act, 2019 and submitted it to the Centre.

The Coastal Act had hitherto stymied construction activities in most panchayats in coastal regions. With the new reform, 66 panchayats that had restrictions on construction activities were given relief from the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ).

Panchayats with an urban touch are in the CRZ II category. This is a relatively less regulated category. Currently, the control zone is 100 meters for rivers with high salinity. It has been reduced to 50 meters. The limit on beaches has been reduced from 200 meters to 50 meters.

The provisions of CRZ III will apply to 66 panchayats having atomic mineral deposits. This includes Ambalapuzha North, Ambalapuzha South, Chirayinkeezhu, Karumkulam, Kottukal and Venganoor.

The buffer zone requirement has been waived for mangroves on private land. The restrictions from the government are part of efforts to help people from natural disasters. Even people in coastal areas are now aware of the consequences with Wayanad being a recent example.

The Center has not considered the government's demand to transfer 109 urban panchayats in Kerala to CRZ-2, which promises more concessions. Half of these panchayats are likely to get an exemption if the government puts in fair reasons that can pressure the administrative level. The state should continue to strive for this.

Kerala wanted a change in the zone without losing the benefits of the gram panchayat. The Center granted relaxation to 66 panchayats only for the persistent efforts from the state. The severity of the tides of the Arabian Sea, which stretches from south to north of Kerala, is increasing every year. Therefore, the state should try to formulate and implement more projects for coastal protection with the financial assistance of the central government.

The promise of making the coastal road a reality has been running the rounds for years but to no avail. If it becomes a reality, it will open doors for many investments in the tourism sector. If the state provides infrastructure, private investment will come uninvited.

The relaxations in the Coastal Act will help many people's dreams of building houses a reality. At the same time, the Panchayats should be especially careful not to violate the new concessions.