Wait is finally over. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change on Friday has approved the Coastal Zone Management Plans (CZMPs) for the five coastal districts in Maharashtra including Raigad, Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Thane and Palghar subject to certain conditions.
The ministry’s nod came after the National Coastal Zone Management Authority (NCZMA) had made recommendations at its 46th meeting held on August 1. NCZMA has recommended CZMPs of these drive districts for the MoEFCC’s approval as per CRZ-Notification 2019.
NCZMA further decided that a proper shoreline management plan shall need to be prepared before any hard infrastructures are constructed in high eroding areas. In addition, NCZMA also decided that the activities/projects prohibited in the notified Eco Sensitive Zones (ESZs) falling within the approvals of CZMPs, if any, shall remain prohibited in the area. The ministry has given its clearance reiterating that the NCZMA’s decisions with regard to proper shoreline management and prohibition of activities in the ESZs would be strictly followed.
According to the ministry, all proposals in Raigad, Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg, Thane and Palghar districts received henceforth for CRZ clearance shall be considered as per CRZ Notification, 2019 only. However, pending proposals under CRZ Notification, 2011, if any, may be considered at the discretion of Project Proponent.
In view of the ministry’s approval, as per the CZMP, local bodies can allow construction of residential units up to 300 square metre. Furthermore, old houses can be regularised.
With restriction on development reduced to 50 meters from 100 meters, developmental activities for locals, especially for fisherfolk, can be undertaken. Besides, temporary construction of shacks, toilets, and sitting arrangements can now be permitted under the approved CZMP. Image Credit: MoEFCC
