The activists are in fact demanding that the buffer zone for mangroves be restored to 500 mt as per the CRZ notification of 1991
Environment activists warn of dire ecological and environmental consequences if the new provisions for buffer zone limit around mangroves in the draft Coastal Regulation Zone Notification (CRZ) of 2018 are implemented.
"Under the draft notification, the buffer zone has been reduced from 100 mt to a mere 50 mt. This will have an adverse impact on the ecology, environment and livelihood of the locals there," said Mahesh Pandya of Paryavaran Mitra.
The activists are in fact demanding that the buffer zone for mangroves be restored to 500 mt as per the CRZ notification of 1991. "The 500-mt buffer zone was reduced to 100 mt and, now, it has further been reduced to 50 mt. It has been done to allow for development activities, most of which will benefit the industries," said Pandya.
Nikita Sonawane, a researcher with Centre for Social Justice, said several other changes introduced in the 2018 draft notification were a matter of concern. "The areas that are classified as CRZ-1 include ecologically sensitive area and as per the current laws are off-limits for any activity (industrial or tourism). But the draft notifications provide for nature trails and eco-tourism activities in such zones," said Sonawane.
She added that the earlier rules stated that areas classified as CRZ-3 were no development zones. But now it has been bifurcated into 3A and 3B and the no development zone rule does not apply to ports and areas that are close to highways are allowed to have temporary tourism facilities.
She said many of the development activities permitted under the draft notification will end up hurting the livelihood of communities who are dependent on the coast for their living.
She also added that there was a need to carry out a consultative process with communities who live in and around coastal areas before such notifications are issued.
Ramesh Bariya, a fisherman from Bhavnagar said that the destruction of mangroves and dumping of industrial waste in the sea had already affected the catch. "Many species of fish are no more available. The catch is on the decline. Mangroves are the ideal place where fish come to lay eggs, if that is destroyed in the name of development, the fish production will dip further," said Bariya.
OTHER DEMANDS
- Make a report of the Shailesh Nayak committee and concerns submitted by state govt’s public
- Areas that have been identified as critically vulnerable coastal areas should be specifically mentioned
- Untreated industrial and domestic effluents should not be disposed of in coastal waters
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