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Kerala’s New Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP)
Context:
The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has recently approved the Coastal Zone Management Plans (CZMPs) for 10 coastal districts in Kerala.
- This strategic move aligns with the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification, 2019, aiming to balance development and environmental conservation along Kerala’s extensive coastline.
Approval of Coastal Zone Management Plans (CZMPs)
- Approved Districts:
- Kasaragod
- Kannur
- Kozhikode
- Malappuram
- Thrissur
- Ernakulam
- Kottayam
- Alappuzha
- Kollam
- Thiruvananthapuram
- Alignment with CRZ 2019:
- Permits relaxed CRZ rules.
- Allows development activities including construction towards the seaward side.
Process of CZMP Approval
- State Government Responsibilities:
- Public Disclosure: Make signed copies of approved CZMPs available on the Kerala Coastal Zone Management Authority website within one month.
- CRZ Clearance Applications:
- Post-approval applications will follow CRZ Notification, 2019 guidelines.
- Objective of CRZ:
- Conservation and protection of coastal and marine environments.
- Livelihood security for fisher communities and local populations.
- Sustainable development considering natural hazards and sea-level rise.
Implications for Kerala
- Coastline and Demographics:
- 590 km coastline.
- Nine out of 14 districts on the Arabian Sea coast.
- Population Density: 859 persons/sq km (2011 Census), more than double the national average (382 persons/sq km).
- CRZ Coverage:
- Five corporations
- 36 municipalities
- 245 grama panchayats under CRZ regime.
- Challenges Addressed:
- High demographic pressure leading to CRZ violations.
- Illegal reclamation of wetlands and encroachments.
- Unauthorised constructions threatening coastal ecosystems and fisher livelihoods.
Benefits of the New CZMP
- Population Impact:
- Benefits approximately 10 lakh people by relaxing construction restrictions.
- No Development Zone (NDZ) Reduction:
- NDZ reduced to 50 metres from 100 metres in 122 local bodies.
- 37 village panchayats classified as CRZ-III A with NDZ at 50 metres.
- CRZ-2 Category Expansion:
- 66 village panchayats included in CRZ-2.
- Permits residential and commercial construction along authorised structures.
- Total NDZ Area Reduction:
- From 239.431 sq. km (CRZ 2011) to 108.397 sq. km (CRZ 2019).
Concerns with the New CZMP
- Impact on Mangroves:
- Mangrove buffer zones reduced from 4,300 hectares to 2,500 hectares.
- Private holdings no longer require mandatory buffer zones.
- Risk of mangrove exploitation and ecosystem degradation.
- Environmental Risks:
- Destruction of coastal ecosystems.
- Loss of biodiversity and environmental services (e.g., storm protection, carbon sequestration).
- Increased Development Pressure:
- Potential for unregulated urbanisation and pollution.
- Further pressure on coastal ecosystems.
Understanding Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Norms
Background and Legal Framework
- Origin: Issued in February 1991 under Environment Protection Act, 1986.
- Updates: CRZ Notification 2019 introduced relaxed construction restrictions and simplified clearance processes.
Objectives of CRZ Norms
- Protect and conserve coastal ecosystems (e.g., mangroves, coral reefs).
- Balance development with environmental conservation.
- Support local communities dependent on coastal resources.
CRZ Categories
- CRZ-I: Ecologically Sensitive Areas
- Includes: Mangroves, coral reefs, biosphere reserves.
- Regulations: Minimal construction, limited to defence and strategic infrastructure.
- CRZ-II: Developed Coastal Areas
- Includes: Urbanised areas near the shoreline.
- Regulations: Construction allowed on the landward side of existing structures.
- CRZ-III: Undisturbed Coastal Areas
- CRZ-III A: Densely populated rural areas (>2,161 persons/sq km).
- NDZ: 50 metres from High Tide Line (HTL).
- CRZ-III B: Less populated rural areas.
- NDZ: 200 metres from HTL.
- CRZ-III A: Densely populated rural areas (>2,161 persons/sq km).
- CRZ-IV: Aquatic Areas
- Includes: Water areas up to 12 nautical miles, tide-influenced water bodies.
- Regulations: No untreated sewage or solid waste disposal; traditional fishing allowed.
Key Regulations under CRZ Notifications:
- Prohibited Activities:
- Mining, reclamation, large-scale industrial construction.
- Hazardous material storage and activities harming the coastal environment.
- Allowed Activities:
- Public utilities, tourism, small-scale agriculture.
- Certain industrial activities with environmental safeguards.
Mangroves and Their Importance:
- Ecological Role:
- Breeding grounds for marine life.
- Coastal protection and sediment accretion.
- Carbon sequestration and biodiversity support.
- CRZ 2019 Provisions:
- Government-held mangroves: 50-metre buffer zone (reduced from 100 metres).
- Private holdings: Mandatory buffer zones removed, increasing risk of exploitation.
Conclusion:
- The approval of Kerala’s Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP) marks a pivotal shift towards enhanced development along the state’s 590 km coastline.
- While the relaxed CRZ rules offer significant benefits for local populations and economic growth, they also pose substantial environmental risks, particularly to mangrove ecosystems.
- Balancing sustainable development with ecological conservation remains crucial to ensure the long-term health and prosperity of Kerala’s coastal regions.
