[Reader-list] CZM notification: role of NGO flayed

[T Peter]

CZM notification: role of NGO flayed
Date:06/08/2008 URL:
http://www.thehindu.com/2008/08/06/stories/2008080650190200.htm
Special Correspondent

Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala Swatantra Matsya Thozhilali Federation
(KSMTF) has expressed concern over the role of a Non-Governmental
Organisation called Centre for Environment and Education (CEE) in the
public consultation on the controversial Coastal Zone Management (CZM)
notification issued by the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests
(MoEF).

A pressnote quoting T. Peter, KSMTF president, here on Tuesday feared
that the real sentiments of the people would not be taken into
consideration by the NGO during the consultation. The website of the
NGO states that it was working in tandem with the Ministry to create
awareness on the CZM notification. This, he said, revealed the real
agenda of the NGO.

Mr. Peter said the CZM notification was severely opposed by the
fishing community all over the country right from the time it was
suggested by Dr. M.S. Swaminathan on the grounds that the CZM would
legitimise the establishment of hazardous industries in the coastal
belt, threatening the lives of fishing community and their rights over
the coastal land."

The CEE, Mr. Peter said, was a 'Centre of Excellence' supported by the
Ministry and two members of its governing council were nominees from
the MoEF. The pressnote said the attempt of the Ministry to use an NGO
to generate legitimacy was highly questionable. It added that the
KSMTF would launch an agitation unless the Ministry called off its
efforts to implement the CZM notification.