[Reader-list] State seeks changes in draft CZM provisions

[T Peter]

State seeks changes in draft CZM provisions
Staff Reporter
http://www.hindu.com/2008/07/09/stories/2008070955151000.htm
VS says draft notification has proposals harmful to fisher folk
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'Investors will exploit coastal areas'

Fisher folk, trade unions concerned
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V.S. Achuthanandan

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The State government is of the view that loopholes
in the Centre's draft Coastal Zone Management (CZM) notification
should be plugged to prevent exploitation of coastal areas and their
resources, Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan has said.

Replying to questions in the Assembly on Tuesday, he said the State
government was against provisions that could marginalise the fisher
folk or those associated with the sea and coast and their livelihood
and employment. The draft notification had loopholes that could enable
investors in the tourism and construction sectors to exploit the
coastal areas and their resources.

Mr. Achuthanandan said the fisher folk and representatives of trade
unions had raised their concern over some provisions. The government
conveyed the drawbacks to the Centre on June 26.

In a written reply to another question, he said construction of houses
for fisher folk and other structures could not be taken up within 200
metres from the high tide line under the Coastal Regulation Zone III
rules. To mitigate the problems faced by the fisher folk living near
the coast, the State had asked the Centre to revise the rules.