[Reader-list] Concern over CZM policy

[T Peter]

*Concern over CZM policy *

Date:15/06/2009 URL:
http://www.thehindu.com/2009/06/15/stories/2009061550700200.htm


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Special Correspondent

   Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala Swathantra Matsya Thozhilali Federation
(KSMTF) has expressed concern over the move by the Central government to
issue notification on the Coastal Zone Management (CZM) policy.

State president of the federation T. Peter said that coastal communities in
the country were gearing up for an agitation against the government to
protest the move to replace the Coastal Regulation Zone Act with the
controversial notification.

Mr. Peter challenged the Centre to place the CZM policy before the
Parliament.
Objections raised

 “The governments of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Goa and Maharashtra have raised
their objection to the CZM policy. The parliamentary standing committee has
also called on the government to refrain from implementing it. Yet, the
United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government is proceeding with the
notification. This is an open challenge to the fishing community," Mr. Peter
said.

Mr. Peter alleged that the government was surrendering to the interests of
the tourism, industry and sand-mining lobbies. He feared that the setback
line specified in the notification would deprive the fisherfolk of their
livelihood.

Mr. Peter urged mainstream political parties to clarify their stand on the
issue.
Nationwide agitation

 The executive committee of the National Fishworkers Forum meeting at
Kolkata on June 19 and 20 will finalise a nationwide agitation against the
CZM policy.