[Reader-list] Fishermen oppose move to dilute CRZ norms

[T Peter]

*Fishermen oppose move to dilute CRZ norms*

http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/fishermen-oppose-move-to-dilute-crz-norms/article6346153.ece

T. Nandakumar

*'Removing hurdles to tourism development'*

Fishermen communities in Kerala are preparing for a showdown with the
government over what they see as an orchestrated attempt to dilute the
Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms for the tourism sector.

The Kerala Swathantra Matsya Thozhilali Federation (KSMTF) feels that the
government's plea to the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) for
amendments to the CRZ notification 2011 was aimed at removing the hurdles
to tourism development in the coastal areas, rather than the stated purpose
of addressing the concerns of the coastal communities.

*'Meet an eyewash'*

KSMTF leaders allege that the meeting held by the high- level committee of
officials constituted by MoEF with State government officials here on
Friday was an eyewash aimed at opening up the coastal areas to tourism.
"Government officials used the platform to champion the cause of the
tourism and real estate lobbies, largely ignoring the interests and rights
of the coastal communities," says T. Peter, secretary, National Fishworkers
Forum.

The State committee of KSMTF is meeting at Vaadi in Kollam on Sunday to
chalk out plans for an agitation on the issue. "The fact that fishermen
were not invited to the talks with the MoEF team shows that the government
is not sincere in protecting our interests," says P.P. John, president,
KSMTF. He calls for strict implementation of the CRZ norms while making
allowance for construction of houses and livelihood facilities for
fishermen.