November 28, 2013
SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT
The Hindu
“Should be recast using inputs from coastal community”
Fishermen and consumer activists have said the map of the Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP) released by the Department of Environment of the Tamil Nadu government lacks clarity and ought to be duly recast on the basis of inputs to be obtained from the coastal community through public hearing.
The demand was made at a meeting convened under the aegis of the Meenavar Aikkiya Munnani (Fishermen United Front) and the Consumer Federation Tamil Nadu (CONFET) here on Wednesday.
State joint general secretary of the Front R. Mangaiyarselvan, treasurer A.R. Velavan, and CONFET general secretary M. Nizamudeen and Cuddalore joint secretary S. Anbu participated.
The CZMP is meant for rational integration of competing activities such as fishing, industries and resorts, and minimising conflict among these activities. The map has been prepared by keeping seven parameters in mind: elevation, geology, geomorphology, sea level trends, horizontal shore line displacement (erosion/accretion), tidal ranges and wave height.
The plan indicates the kind of activity to be carried out within 100 metres and 500 metres from the seafront and 12 nautical miles off the coast.
Mr. Nizamudeen said the map prepared by the Institute of Remote Sensing of Anna University for Tamil Nadu had left out crucial factors such as availability of vacant sites in coastal areas and to what purpose they could be utilised.
Adopting a resolution, the meeting said the map should be accompanied by projects likely to be taken up in the coastal region. Therefore, in the present form, the map was not acceptable.
The map also did not specify the number of sand dunes found in the coastal areas and their exact location. The map should be fishing village-specific. It should pinpoint at the features unique to each fishing village such as Thazhanguda, Thevanampattinam, Parangipett
ai and Killai for proper use.