Kerala’s Coastal Zone Management Plan Approved

November 5, 2024

The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change approved Coastal Zone Management Plans (CZMPs) for ten coastal districts in Kerala. This decision aligns with the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification of 2019. It allows for relaxed rules, enabling development activities, including building towards the seaward side.

What is the CZMP?

The Coastal Zone Management Plan is a strategic framework. It aims to manage and protect coastal areas while allowing for sustainable development. The CZMPs for the ten districts include Kasaragod, Kannur, Kozhikode, Malappuram, Thrissur, Ernakulam, Kottayam, Alappuzha, Kollam, and Thiruvananthapuram.

Implementation Process

The Ministry has instructed the Kerala government to publish signed copies of the approved CZMPs within one month. All applications for CRZ clearance submitted after the CZMP approval will follow the 2019 CRZ rules. This process is crucial for maintaining transparency and public awareness.

Historical Background

The CRZ rules were established to protect coastal environments and support local livelihoods, particularly for fishing communities. The 2011 CRZ regime focused on conservation, but high population density in Kerala led to widespread violations, including illegal land modifications and construction.

Population and Demographics

Kerala has a coastline of approximately 590 km, with nine out of fourteen districts along the Arabian Sea. The state has a high population density of 859 persons per square kilometre, which is more than double the national average. This demographic pressure has intensified the need for careful coastal management.

Benefits of the CZMP Approval

The CZMP approval is expected to benefit around 1 million people. It relaxes previous restrictions on building new homes and repairing existing ones. The new rules will reduce the No Development Zone (NDZ) around tidal-influenced water bodies from 100 metres to 50 metres in many areas.

Changes in CRZ Categories

The new regulations categorise 37 village panchayats as CRZ-III A. Here, the NDZ is reduced. In densely populated rural areas, this means an NDZ of only 50 metres from the High Tide Line. Additionally, 66 village panchayats are now classified under CRZ-2, allowing the construction of commercial and residential buildings along existing structures.

Impact on Mangroves

The changes in the CRZ rules raise concerns regarding mangrove ecosystems. Mangroves play a vital role in coastal health and serve as breeding grounds for various marine species. The new regulations have reduced the buffer zones around mangroves from 4,300 hectares to 2,500 hectares. This could lead to increased exploitation and potential loss of mangrove habitats.

Environmental Concerns

The reduction of protective measures for mangroves may have dire consequences. While private landowners may benefit from fewer restrictions, the long-term impact could be detrimental to the coastal ecosystem. The fear is that areas of mangrove vegetation could be lost, further threatening biodiversity and coastal resilience.

The approval of the CZMPs marks an important shift in Kerala’s coastal management strategy. While it opens doors for development, it also poses challenges for environmental protection. The balance between growth and conservation will be crucial for the future of Kerala’s coastal regions.

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