Proposed CMZ could freeze DC rules and regulations
Stringent restrictions may be imposed on development of coastal areas in Mumbai and Maharashtra …………..RAVIKIRAN DESHMUKH
Tightening its noose further, the Union Environment Ministry, through the proposed Coastal Management Zone (CMZ) notification, is all set to implement stringent restrictions on most of development activities along the coastline of Mumbai and the rest of the state.
At present, the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) notification, 1991 has put many restrictions on the development along the coast. In Maharashtra, with its 720 km coast line and 54 river creeks, significant stretches of land will be hit by the CRZ notification.
The proposed notification will dash the hopes of the government and developers who are eyeing the salt pan lands as any development on these stretches will be banned permanently.
No Development Zones such as Malwani, where a number of politicians have been alloted lands for schools and hospitals, will have to be free of any kind of construction.
The proposed notification, on which the state government is supposed to submit its suggestions or objections before July 9, is based on a report submitted by the Prof. M S Swaminathan committee.
NOTIFICATION FEATURES
The Centre proposes to bring into force a new framework for managing and regulating activities in the coastal and marine areas for conserving and protecting coastal resources and coastal environment.