CMZ was worse than CRZ: Matanhy
BY A GT REPORTER
PANJIM: The controversial notification Coastal Management Zone (CMZ) put forth by the government, which came under criticism of the fishing community, was lapsed, bringing a sigh of relief.
The 2008 CMZ notification had allegedly displaced settlements along the winding coastline and stopped fishing near the coast.
Goenchea Raponkarancho Ekvott General Secretary Mathany Saldana speaking to GT said he was happy that the government realized CMZ was not in the interest of the people.
He elucidated, “This was worst than Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ). The notification was to fulfill vested interest of certain section of bureaucrats and politicians. It would have not only affect the fishing community but also damaged environment and coastal area.”
The CMZ was to replace the CRZ 1991. Meanwhile, Saldana insisted that the government should safeguard over 8,000 houses of the fishermen built before December 31, 2007.
He further added that houses within 200 to 500 meters should be allowed, which are within laws of CRZ.
Environmental lawyer Advocate Norma Alvares also welcomed the decision. “CMZ would have removed the uniform protection zone of 500 meters which existed in the present CRZ notification and restriction of development in 500 meters zone is what has protected the coastal area,” Adv Alvares explained.
A huge debate had triggered with objections and protests even as the objectives of the notification was to protect and sustain development of coastal stretches and marine environment through sustainable coastal zone management practices based on sound scientific principles.
CMZ It took into account the vulnerabilities of the coast to natural hazards, sustainable livelihood security for local communities and conservation of ecologically and culturally significant coastal resources.
There were however oppositions to the notification alleging, it proposed to encourage and legalize industrial corporate activities along the coast while curtailing accessibility of the local community to sea resources.
