News Articles

Goa-specific changes in CRZ rules likely

Times News Network
April 24, 2010
Bringing relief to fishermen and those living on the coast, the Union ministry of environment and forest (MoEF) has placed Goa in a ‘special cases’ classification through a proposed amendment in the Coastal Regulations Zone (CRZ) notification 2010, which will permit repairs, construction of houses and other facilities in CRZ III.

MoEF has also proposed to extend protection to Morjim, Galgibaga and Agonda beaches as turtle nesting sites under Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. “These areas shall be surveyed and a management plan prepared for protection of these turtle nesting sites. No developmental activities shall be permitted in such turtle breeding areas,” a discussion paper from the ministry states.

The ministry also asked the Goa government to survey and map the fishing villages on Goa’s coast in a bid to allow facilities required for fishing and fishery-allied activities. “Reconstruction, repair works of the structures of local communities shall be permissible in CRZ,” the paper notes.

The ministry has also sought mapping of eco-sensitive low-lying areas under tidal flushing, especially khazan lands, and protection and management for them and mangroves.

Sand dunes, beach stretches along bays and creeks are also to be surveyed and mapped. “No commercial activity shall be permitted on such sand dune areas,” the amendment states.

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