Mixed signals on CMZ

The coastal management zone (CMZ) notification proposed in place of the existing coastal regulations seems to be stalled for now. Union environment minister Jairam Ramesh met representatives of fishing communities on July 2 and assured them their concerns will be addressed. But fishers were surprised four days later by a letter from the ministry asking them to attend consultation meetings.

The ministry is still in a hurry to implement CMZ as the notification will lapse on July 22, a representative said. The fishers said implementing CMZ rules would curtail their access to the oceans because it allows development on coastal land. The CMZ is under review of a committee that was to submit its report after consulting fishers.