In a bid to tackle coastal violations, the Tamil Nadu government has planned to establish coastal units in 14 districts.
Following a recent report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), that highlighted significant lapses in the enforcement of the CRZ Notification 2011 and raised concerns over issues such as inadequate surveillance, A.R. Rahul Nadh, the member secretary of the Tamil Nadu State Coastal Zone Management Authority (TNSCZMA), told The Hindu that a proposal had been submitted to establish coastal protection units for proper enforcement of the notification.
The CAG emphasised the need for improved monitoring mechanisms to ensure the coastal ecosystems are protected, as mandated by the notification. Mr. Rahul Nadh noted that while the TNSCZMA was equipped with several teams, there was a lack of strong monitoring in the central and southern coastal districts.
To address this, separate units for each district are being planned, he said, adding that the surveillance process would be strengthened by monitoring coastal areas through satellite imagery. Additionally, a draft SOP has been prepared to address coastal violations, outlining the procedure for taking action against violators. It is expected to be released in January 2025.
K. Saravanan, a GIS (Geographic Information System) specialist and coastal activist from Urur Kuppam in Chennai, says that using satellite images to monitor coastal violations may not be effective, as construction projects are often half or fully completed by the time they are visible in satellite imagery. He says that the coastal authority, that is responsible for protecting both the coastline and the livelihoods of coastal communities, should take a more proactive approach. Regular patrolling of the coast across all districts is crucial to promptly identify and address violations, he adds.
Published – December 14, 2024 12:02 am IST
