The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Tamil Nadu Government to revise its Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP) maps, citing significant omissions that compromise coastal community protections. Local fishermen from Nagapattinam, Ramanathapuram, and Villupuram raised concerns over missing details like fishing zones and ecological areas, crucial for biodiversity and sustainable resource management. While the Tamil Nadu Coastal Zone Management Authority (TNCZMA) claimed improvements in the new maps, the NGT mandated collaboration with the National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management (NCSCM) to ensure comprehensive representation. Accurate mapping is essential as climate change threatens coastal livelihoods, necessitating community engagement for effective management.
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has instructed the Tamil Nadu government to revise its draft Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP) maps. The tribunal found the initial maps incomplete, lacking critical information necessary for protecting coastal communities and their livelihoods. This decision comes after concerns raised by local fishermen about the maps' compliance with the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification of 2019.
Fishermen from key districts like Nagapattinam, Ramanathapuram, and Villupuram highlighted several omissions in the CZMP maps. They reported that important details, such as fishing zones, village boundaries, and fish breeding areas, were missing. These elements are vital for both the sustainability of marine resources and the planning of development activities in coastal areas. The fishermen's representatives, Jesu Rethinam and K Saravanan, emphasised that the maps also overlooked ecological zones like turtle nesting grounds, sand dunes, and mangrove buffers, which are essential for maintaining biodiversity.
In its defence, the Tamil Nadu Coastal Zone Management Authority (TNCZMA) claimed that many of the necessary components had been included in the maps. They pointed out that new features, such as fishing harbours, evacuation centres, and health facilities, were added compared to previous CZMP maps created under the CRZ Notification of 2011. However, the NGT ordered the TNCZMA to work closely with the National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management (NCSCM) to ensure that all critical information is accurately represented before the final maps are approved.
The NGT's ruling highlights the importance of accurate mapping in coastal management. The tribunal also addressed concerns regarding the scale of the maps. The fishermen's representatives insisted on using a 1:4,000 scale for better precision, while the TNCZMA provided maps at a 1:25,000 scale for initial consultation, with a commitment to produce the more detailed maps later.
This decision by the NGT is a significant step toward ensuring that the needs of coastal communities are taken into account in environmental planning. As climate change and rising sea levels pose increasing threats to coastal areas, having accurate and comprehensive maps is essential for protecting both the environment and the livelihoods of those who depend on it. The revised CZMP maps will play a crucial role in safeguarding ecological areas and supporting sustainable development in Tamil Nadu's coastal regions.
Additionally, the involvement of local communities in the mapping process can enhance the effectiveness of coastal management strategies. Engaging fishermen and other stakeholders in discussions about their needs and concerns can lead to better outcomes for both the environment and the people who rely on it. As the Tamil Nadu government moves forward with the revision of the CZMP maps, it will be important to prioritise collaboration and transparency to build trust within coastal communities.
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