The completion of Goa's Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP) by October is crucial for the future of development projects along its picturesque coastal belt. Failure to meet this deadline could lead to a halt in considering new projects seeking Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearance, both private and public. The National Coastal Zone Management Authority (NCZMA) has set a two-month window for coastal states and union territories to align their CZMPs with the 2019 CRZ notification. Goa's state government, however, aims to have its CZMP ready by November, raising concerns about meeting the Union government's deadline. The completion of CZMPs is essential for regulating future coastal projects according to updated guidelines.
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The future of development projects lining Goa's picturesque coastal belt is in jeopardy as the Goa government faces a looming deadline for its incomplete coastal zone management plan (CZMP) by October. Failure to meet this deadline could halt the consideration of any new projects, be they private or public, seeking Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearance.
The National Coastal Zone Management Authority (NCZMA) has issued directives to all coastal states and union territories that have yet to finalize their CZMPs according to the 2019 CRZ notification. These entities have been given a two-month window to align their CZMPs with the new guidelines. If this deadline is not met, the NCZMA's instructions dictate that "no projects, private or government, should be considered for CRZ clearance as per the CRZ notification, 2011, in such areas."
The Union government, on August 1, mandated a two-month timeline for the completion of CZMPs. However, Goa's state government has set a more lenient target, aiming to have its CZMP 2019 ready by November. To meet this goal, the task of drafting the plan was entrusted to the National Centre for Earth Science Studies (NCESS). Despite this, progress has been sluggish, and officials are concerned that the Union government's deadline might be missed.
The Union environment ministry unveiled the coastal regulation zone notification in January 2019, requiring coastal states and union territories to revise or update their CZMPs in accordance with the 2011 CRZ notification. The revised CZMPs are to be submitted for approval to the Union ministry.
The ministry emphasized that all future projects must be evaluated based on the updated CZMPs. If CZMPs remain unrevised or not updated, the provisions of the 2011 notification will continue to dictate project regulations.
The Centre outlined that CZMPs could be developed or updated by state or union territory governments, engaging reputable scientific institutions or agencies. The National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management (NCSCM), Chennai, was highlighted as a potential collaborator in this process.
States and union territories are expected to follow provided guidelines to update their CZMPs, aligning them with the 2019 CRZ notification. However, progress has been sluggish, prompting the NCZMA to express concern over the tardy advancement of CZMP revision and completion by state and union territory governments.
As the clock ticks towards the October deadline, Goa's coastal development hangs in the balance. The completion of the CZMP remains crucial for continued project clearances, both private and government, under the CRZ regulation.
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