Public hearing on draft coastal zone maps draws concerns from stakeholders
A public hearing on the draft Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP) maps prepared under the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification, 2019, was held here on Wednesday, with fishermen, residents, environmental groups, businesses and other stakeholders raising concerns over coastal land use and environmental protection.
Chaired by District Collector M. Abhishikt Kishore at the VUDA Children’s Arena, the hearing focused on the proposed CRZ classifications, land-use provisions and other regulatory measures. Several participants sought changes to the draft maps, including the reclassification of the coastal stretch between Madhurawada and Bheemunipatnam from CRZ-3 to CRZ-2.
Participants also urged the authorities to ensure that the final plan protected the coastal environment without affecting the livelihoods of fishing communities. Some entrepreneurs, meanwhile, sought permission to erect temporary structures to continue their activities along the coast.
Scientist Manik Mahapatro of the National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management, Chennai, and Andhra Pradesh Coastal Zone Management Authority representative Shaik Subhan explained the four CRZ classifications, CRZ-1, CRZ-2, CRZ-3 and CRZ-4, and outlined the changes introduced in the 2019 notification compared with the 2011 notification.
The authorities had already received around 50 written representations and objections, in addition to the submissions made during Wednesday’s hearing, Mr. Kishore said.
He said the draft CZMP maps had been displayed at prominent locations across the district to facilitate public scrutiny. All objections and suggestions received during the hearing would be recorded in writing and on video before being forwarded to the competent State-level authority, he said.
The State Government will examine the representations before submitting the draft plans to the national-level authority for further scrutiny and approval.
The objective of the CZMP is to strike a balance between development needs and the protection of the coastal environment, the Collector said.