Tamil Nadu coastal authority directs Kanchi collector to initiate action
Chennai: As coastal areas, especially the beachfront of Muttukadu, becoming more vulnerable and see increased construction activity in violation of norms, a state fishermen body has petitioned Tamil Nadu State Coastal Zone Management Authority (TNSCZMA) to take necessary steps and save the coastal belt. Now, authority’s member secretary H. Malleshappa has also written to Kancheepuram district collector to initiate action.
DC recently highlighted how new bungalows were being built dangerously close to waters on the seashore alongside East Coast Road (ECR) in Muttukadu panchayat limits violating Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) rules. Some constructions are just 20 metres away from sea waters.
In a letter, Malleshappa has directed the Kancheepuram collector, state environment engineer and Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) to conduct survey of the lands, where alleged violations are happening, and submit an action taken report (ATR).
The complainant, K. Bharathi, president, South Indian Fishermen Welfare Association, alleged that the Kancheepuram district authorities are remaining mute spectators and allowing illegal constructions.
“After the tsunami in 2004, Karikattukuppam village which was close to the sea was moved three km away on safety grounds. Now, it is the same area which is encroached by realty sharks with the backing of local political leaders to raise constructions right-up at the sea,” he alleged. He said besides bungalows, many of which are benami property, new layouts are being developed within the High Tide Line (HTL) and adjacent to Muttukadu lagoon.
As per CRZ notification 2011, the land falls in CRZ-3, according to which, area up to 200 meters from High Tide Line (HTL) on the landward side in case of seafront is earmarked as ‘No Development Zone (NDZ)’.
No construction is permitted within NDZ, except for repairs or reconstruction of existing authorised structure of dwelling units of traditional coastal communities. Also, 100 metres along the tidal influenced water body or width of the creek, whichever is less, is also earmarked as NDZ.
