State requests MoEF to make 'vulnerability line' site specific

The Orissa government has requested the Union ministry of environment and forest (MoEF) to make the ‘vulnerability line’site specific, while finalising the Coastal Management Zone (CMZ) notification, 2008.

In its response to the draft CMZ notification, the government argued that the state need to be involved in the process to finalise the draft.

While the ‘vulnerability line’ should be dynamic, the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Authority should be given relaxation for wildlife sanctuary management and mangrove plantation.

The issues were raised by Orissa at a workshop organised by the MoEF in New Delhi.

A delegation from the Centre will visit Orissa soon to interact with the state government on field level problems if the CMZ notification comes into force.

The Centre has sought opinion from state governments on the draft CMZ notification.

Orissa is home to natural disasters like cyclone, flood, sea erosion and other natural disturbances. '

This is why the vulnerability line should take into account the provisions of lighting, tourism and other details.The state government is preparing for a workshop to finalise CMZ rules.

The draft notification assumes importantance for the coastal management as ‘vulnerability line’ will replace the existing High Tide Line (HTL)in mapping.The MoEF will prepare this vulnerability line for all the states.

Besides, the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) study will also be taken up and plan for coastal protection will be prepared based on the basis of the vulnerability line.The draft aims to ensure protection and sustainable development of the coastal stretches and marine environment.

This is proposed to be achieved through the coastal zone management practices based on sound scientific principles which take into account the vulnerability of the coasts to natural hazards. Besides,it is expected to provide livelihood security to the local communities and conservation of the ecologically significant coastal resources.

The MoEF had issued the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) notifications in February 1991.Under this notification, stretches were declared coastal regulation zones (CRZs) and restrictions were imposed on setting up and expansion of industries, operations and processes in those zones.