The Hindu : Kerala / Thiruvananthapuram News : A show of solidarity

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Jul 29, 2007
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Kerala

Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram

A show of solidarity

Special Correspondent

Campaign against CZM picks up momentum

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The State-level campaign against the Union Government notification on Coastal Zone Management (CZM) drew a spirited response on Saturday with people from all walks of life joining hands to express solidarity with organisations representing fishworkers.

Writers, politicians and cultural leaders extended support to the campaign by affixing their signature on a giant banner in front of the Secretariat.

Decrying the Government decision to replace the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms with the Coastal Zone Management policy, they said it would deplete natural resources and deprive traditional communities of their livelihood. They said the Government was bound to protect natural resources such as forests, seas and coasts, and ensure the rights of the people who depend on the resources.

The participants protested against the Government move to open up the coastal areas to the tourism industry and permit foreign trawlers to operate in coastal seas.

The function in front of the Secretariat was organised by the Kerala Campaign Committee against CZM, an umbrella organisation representing various organisations and support groups.

Campaign committee convenor T. Peter said the signed banner would be sent to President Pratibha Patil on Monday, urging her to prevail on the Union Government to withdraw the CZM notification.

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