The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Visakhapatnam News : ‘Reject plea to relax CRZ norms'

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Friday, Jun 17, 2011
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Visakhapatnam

‘Reject plea to relax CRZ norms'

Special Correspondent

Representation made to NCZMA

‘No justification in granting relaxations under CRZ'
Officials accused of suppressing facts

VISAKHAPATNAM: The National Coastal Zone Management Authority (NCZMA) has been asked by the Forum for Sustainable Development (FSD) not to accept the recommendations of the State Coastal Zone Management Authority to reclassify certain areas in the city to further the interest of some influential persons.

In a representation, FSD member S. Bhujanga Rao said on Thursday that there was no justification to grant relaxations and exemptions under Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) guidelines.

“If some areas in the city are reclassified as per the recommendation of State Coastal Zone Management Authority, it will dilute the provisions of CRZ notification,” he said in a statement.

He said the Chairman and Members of NCZMA should not approve the proposals of reclassification from CRZ-III to CRZ-II in China Waltair, Chinagadili, Mindi, Akkinreddypalem and Pedagantyada villages where the recommendations were made in gross violations of CRZ notifications 1991 and 2011.

The officials failed to identify the violations of CRZ as per the directions of Ministry of Environment and Forests dated January 25, 2011 and writ petition No.8177/2007 of AP High Court, he said.

Mr. Rao alleged that the officials from the State had suppressed facts and had not taken any action to demolish structures built in violation of CRZ notification in response to AP High Court order to the district administration in 2007.

He also found fault with the recommendation to allow constructions in 100 metres either side of the creek of Meghadrigedda reservoir.

He said that the buildings had come up in marsh lands in Mindi and Akkireddypalem area and urged the NCZMA to reject the recommendations made by the State Coastal Zone Management Authority.

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