Kochi: Construction and developmental activities in many parts of the city is likely to be stalled, if the authorities start implementing recommendations of the Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP) drafted by the National Centre for Earth Science Studies.
Under the plan, many areas in Palluruthy and Edakochi come under the sensitive Zone-I where no kind of developmental activity can be permitted. Construction activities in fast-growing Elamkulam-Chelavanoor belt, a hub of big apartment projects, will also be hit.
The plan will be submitted to the Union ministry of environment and forest for approval after consultations with stakeholders. “Since there is no clear idea of CRZ areas within the city, the new management plan will help to give clarity on coastal areas which come under the restrictions. However, if the recommendations are implemented the city will die as there will not be much scope for developmental activities,” said corporation town planning committee chairman K.J. Sohan.
Residents are apprehensive about uncertainties in implementing the CZMP. If the recommendations are implemented, all buildings built in violation of CRZ rules enforced in 1991 will have to be demolished. The expert team appointed by the Kerala Coastal Zone Management Authority had identified encroachments and reclamation in Edakochi, Palluruthy and Chelavanoor areas including the controversial DLF apartment project.
“We are yet to take a decision on how to comply with the recommendations of CZMP. A final decision will be taken after detailed discussions with stakeholders,” added the town planning committee chairman. The CRZ of Kochi consists of CRZ-I (I A and I B), CRZ-II, CRZ-III and CRZ-IV. The CZMP says that Kochi Corporation being highly developed with a very high potential for further development, all areas other than CRZ-I and CRZ-IV and open spaces such as parks and playgrounds with built-up area over 50 per cent could be considered as CRZ-II. The total CRZ area is 9.32km while the mangrove area (CRZ -IA) is 0.49km. The plan also indicates that inflow into many canals has been blocked due to reclamation which restricts tidal flow.
