KOCHI: Even as the controversy over flats in Maradu continues, authorities including the local bodies, have turned a blind eye towards the hundreds of unauthorised buildings violating Coastal Zone Regulation (CRZ) norms.
As per a recent assessment by Kerala Coastal Zone Management Auth-ority (KCZMA), the state has nearly 4,000 major and minor violations of CRZ norms of which the highest number is under the ambit of Kochi Corpo-ration and Maradu municipality.
A detailed database of all CRZ violations was prepared following repeated reminders from the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change. All land modifications were identified and the database with survey numbers of the area has been finalised and approved through ground truth verification.
Though local bodies along coastal areas were given the details of land modifications with instru-ction to take action against CRZ violations, no local body has taken any steps in this regard. The KCZMA has also identified 65 major CRZ violations by private companies or individuals in the state including big hotels, resorts, residential and commercial apartments.
“Though a request was submitted to the state Science and Technology Department years ago, to publish details of CRZ violations, no steps were taken. In the wake of Maradu order, another request will be submitted. People should know the number of CRZ violations so that they are not cheated by anyone,” said Dr V.S. Vijayan, former member of State Biodiversity Board.
The CAG had pointed out in 2013 that 19 buildings were constructed in violation of CRZ rules along banks of Chilavannoor Lake following which the Kochi Corporation promised to issue demolition notice. However, nothing happened. The corporation had given building permit to these apartments violating the CRZ Notification 1996.
Meanwhile, environmental experts feel that the apex court verdict on Maradu flats will be a lesson for authorities to report and act on CRZ violations.
“Responsibility of the violation should be fixed and officials concerned must be prosecuted,” said Dr C.G. Madhusoodhanan, green expert.
