Coastal Regulation Zone residential unit limit upped to over 1000 sq ft

KOCHI: The Kerala Coastal Zone Management Authority (KCZMA) has decided to enhance maximum permissible limit for construction of residential units in areas coming under Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) from 60 sq mts to 100 sq mts. The decision taken during the 86th meeting of the Authority held in Thiruvanathapuram few days ago will also be applicable for reconstruction of the existing dwelling units.

The decision to enhance the maximum permissible limit to 100 sq mts (1,067 sq ft) in no development zone (NDZ) from the high tide line (200 metres of sea and 100 metres of backwaters) will help in resolving 90 percent of problems faced by people living in the coastal regions in connection with the construction of residential units, say persons familiar with the matter.

The decision of the KCZMA is the fulfillment of a long standing demand of the people in the coastal areas, said Ebenezer Chullikkal of Greater Cochin Development Watch, a Kochi-based advocacy group. The decision will benefit majority of the people in the coastal region as the average household in these regions will be in the range of 1,000 sq ft, he said. The KCZMA entrusting the district level committee for the disposal of applications for CRZ clearance of residential buildings having a plinth area up to 100 metres is also expected to ease the difficulties faced by the people.