CRZ Norms Restricting Development of Tourism

While the locals are very much concerned about the environmental forums but tourism department in its call are making move and have already accounted a proposals to the Kerala Coastal Zone Management Authority to make some changes in the Coastal Regulation Zone.

Modification means fast development of beach tourism and to do that they would require being flexible in terms of changing the norms of Coastal Regulation Zone. As per Kerala Coastal Zone Management Authority the changes would commercially benefit local people and the proposals and documents related with detail information have been already sent to the Union Government.

Rules Stringent

It has been found that the norms of CRZ are really hampering tourism of Kerala. Although infrastructure has huge potential to support the investment but due to some rigid lines they have witnessed only few investments within the area of Poovar and Bekal.

According to project report most of the tourism destinations finds its land within the core of rural coastal areas and the entire property falls under the line of CRZ 3 which has become main reason for less development plans.

Since the area covers the site of No Development Zone and the High Tide Line which in turn has made the place unattractive in terms of investment.

As per the norms of CRZ the section 8 i and ii of the CRZ all the buildings must be constructed within the landward side of the existing road but appendix 3 of the CRZ 2 area notification states huge restriction on development of beach resorts and hotel.

According to guidelines 100-m NDZ for backwaters and tidal-influenced area results in making backwater tourism very provisional and too excessive for the state.

Proposals demands for some modification and development of 13 beaches within the 30 km from Poovar to Bekal that falls under the CRZ 3 category. When it comes to urban area than tourism department is demanding for some relaxation in CRZ norms within the seven beach and its stretches.

In Backwaters Too

When it comes to backwater tourism then department has suggested CRZ to be more flexible as report have made its critics in terms of 100-m NDZ for backwaters and tidal influenced water bodies which in turn would possess huge restriction.

Report is demanding for serious relaxation as they are planning to induct new amusement centres and opportunities to support tourism and economy of the state. Report also states that the claims are very minimal and they have proposed to develop 30 km beach stretch of the rural area.