Centre plans to rationalise coastal reg zone: Raja

Chennai, Jan 29: Union Minister of Environment and Forests A Raja today said the Centre was chalking out a plan for rationalising the coastal regulation zone on the basis of scientific understanding of the coastal dynamics and eco-system of coastal areas.

Delivering a speech at international workshop on capacity building in integrated costal management organised by the Institute for Ocean Management of the Anna Universtiy, Mr Raja said ''the aim of rationalising the costal regulation zone will not only better the area but also better public understanding and appreciation of the importance of the costal resources.

''The constitution of Dr M S Swaminathan Comittee was a step in this direction,'' the Minister pointed out adding ''now my ministry was working out ways and means and action plans for implementing the recommendations made by the committee.'' While lauding the Institute of Ocean Management for the timely initiative taken for developing the costal zone management curriculam, Mr Raja said the programme, the first-of-its-kind in India, will definitely benefit the officials of the Central and state government agencies involved in policy, administration and management of coastal resources and related aspects.

''The coastal management courses will also attract students and officials from other countries, including the neighbouring SAARC nations, who have similar coastal environment and issues,'' he pointed out.

UNI