Swaminathan Report on coastal regulation yet to be implemented:Govt

New Delhi, Aug 22 (UNI) The Government today said no new coastal regulations had been notified based on Prof M S Swaminathan Committee report, but pilot studies had been been initiated for demarcation of vulnerability line along identified coastal stretches in line with the recommendations.

The demarcation was needed for protection of the coastal regions, Minister of State in the Ministry of Environment and Forests S Reghupathy informed the Lok Sabha in a written reply.

He said the Expert Committee constituted in July, 2004, to review the Coastal Regulation Zone Notification of 1991, had submitted its report which alongwith the recommendations had been accepted by the Ministry in April, 2005.

The major recommendations include:- Implementation of Integrated Coastal Zone Management Plan rather than an uniform regulatory approach.

Development along coastal stretches based on the vulnerability of the coast, taking into account the natural and manmade hazards.

Inclusion of the ocean zone for regulation.

Setting up of Institute for Coastal Zone Management to address the policy and legal issues.

Abatement of the pollution of coastal areas and marine waters in a time-bound manner.

Identification and mapping of the coastal eco-sensitive areas such as mangroves, corals, turtle breeding areas, and Development of coastal bioshield.

UNI