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Introduction
Objectives
Methodology
Ecologically
Important Areas
Information
in Detail
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Introduction:
Coastal
plains and seas include the most taxonomically rich and productive ecosystems
on the earth. Although together occupying only 8% of the total surface, they account
for 20-25% of global plant growth. Mangrove forests are over 20 times more productive
than the average open ocean. Estuaries, salt marshes and coral reefs are 5-15
times higher and shelf seas and upwelling zones 2-5 times higher. These enhanced
rates of primary production result in an abundance of other life forms, including
many species of commercial importance. Coastal shelf seas yield 90% of the total
marine catch of fish, crustaceans and edible molluscs.
Further,
the coastal zone is also a dynamic area with many cyclic and random processes
owing to a variety of resources and habitats. Nearly three quarters of the world
population lives on the coast and is found to be true in India also. India has
a coastline of 6,000 km with many sprawling and still growing coastal sites. The
coastal region is thus a place of hectic human activity, followed by intense urbanization,
resulting in human interference of rapid development.
The
coastal ecosystems are now highly disturbed and very much threatened, encountering
problems like pollution, siltation, and erosion, flooding saltwater intrusion,
storm surges and other activities due to ever expanding human settlements. Under
the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, the Coastal Regulation Zone Notification
was issued in 1991. Through this notification, the Government of India directed
the coastal States to prepare Coastal Zone Management Plans with High Tide Line
500m-regulation line, other boundaries, etc…for approval of the Ministry of Environment
and Forests (MoEF). By the said notification, the coastal areas were classified
into four categories. i.e. CRZ - I,CRZ - II, CRZ - III, CRZ - IV. The ecologically
sensitive areas and areas of extraordinary natural beauty are included under CRZ
- I, where no activity is allowed. The coastal stretches of urban and developed
areas are categorized under CRZ II. In this category, buildings are permitted
on the landward side of the existing structures. The areas, which do not come
under CRZ - I and II are included in CRZ - III where no construction is permitted
up to 200 m from the high tide line. The Lakshadweep, Andaman and Nicobar Islands
and small islands are categorized in CRZ - IV. To implement the CRZ notification,
we need t o identify the EIA. Since no efforts were taken before to identify the
ecologically important areas along the coast, present study has been taken up.
In the present study, ecologically important areas will be identified and the
location map and information about these sites will be collected and compiled.
The Ecologically Important Coastal Areas are identified based on
following criteria.
- Occurrence
of specialized ecosystems or habitats such as Mangroves, Coral reefs Seagrass,
Seaweed beds, Salt marsh etc.
- Occurrence
of specialized breeding or nesting of Marine animals such as turtles.
- Occurrence
of use in uninhabited and unexplored island
.
- Occurrence
of endemic or endangered Marine fauna or flora
The
identified and designated ecologically important areas (EIA's) will be declared
as no-development zones. Management plans for these areas will be prepared by
scientific institutions and approved by the NCZMA. Necessary guidelines for the
purpose of managing these areas is to be developed. The developed plan will be
implemented by the concerned State/UT Authorities. Such a management strategy
will ensure the sustainable development and management of coastal areas and their
resources.
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