The National Green Tribunal (NGT) is addressing concerns over India’s vulnerable coastlines, with a focus on preparing Coastal Zone Management Plans (CZMPs) and Island Integrated Management Plans (IIMPs) for coastal states and union territories.
The NGT, led by Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava, Judicial Member Justice Sudhir Agarwal, and Expert Member Dr A. Senthil Vel, initiated proceedings based on news articles highlighting India’s sinking islands and coastal erosion.
The Tribunal noted that CZMPs have been approved for Maharashtra, Odisha, Karnataka, and Kerala, while IIMPs have been approved for Great Nicobar and Little Andaman Islands. Other states and union territories are at various stages of preparation, with some conducting public hearings and others awaiting technical scrutiny.
The NGT reviewed the status of CZMPs and IIMPs for each coastal state and union territory:
– Andhra Pradesh: Public consultations underway
– Andaman & Nicobar Islands: ICRZ plans approved for Great Nicobar and Little Andaman
– Daman & Diu: Objections/suggestions sent to NCSCM
– Goa: Draft CZMP expected by December 2024
– Gujarat: Public hearings completed, draft plan to be presented before TSC
– Karnataka: CZMP approved
– Kerala: CZMP approved
– Lakshadweep: Draft IIMPs received, public hearing/consultation underway
– Maharashtra: CZMP approved
– Odisha: CZMP approved
– Puducherry: Draft CZMPs submitted
– Tamil Nadu: Draft CZMPs published,
public hearing/consultation underway
– West Bengal: Draft CZMPs completed, awaiting approval
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has been directed to file a fresh report indicating progress within eight weeks. A meeting of chief secretaries from concerned states and union territories has been convened to discuss the issue.
The NGT has listed the matter for hearing on January 7, 2025, emphasizing the need for timely completion of CZMPs and IIMPs to protect India’s coastlines.