Karnataka seeks State-specific flexibility in coastal zone plan, Western Ghats draft

Karnataka has urged the Centre to take the State's specific ecological, livelihood and development concerns into account before finalising two environmental frameworks, Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said after meeting Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupendra Yadav in Delhi on Monday.

The discussions covered the revision of the Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP) and the draft ecologically sensitive area notification for the Western Ghats, which draws on the K. Kasturirangan Committee report.

On the CZMP, the State has sought survey number-wise verification of maps using authenticated revenue records, the latest satellite imagery and ground verification. It has also asked for recognition of traditional fishing and fishery-related infrastructure, suitable treatment for traditional coastal land-use systems and other unique geographical features, and consideration of community-oriented tourism and livelihood facilities.

Karnataka has further sought protection for long-established coastal settlements and community structures, along with permission for their repair, reconstruction and improvement within the Coastal Regulation Zone framework.

The Chief Minister clarified that the State is not seeking to dilute protection for ecologically sensitive areas, including mangroves, sand dunes, turtle-nesting habitats and other CRZ-I areas. Karnataka's consolidated proposals for revising the approved CZMP could be put through detailed technical scrutiny, a GIS-based examination and authenticated ground verification, he said.

On the draft ecologically sensitive area notification for the Western Ghats, the Chief Minister urged the Centre to finalise it only after the State's proposed physical survey is completed.