Kerala Swathanthra Matsya Thozhilali Federation (KSMTF) and National Fishworkers Forum (NFF) staged an agitation in front of Secretariat on Tuesday to protest against the government move to amend the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms.
Inaugurating the agitation, T Peter said that the State Govt should withdraw from the move to amend the CRZ norms which was aimed at protecting the interests of the tourist lobby and real estate mafia. Instead, the govt should take steps to clear the hurdles in the way of construction of houses for fishermen in coastal areas.
The Federation leaders warned that they would launch a nationwide agitation if the Govt refuses to address their demands.
Peter said despite the fact the SC had issued orders in 2005 to implement the CRZ norms, the Govt did not make any efforts to abide by it. It failed to stop setting up of resort complexes in coastal belt constructed in violation of CRZ norms.