KOCHI:The proposed amendments in the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) will lead to the destruction of mangrove forests and pokkali fields in the state. It will take away the state’s rights over the water bodies and lead to a decrease in fisheries resources, said Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS) former Vice-Chancellor B Madhusoodana Kurup.
He was delivering the keynote address at the workshop on ‘Emerging issues of new coastal regulation zone notification’ organised by School of Industrial Fisheries, Cusat; Kerala Sasthra Sahithya Parishad and Kerala Matsya Thozhilali Aikyavedi at the Cusat School of Industrial Fisheries here on Saturday.
The workshop urged the Union Government to ensure the protection of the coastal ecosystem and the livelihood of the fishermen. Relaxations in the CRZ should be limited to the fishermen community, the stakeholders who attended the workshop urged the Centre. “We have decided to submit a memorandum to Minister for Environment and Forest Harsh Vardhan seeking to retain the special rights assured to Kerala,” said Kerala Matsya Thozhilali Aikyavedi president Charles George.