THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Rampant violation of Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms, coupled with overcrowding and sea erosion, are posing a threat to Varkala Cliff, the 6.1-km-long laterite cliff, which is set to be declared a geo-heritage site.
A majority of the nearly 180 structures on the cliff, including resorts and commercial establishments, have been built close to the cliff, violating CRZ guidelines. Various agencies, including the Varkala municipality, Kerala State Coastal Zone Management Authority (KSCZMA), tourism department, and District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), have been unable to rein in such violations. As a result, the cliff is collapsing and shrinking rapidly posing a threat to visitors and residents alike.
Just recently, another illegal construction came to light at Black Beach in Varkala. The construction encroached the seawall built by the major irrigation department, raising serious concerns about its effect on the ecologically-fragile spot.
“We took prompt action after receiving complaint about the construction at Thiruvambadi beach. A stop memo was issued and workers deployed to remove the structure. A temporary shed had been set up at the location and the construction was being carried out under its cover. We seized all the construction equipment and took action against the violators,” said a Varkala municipality official.
However, violators often move court and get stay orders, stalling action by the local body, said officials.
“As many as 25 people, all of whom clearly violated norms, moved court. Speedy disposal of cases is crucial for timely action,” said the official.
However, environmentalists alleged corruption, claiming that the violations were taking place right under the municipality’s nose.
“The violators are demolishing the cliff and carrying out hard construction. In the recent violation at Thiruvambadi beach, the violators encroached even the seawall,” alleged Sanjeev S J of Environment Protection and Research Council (EPRC), which had alerted authorities of the violation.
Varakala municipal chairman K M Laji said strict action will be taken against the violators.
‘State govt doing nothing for cliff’s conservation’
“We have conduct a survey to earmark the non-construction zone on the cliff. A 10m buffer zone will be demarcated and all constructions in it removed,” said Laji. He said the tourism department will soon come up with a master plan. “Studies have shown such illegal constructions are damaging the cliff. All those have to be removed,” Laji said.
Environmentalists alleged that despite reports and studies on the sorry state of the Varkala Cliff, the tourism department and the government are yet to take any steps for its conservation.
“The cliff has been in danger. The government and municipality have done nothing towards its conservation till date. Now, they are again conducting a study and claiming to come up with a masterplan. Nothing is happening on the ground,” said Sanjeev.
