>
Title: Need to amend the Coastal Zone Regulation Act to allow fishermen to construct dwelling units in coastal areas in Kerala.
SHRI K.C. VENUGOPAL (ALAPPUZHA): The Coastal Zone Regulation Act is implemented very strictly in coastal areas and, therefore, constructions of housing units are restricted for the past few years in coastal areas. The Act has severely restricted the fishermen in setting up dwelling units on the eastern side of the sea wall being built on the western coast of Kerala. The poor fishermen community in Kerala does not have permission to build up housing units in the same area. Most of the families are now living there under temporary shelters set up by the Government as part of Tsunami rehabilitation. As fisheries sector provides livelihood to a sizeable number of people, who are living in pathetic circumstances, it needs considerable help from the Government. The local bodies, including Panchayats and Municipalities, differ in the issue of permission for building dwelling units. A delegation met the hon. Minister for Environment four months ago and registered a complaint on the matter. In that meeting, the hon. Minister had assured to make necessary amendments to exempt built-up households. But no action has been taken to amend the Act. So, special and urgent attention of the Government is needed for necessary amendments for getting permission to build houses in coastal areas.
Â