What Does the Restructuring of Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority Mean?

Mumbai, July 12 (NationPress) The Union Ministry of Environment and Climate Change has released a notification aimed at restructuring the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority. This move is intended to facilitate the prompt approval of various development initiatives and projects within the state under the Coastal Zone Regulation (CRZ).

State Environment and Climate Change Minister Pankaja Munde, who actively advocated for the swift issuance of this notification from the Centre, confirmed that the authority will be operational for the next three years.

“The CRZ approval is mandatory for numerous governmental and private projects statewide. The Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority has been operational since 1998, but its term was set to expire in December 2024. The state government proposed the formation of a new authority to the central government, and the Union Environment and Climate Change Ministry has now formalized this notification,” Minister Munde stated.

She elaborated that restructuring the authority is designed to expedite the development of various projects while fostering sustainable growth in the state, aiding in the balance between development and environmental preservation.

The gazette notification indicates that the new authority will include senior administrative officials, scientists, environmental specialists, and representatives from NGOs. The authority will operate out of Mumbai.

“The authority will be led by the Principal Secretary of the Environment and Climate Change Department. It will also include Secretaries from the Revenue, Rural Development, Urban Development, Fisheries, and Industries Departments. Additionally, members will comprise the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation Commissioner, the Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests from the Mangrove Cell, representatives from the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Maharashtra Pollution Control Board, environmental experts LR Ranganath, Milind Sardesai, Amit Bansiwal, Anish Andheria, the President of the Bombay Natural History Society, and NGO representatives. The Director-level officers from the Environment Department will serve as the Member Secretary,” the government release specified.

The authority's responsibilities will include reviewing and recommending project proposals as per the CRZ notification, safeguarding marine and coastal ecosystems, preserving biodiversity, regulating development in coastal zones, investigating breaches of the Environment (Protection) Act, proposing necessary amendments to the Central government, and establishing a dedicated website for transparency to protect the rights of traditional fishermen and coastal communities, as noted in the government release.

“This decision will not only accelerate the state's advancement in environmental protection but also promote sustainable development. The restructuring of the authority seeks to maintain a balance between environmental conservation and development,” Minister Munde concluded.