CHENNAI: In a move to effectively implement and enforce the provisions of coastal regulation zone (CRZ) rules, the state environment department has issued an order to appoint its representative at collector offices in 14 coastal districts.
As per the order dated November 29, a performance audit on the conservation of coastal marine eco-system observed that the Tamil Nadu State Coastal Zone Management Authority does not have dedicated manpower.
Based on the recommendations of the director, department secretary P Senthilkumar issued the order to appoint 14 officials to coordinate with districts. Once appointed, the new officials will assist and coordinate with district administrations apart from assisting coastal zone management authorities. The officials will also help authorities in post clearances monitoring.
Meanwhile, a recently released CAG report revealed that between 2015 and 2022, the Tamil Nadu Coastal Zone Management Authority has CRZ clearances to 114 out of 175 projects without forwarding them to appropriate authorities such as the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change or the State Environmental Impact Assessment Authority for approval.
During joint inspections and analysis of Google Earth images, CAG identified 90 unauthorised constructions within the No Development Zone of CRZ III, which includes areas within 200m of the High Tide Line.