Centre rejects move for sea wall construction in Orissa dist

Puri, Jan 16 (PTI) Announcing plans to spend Rs 1,200
crore procured from World Bank to check coastal erosion and
protect ecologically fragile zones in three states, the Centre
on Saturday rejected any move for construction of sea wall as
a barrier before the meandering sea in Orissa's Kendrapara
district.
"Construction of sea-wall is unlawful. No such
proposal has come before the Centre, nor any such permission
has been given", Indian Environment and Forest Minister Jairam
Ramesh told reporters here while responding to queries on a
proposal to build sea wall in Pentha area to check sea
erosion.
Stating that existing norms in Coastal Regulation Zone
(CRZ) lacked provision of stringent action against violaters
of the law, Ramesh said an ammendment is being made in a law
to give it more teeth for demolition of encroachments besides
severe punishment for illegal construction.
"No permission would be given for construction of new
ports, unless and until proper environment impact assessment
is made", Ramesh said after a public hearing on proper
implementation and enforcement of CRZ.
Under Integrated Coastal Zone Management Plan with the
help of World Bank, Rs 1,200 crore plan is being implemented
for development of the coast line and its eco-fragile zones in
West Bengal, Orissa and Gujarat besides checking sea erosion.
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