Mumbai: The state government of Maharashtra will prepare new coastal zone management plan (CZMP) maps.
The old CZMP maps, finalised in 2000, expired sixth months ago as per the coastal regulation zone (CRZ) notification, 2011. The state government has asked the Institute of Remote Sensing (IRS), Chennai, to prepare the new maps on a scale of 1:4000, which provides finer resolution while classifying and demarcating coastal areas. According to officials, unlike the previous study, the new geomorphological study of coastal areas includes classification of CRZ areas and demarcation of mangroves, mudflats, wetlands and salt pans with corresponding colour codes. The CRZ notification makes it mandatory to make the new maps public.Coastal maps are not only essential to clear development projects but have also been used extensively by activists to save mangroves, wetlands and mudflats from encroachments.
Source: Hindustan Times
