Unbridled construction activities in eco-sensitive areas with natural water flow have a devastating effect and lead to natural calamities such as those seen in the recent floods in Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Uttarakhand, the Supreme Court has said. ‘‘Uncontrolled construction activities in these areas would have devastating effects on the natural water flow that may ultimately result in severe natural calamities,’’ the Bench said in the order. The Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP) has been prepared to check these types of activities and construction activities of all types in the notified areas. Under Section 3 of the Environment Protection Act, 1986, the authority is empowered to deal with environmental issues relating to the notified CRZ areas. Construction activities in the notified CRZ areas can be permitted only in consultation with and concurrence of the authority.

Source: The Hindu May 14, 2019 12:34 UTC