Illegal mining: Coastal zone management body for strict action

“The decision was taken at the last GCZMA meeting… the revenue department has been asked to direct the collectors of coastal districts to take immediate action to stop illegal mining activity in their respective areas,” a senior government official close to the development told The Sunday Express.

The official said GCZMA has asked the Gujarat Ecology Commission (GEC) to hold more training programmes for a better implementation of the CRZ Notification,2011.

The Commission informed GCZMA that it would organise training programmes in various zones of the state,the official said,adding,“The GEC would develop a training module and materials,and the training would begin soon.”

The authority has also expressed serious concern over the failure of Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation (GIDC) and fisheries department in bringing down the high levels of pollution at Veraval Harbour in Junagadh district.

“The Authority deliberated the issue and felt that the concerned authorities should have taken this matter with seriousness. But his could not happen. Therefore,it was decided by the Authority that Commissioner of Fisheries along with GIDC would prepare a comprehensive plan to address these pollution problems. This task would be taken up on an urgent basis,” said the official.

Pipavav shipyard gets showcause

GCZMA has issued a showcause notice to the Pipavav Ship Yard Limited and asked the company to submit an action plan to complete the mangrove plantation over an area of 105 hectares.

The authority has learnt that the company failed to meet the mandatory requirements and did plantation over just five hectares.