Team Herald
PONDA: Residents of Kundaim have urged the authorities to safeguard No-Development Zones (NDZs) and Coastal Regulation Zones (CRZ), fearing that unchecked illegal constructions, hill cutting, and mangrove destruction will severely impact biodiversity and traditional fishing activities.
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Locals stated that an inspection of illegal structures in the CRZ area had been conducted by the panchayat eight months ago, and they are now demanding that action be initiated based on the site inspection report.
Farmers and residents have raised concerns about construction activities being carried out in no-development zones by means of extensive hill cutting. “Hill cutting has started where the CRZ line ends, with a seven-metre-high section already cut,” said Vijesh Naik, a local resident adding that at least four constructions have cropped up in the CRZ and no-development zone areas. He further noted that mangroves have been destroyed to facilitate construction.
Expressing his concerns, Kamlesh Bhandari warned that if construction activities continue unchecked, they will disrupt traditional fishing activities. “CRZ areas are crucial as they serve as catchment zones during heavy rains to prevent flooding,” he emphasised.
Meanwhile, local farmers have also voiced concerns over illegal fishing activities being initiated at Manaswada Khazan fields without consulting them. They fear that such activities will negatively impact the traditional khazan farming system in the future.
