Acehtsunami

Coastal areas in India are extensive and support some of the most diverse and valuable coastal resources. These rich coastal biodiversity and their invaluable support to multiple uses of human activities for many centuries present a challenge to managers/planners and developers of these areas in the many ways these areas are conserved and developed.

The richness of biodiversity, the large variation in the types of coastal zones within a state, varied human populations and diverse regional economies among regions within states are some of the main reasons why the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) notification of 1991 came into play.

While acknowledging the difficulties in implementing the regulations and the need to develop a better and more robust notification, the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) has announced a draft ‘Coastal Management Zone Notification, 2008’ that would come into force after considering comments and oppositions, received by June 30, 2008. It is envisaged that the new notification would replace the 1991 CRZ notification and contain various plans on how coastal areas will be managed.

The stated objective of the proposed Costal Management Zone (CMZ) notification of 2008 is “protection and sustainable development of the coastal stretches and marine environment through sustainable coastal zone management practices based on sound scientific principles taking into account the vulnerability of the coast to natural hazards, sustainable livelihood security for local communities, and conservation of ecologically and culturally significant coastal resources.”

While addressing this, it is important to remember coastal systems extend beyond jurisdictional boundaries and are affected by local users and decisions made by different levels of government. The management of coastal systems thus requires many agencies, at different levels to be involved. The system is highly interconnected and no single agency has the necessary controls.

We would like to initiate a discussion amongst members of the Water and Disaster Management Communities and invite recommendations and suggestions on providing sensible and scientifically valid solutions for managing various conflicting interests in coastal areas and on regulatory mechanisms.

Keeping this in mind, members could begin by considering the implications on the following:

· Biodiversity conservation

· Land use changes

· Coastal and fisheries livelihood

· CRZ vs. CMZ

· Collective and individual role and responsibility of the various government agencies in ICZM

The Bureau of Indian Standards Code outlines the general technical aspects of lightning, illustrating its principal electrical, thermal and mechanical effects. Guidance is given on how to assess the risk of being struck and it offers a method of compiling an index figure as an aid in deciding if a particular structure is in need of protection.  The Code also offers guidance on good engineering practice and the selection of suitable materials. Recommendations are made for special cases such as explosives stores and temporary structures, for example, cranes, spectator stands constructed of metal scaffolding. Where current carrying conductors are directly associated with structures coming within the scope of this Code, certain recommendations relating to them are included; however, the protection of overhead telephone wires, radar stations, electric traction and supply lines should, on account of their special nature, be referred to the specialists. The code provides a map highlighting Average Number of Thunderstorm days (ATD) in a year in some places in India.

Poor in Urban areas are facing number of problems related to basic necessities such as - lack of shelter, clean air, clean water, proper toilets, electricity, proper nutrition and medical facilities etc. Housing for the poor is scarce and consequently slums are mushrooming everywhere, especially in unsafe locations which are relatively cheap and vulnerable to natural disasters.

In the recent past urban microfinance is becoming important and necessary due to various reasons. The 2007 Revision of World Urbanization Prospects provides the official UN estimates and projections of the urban, rural and city populations of all countries in the world up to 2050. According to the report, thirty per cent of India’s population today is living in urban areas – slightly more than 300 million people. By 2050, 55 per cent of India’s population will be living in urban areas, amounting to 900 million people.

The 74th Constitutional Amendment has given a significant role to Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in terms of empowerment and expanding their normal functions to include urban poverty alleviation. The poor are generally illiterate and do not have authenticated addresses as well as any collaterals to give as security. Urban poor primarily need microfinance services such as savings, credit (for consumption, housing and livelihood activities), insurance (for social security) and other remittance services.