According to The Gazette of India on 5 May 2020, the Central government constituted the “Andhra Pradesh Coastal Zone Management Authority” using the powers given under sub-section (1) and (3) of Section 3 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. Additionally, the members of the Authority are appointed, for a period of three years; effective from the date of publication of this order in the Official Gazette.
Details About The Authority
The Authority headquarters directed to be at Guntur, Andhra Pradesh. Firstly, the quorum for the meeting of the Authority shall be one-third of the total number of its members. Secondly, the payment of allowances to a Member, other than an Ex-Officio Member, as per the norms decided by the Central Government. The centre constituted the Authority for the purposes of protecting and improving the quality of the coastal environment and preventing, abating and controlling environmental pollution in the Coastal Regulation Zone areas in the State of Andhra Pradesh. Meanwhile, the effectiveness of such a step remains to be seen.
Measures Taken By The Andhra Pradesh Coastal Zone Management Authority
After receiving the application for approval of project proposal; it shall examine if it is in conformity with the approved Coastal Zone Management Plan; and within the requirements of the Coastal Regulation Zone notification issued by the Centre. Accordingly, the Authority has the power to make recommendations for approval of such project to the concerned authority, as specified in the notification, within a period of sixty days from the date of receipt of such application.
Above all, the Authority shall enforce the provisions as per this notification. Moreover, it shall examine the proposals received from the State Government for changes in the classification of Coastal Regulation Zone areas and in the Plan. Thereby making specific recommendations, to the National Coastal Zone Management Authority. So, the Authority shall inquire or review cases of violations or contraventions of the said notification suo-moto (on its own), or on the basis of a complaint made by any individual or organisation.
Mr. Arvind Kumar Nautiyal, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change laid down this order.
