Coastal zone plan: NGT orders TN to conduct ground truthing

Tells authority to collect inputs from all dists, fix shortcomings before releasing draft map

- SV KRISHNA CHAITANYA

EMPHASISING on the need for greater accuracy and public engagement, the southern bench of National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Tamil Nadu Coastal Zone Management Authority (TNCZMA) and the National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management (NCSCM) to undertake ground truthing in ecologically sensitive areas before finalising the Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP).

The order comes after concerns were raised by coastal communities and environmental groups about the accuracy of the draft CZMP maps and omission of key environmental and community features.