Mr. Satyanarayana was addressing presspersons during the visit of Nalin Kumar Kateel, MP, to review the progress of the work on the dam. Work is going on near the Malavoor bridge.
Mr. Satyanarayana said while formulating the project, it was perceived that the coastal regulatory zone covered 500 metres from the high tide line. Following a notice issued early this month, the authorities came to know that the land along the river joining the sea was also covered under the CRZ. “We were told that the CRZ includes 500 metres from the point salt water is found,” he said.
The Coastal Regulation Zone Notification issued in January mentions that development activities on the tidal influenced water bodies such as bays, estuaries, rivers and creeks could be regulated till the distance where the tidal effects are felt. It prevents activities that disturb the natural course of the seawater, except activities such as laying structures for prevention of salinity ingress and freshwater recharge based on or carried out by any agency to be specified by Ministry of Environment and Forests.
He said the 203-metre dam was being built to meet the drinking water needs of 17 villages, including Bajpe and Moodshedde. Work on it was supposed to start in 2003. But it commenced only in February following sanction of Rs. 28 crore. This project had been taken up under the Centre's scheme for sustainable water use.
Mr. Kateel said apart from meeting the drinking water requirement, the dam would help in recharging the water table in the region. “We hope to get clearance for the project from the authority soon,” he said.
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