Karnataka Coast :

A case for better protection

 KarnatakaCoast:
a case for better protection

Published by EQUATIONS in March,2000

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Equitable Tourism Options
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E-mail: coast@equitabletourism.org

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 Equitable Tourism Options

EQUATIONS is a non-profit organisation established in 1984. EQUATIONS is

the only non-governmental organisation in India, working exclusively on the

impact of tourism. Designed to critically understand and react to the effects of
thoughtless and insensitive use of tourism as a developmental instrument hy the
State and the industry, EQUATIONS has been instrumental in creating a critical
debate on tourism development in India. We work towards transforming the
inherently exploitative nature of mass commercial tourism. We question the
real benefits of tourism to the host communities as well as its socio-cultural and
economic impacts. Our activities include documentation, publication, research,
seminars and the investigation of alternative tourism policies and structures.
Contents

Preface I

Introduction I

Monitoring of Dakhina Kannada 6

Monitoring of Uttara Kannada l3

Conclusion 2l
Preface

The changing paradigms of development are often felt in the shift in priority of
beneficiaries of such development. The modern development seeking the rich
natural resources as the basis of its development operates on limited vision, to its
advantage. Two critical entities that are subjected to rhese shifts are the
environment and the community who live alongside the environment that was
thus hr suppofting them. The long tern sustainabiliq/ of the environment is not
considered though with modern technology it is possible to reduce the impacts of
such development to certain extend. The community who are living on such
environment and natural rescues, are not consulted and are not considered to be
part of the developments. Their protests and pleadings are often ignored.

There is also another factor that encourages these happenings. The people living
outside, in areas of these development projects, do not feel that in the long term
they also would be an affected party. Environmental degradation and lives of the
affected people do not attract serious engagement apart from a general curiosity.

The state and its arms too contribute to this situation. Either they are unwilling to
entage in the complexities of these development or are totally sitting with archaic
norms. Even existing laws are not pur to good use.

The coastal regions of Karnataka could be the revealing example for this. The
community having experienced the limit of these development has advanced to
question the larger implications of the developments. Their approach is both located
from experiences of their own situations as well as knowledge acquired by engaging
in the debate on these developments.

Monitoring Karnataka Coast was undertaken with a single point agenda as to how
the coastal areas of Karnataka are faring in the development debate. The parameter
to check this was the Coastal Regulation Zone (CM) Notification 199 L Only
identified areas were visited that could serue as indicators of the situation.

One important factor to be noted in this monitoring report is that the industrial
development in Dakshin Kannda is not paft of the report. The reason for excluding
the region was that the situation is too complex to an attempt like this. The status of
the area asks for an equally complex approach, involvingvarious departments, faculties
and branches of science. Instead this report locates the status of the region.

Our contacts along the coastal Karnataka and Sri.Yatheesh of Dakshina Kannada

and Sri. Ravindra Pawar of Majali village, Karwar has helped us locate the areas to be
visited. The monitoring was undertaken in collaboration with Nagarika Seva Trust,
Bangalore.

This study is part of Coastal Zone Watch Programme of EQUATIONS, supported

by ICCO, Netherlands.

EQUATIONS team.

ii
 =

I ntrod uction

The present situotion

The coastline of Karnataka, till recendy, was perhaps the best remaining in the
south, especially the Uttara Kannada coast. Of the 7500 kms long coastline of
India Karnataka's share is 320Kms. These 320 kms are characteristically divided
into two districts: Uttara and Dakshina Kannada form the Northern and Southern
coastal districts respectively. The coast stretches from Majali village of Urrar Kannada
in the North, to the Talapady village of Dakshina Kannada, in the South, bordering
Keralam.

Many places along the Karnataka coast have been identified and used for intensive
industrial development. Such features are predominant mostly in the southern
coast, that is, Dakshin Kannada district. The industrialisation in the district began
with the establishment of the New Mangplore port during mid 70s which changed
the profile of the district from traditional agriculture and fishing. Many large-scale
industries including chemical and petroleum industries are located along this coast.
This is also the area identified for power generation for the state. That the
concentration of industries has severe impacts on the environment is being debated
today. Also the displacement of persons and change in land use and ownership
that is brought about by these industries are issues of concern.

The coast of the Uttar Kannada district w:rs comparatively free of heavy industries,
without much change in the coastal land use pattern. The district is known for
fishing and related industries, with several fishing harbours dotted all along the
coast. This profile is fast changing. One major development activity initiated is the
Sea Bird Naval Project. This project will control nearly 20 km of the cdast in

Karwar district. Another advent in the district is that of tourism development.

Vasg sandy beaches dotted with cliffs and rock formations, the rich productivity
of the coastal ecosystem, as well as the easy availability of land on the coast, are the
major attractions for the entry of tourism into this region. As Goan coasts have

Monitoring the Komqtoko Coost

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lost their charm for tourists, because of the degradation of the coast, by the tourism
industry, the move now is to Uttara Kannada. Karwar is already under pressure
from tourism industry. The coastalso suffers degradation due to industrial aquacuhure.

The community

This industrialisation process is already affecting the community. Displacement of

the communities to accomodate large industries, has become a regular feature
along the Karnataka coasL Mangalore has already experienced this. Now Uttara
Kannada has also had the taste of displacement, in Karwar. Fishing, which was rhe
main economic activity of the community, is already dwindling. The introduction
of mechanisation, and later, large fishing vessels, has contributed to the depletion
of fishery resources. Now, added to this, is the threat of degredation of their
natural habitat, on the coast.

The changes in land use patterns along the coast will have severe effects on the
coastal ecology, and thereby, on the life of the community. Apart from the threat
of displacement, heavy and large-scale constructions can change the geo-
morphology of the coast. Already erosion is severe along the Karnataka Coast.
More and more constructions shall only aggravate this process. Erosion is severe
along many pars of the coast, affecting fishing villages.

The challenges prevailing along the Karnataka coast are the following:

I ndustriolisotion ond I nfrosvu cture D evelopme nt

The coastal area is under severe threat of industrialisation. The coast has been
hitherto unused, and therefore land and natural resources are easily and
economically available. This makes the coast the prime target of industrialisation.
Also, in the coastal areas, it is politically easier to bring in industrialisatiop under
the guise of development and infrastructure creation. However, it is seen only in
retrospect that the so-called infrastructure and related development is not at all
beneficial for the local communities, but serves only the needs of the various industries.

The forms of development are also not appropriate, and cause great damage to the
fragile coastal ecology. The recent surge of investment into the coastal areas
reinforces this phenomenon.
 Lond Acquisition

Land acquisition procedures are used without restraing to further the process of
industrialisation. The restrictions imposed under the Land Acquisition Acr are
exploited to the benefit of the indusries, and no heed is paid to the effect that
such acquisition has on local people. Displacement is often on a ver), large scale, and
rehabilitation measures are usually not followed, and where followed, are totally
inadequate. There is no check on this process of acquisition, as the process of
land acquisition for "public purpose" is without question. All the acquisitions that
take place for the purposes of private industries are done, improperly, under this
process, and therefore are not subject to any checks.

Chonge in Lond Use potterns

This process of land acquisition for industries, has changed entirely the land use
pattern of the coastal areas, leading to adverse effects on the environment, as well
as the local peoples. Coastal agriculturists, fishermen and other traditionally
occupied persons are now subject to extreme pressure because of the changes in
the patterns of resource use. The environment is also damaged, as the new patterns
of land use are not sustainable, and upset the environmental balance.

P oll utio n o nd Enviro nmentol D egrod ation

The increase in environmental pressures is due to these changes in resource use,

as well the large problem of pollution. Industrialisation brings in its wake
urbanisation, and so pollution pressures are felt not only in the form of industrial
waste, but also urban waste. The process of infrastructure development does not
provide for adequate waste disposal. Most of the industrial effluents are let out
directly into the sea, affecting not only the environmental integrity of the coast,
but also the livelihood of coastal peoples. The spawrring and breeding of fish is

dangerously affected, reducing the fish catch of local fisher communities.

Tourism os o threot
Industry is also seen to enter in new forms, such as tourism. Beach tourism is being
intensively promoted in the coastal regions. The entire coastal stretch of Karnataka
has been declared as a Special Tourism Area (STA) for the promotion of tourism.
Special Tourism Areas are areas, which have been identified for extensive promotion

of the tourism industry by allowing many benefis and tax +relaxations for the growth
of the industry. These benefits are aimed mainly at allowing various forms of tourism

Monitoring the Komotoko Coosl

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infrastructure, for example, hotels, transpoft etc, to come up on a massive scale in

those areas, by relaxation of the developmental, and environmental norms for those
areas. The effect of declaring an area as STA is that the local governance bodies,
such as panchayats, are totally overriden. Moreover, special clearance is to be given
'from the environmental angle' to all projects, including those not dealing directly
with tourism. This in effectallows for unquestioned degradation of the environmenr,
and free entry for all industries, without any heed to the repercussions.

Privote Lond Use

Private use of land along the coastal stretches, such as for leisure and recreation in
the form of leisure and guest houses, private retreats, holiday "cottages", is now a

growing phenomenon. Most of these uses have adverse impacts on rhe

environment, as well as interfere with the livelihood, life and cultural practices of
the local communities. This form of development can be attributed entirely to the
more affluent sections of society, and goes unquestioned for various political and
economic reasons.

Coastol Regulotio n Zone Notificotion

It was anticipating these changes along the coastal region that the Coastal Regulation
Zone (CRZ) Notification was introduced in 199l. Looking futuristically at the
modern development and industrialisation process, it was felt the world over that
the coast needed becter procection, for which special laws are required to be
created.

The spirit of the CRZ notification was protection of the coastal stretches of India,
though not in a holistic sense. Prohibiting and regulating constructions and industries
within 500 mts of the coasdine, was a positive initiative. Though the coastal state
governments were reluctant to accept this, under the Supreme Couft directives
the state government prepared their Coastal Management Plans , which later got
the Central Governments approval. One believed that the state government would
enforce this regulation.

But what has followed later was total neglect of this. Every opportunity was sought
to undermine the effect of this protective act. Both the public sector, as well as the
private sector, have violated this notification, along the coast.
 =
Inadequocy of the Law

The Law does not afford enough protection to the coastal areas. The statutes such
as the Coastal Regulation Zone Notification and other instruments, such as the
state Coastal Zone Management Plans, are full of loopholes, and do not reflect
actual ground realities. The CRZ is only a zonation law, dealing with the siting of
various types of industries, and not with coastal management as a whole. The
provisions of the Notification also do not allow for effective protection of the coastal
environmenq including the people dependent on the coast.

I nefficient functioning of Authorities.

Also, the authorities involved in the entire process, ranging from the Coastal Zone
Management Authority, to the Town Planning Authorities, Pollution Control Board,
and so on, do not function efficiently. The bureaucracy tends ro support and facilitate

the government goals ofencouraging industry and infrastructure, rather than advancing
the causes of the coastal environment. The result of this is that various violations go
unquestioned, and many improper permissions and clearances are got by the industries,
allowing for total disregard of the law.

At the end of the day, mainly the environmeng and the local people feel the adverse
effects, while the benefits go to the private investors, and the industry. lt is all these
factors which urge that stock be taken of the coast of Karnataka, so that all
developments can be understood and analised to give the complete and real picture.

Monitoring the Kornotoko Coosl

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Monitoring the Karnataka Coast :

Dakshina Kannada

Dakshina Kannada and the disturbing industrialisation

The transfer from nature based industries to large scale and hazardous industries
is the fundamental issue in Dakhina Kannada. Traditionally, fishing and agriculture
formed the economy of the region. Tile manufacturing industries later thrived in
the region, introduced during the colonial period. lt was much recently the cash

crop cashew and beedi took the form of industry'in the region. The Mangalore
port set the pace for modern industries.

The modern large-scale industries have the ability to generate ancillary units that
could feed the reguirement of their products. According to an estimation each
year roughly around 600 to 800 units in small scale sector are being set up in the
state. This is predominantly in small-scale sector with an investment less than 60
lakh based on fixed capital investment on plant and machinery. The number of
registered small-scale units in 1992-93 was close to 9000 units. By the above
calculation this could have increased to a wobbling number of 13200 units by
1998-99 if calculated in an average of 700 units per year.

The large-scale industries are nine in number, while there are 24 medium-scale
industries. With the economic liberalisation and the boost to private sector it is

estimated thataround 36 mega-industries, including power projects, are being planned

at Dakhina Kannada. Nearly all the existing industries, also, have plans for expansion.

The new phenomenon in Dakshina Kannada is the spree cf power projects. The
Mangalore poft act as a catalyst for this. One prominent contender for one of
these projects is the controversial Congentrix Power Company, that wanted to
establish a 1000 MW coal based power project. While such a large project would
take years to commission, the state government is looking forward to intermediary
sources for fast completion and generation of power. The numerous barge mounted
power projecs planned in the state, is such a move.

The situation is thus created, for industries to disregard the environment and the
people, has put the people of Dakshina Kannada onto a warpath with the state
administration. What has not been taken into consideration, according to the people,
is the ecology of the region. The concentration of such large number of industries

is bound to have impacs on the coastal environment, and thereby, the livelihood
of the people. This is apart from the land requirement and related displacement of=
the people.

The environmenal issues related to these developments seem to be of no concern

to the state authorities. There seem to be no scientific tools applied to understand
the impacts of such developments. Modern industries, and their impacts, are so
complex that traditional understanding is defunct, in such situations. The industries,
and the pollution generated by them, is a typical example, to understand how archaic
the system functioning in the state is. The pollution control board grans clearance
to factories, considering whether the pollution generated by an individual unit is

within the accepted permissible level. But what is not taken into consideration is

that when a number of such units are grouped together, it is not the permissible
level that matters as far as the environment is considered, but their cumulative
effect. The result of such criminal negligence by the authorities is evident in Mangalore.

The situation in Dakshina Kannada today is verT volatile. This came out openly
during the agitation against the Congentrix power project, that has even lead to
police firing and killings. The logical question that the people of Dakshina Kannada
have been asking throughout the agitation, is why should they pay with their lives
and livelihood for a power company, which power is primarily for the consumpdon
of Bangalore, the capital city ?

The issue in Dakshina Kannada is that of people versus modern development,

environment and livelihood, against polluting and hazardous industries, sensitivity
and well being of systems, versus indifferent and senseless systems. The issue is very

complex and stems from modern economic and political decisions.

Keeping in mind these complexities, and also the sensitive nature of the issues while
monitoring the Karnataka Coast, the industrial belt was kept aside. lnstead what was
looked at w:rs predominantly related to the state's and Coastal Zone Management
Authorities la< attitude towards the Coastal Regulation Zone Notification of 199l.
ldentified sites were chosen considering ecological imporcance of the coastal stretch,
and non-implementation of the CRZ was documented. The objective was to cite
examples by which such non-implementation, Dr rather, violation could be brought
to the acention of the concerned authorities fcr prompt action.

Monitoring the Karnotoko Coosl

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SURVEY OF DAKSHINA KANNADA COAST

The Dakshin Kannada district has a coastline of about | 60 Kms. close by the Arabian
Sea. The coastline is highly indented and as many as eight main rivers drain the heavy
rainfall of the Western Ghats Catchments to the Arabian Sea. The important rivers
are the Netravati, the Gurpur, the Udiyavara, the Mulki and Pavange, the Sita and
Swarna, the Haladi, the Chakra, Kollur and Baindur rivers'
*

Tolapody
Talapady is the southernmost coastal village on the border of Karnataka and Kerala.
The revenue name of this village is Talapady, falling under the taluka panchayat limia
of Ullal. Adjacent to this village, there is an estuary (locally known as Talapady River

and its estuarT). High sand dune formations and Representative Mangroves are found
in this estuary.

Findings and Analysis:

. This area is not included in the Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP). The
estuary, sand dunes and the lush green mangroves together should have qualified
for categorising the area as CRZ l. Buq this area has not been included in the
cjz:MP, and the reason therefor is not known. Such omission can constitute a
violation of the CRZ rules, which requires thatthe areas as described thereunder

to be classified into the CRZ zones as given.

. Sand mining activities are being carried out on the Mud flats of this area. There

are about ten small boats engaged in these activities. Each boat makes ten trips
in a day, Each trip fetches them Rs.50/-, ( 100 x 50 = Rs5000/-). Sand mined in
this area is transported to Mangalore and other places for constructions.

Under rhe CRZ norification, (sub-heading lX under the heading of Prohibited

Activities), mining of sand is prohibited. Sand mining, that is removal of beach sand
for construction, industrialand other uses, can upsetthe coastal equilibrium established
by nature. This may also have an adverse impact on the Mangroves Present in this
area. Removal of sand dunes also leads to flooding, change in the course of water

flow, and makes the area more Prone to coastal erosion and sea-level rise.

. On the opposite side, towards the northern bank of the estuar/ a new residential

' From the Karnataka Coasal Zone Management Plan, 1996'

 building is being constructed. lt is within 50 Mts. From the HTL. The construction =
is towards tJre seaward side of a newly constructed 'kucha' road. This area hlls
under the Talapady village Panchayac This construction is said to be that of a
contr?ctor from Mangalore.

The construction is within the No Development Tone (NDZ), clearing coastal

vegetation that is abundant in the region. Underthe norms for Regulation of Activities
no new constructions are permitted within the 200 Mts. Of HTL which is the NDZ.
Therefore the aforementioned residential construction is a clear violation of the
CRZ Notification. The building also violates the FSI regulations set by the CRZ.

Assuming that the area is considered as CRZ ll, in the.absence of such demarcations
in the CZMP of Karnatdka, the construction remains a clear violation of CRZ norms.
The norms for regulation of activities under CRZ ll clearly state that buildings shall
be permitted only on the landward side of the existing road. The construction in
question is, however, on the seaward side of the existing road.

The law, in this case, is not only ineffective but is absent. By failing to include the
area under the CZMP, there is no scope for effective protection or management
of this coastal stretch. This is clear from the extent of illegal activities occurring
here, such as sand mining. lt can also be seen that the lack of legal authority over
this area allows for private use and exploitation of the area, in violation of the CRZ
norms,

Someshwora Village
To the North of Talapady is Someshwara Village, which is hmous for the ancient
Somanatha Temple there. lt is located on a cliff that protrudes into the sea. EverT

Sunday 3000 to 4000 devotees come over here. More than 10,000 devotees pay

a visit to have a sea bath as a ritual on every Shanrana Teertha Amavase.

Findings and Analysis:

. The area is rocky. Direct entry from the road to the beach is barred by such
rock formations. There are abutting cliffs within CRZ zone around 300 Mts. of
HTL. There is an ongoing cutting of these rock for making grinding stones.

The area falls under CRZ ll in the CZMP. According to the Prohibited Activities (ix)

of CRZ mining of rocks is prohibited from the CRZ zone, and therefore the activit),
carried on is in violation of the CRZ Regulations.

Monltoilng the Kornotoko Coqsl

 EAUATIONS.

North of Someshwora Villoge

The area falls under CRZ ll categon/ in the CZ:MP and falls within the limits of
Someshwara Village Panchayat. The land ward side of the village road is thickly
populated, whereas the seaward side is comparatively less crowded. From the village
road to the beach is around 300 Mts.

Findings and Analysis:

' A layout work is in progress for constructing a residential complex of 600
government quarters. New roads with drainage are being laid out. To the uphill
side of this place, a water tank has been constructed to which water is fed from
the nearby well located within this area. This new layout will also have a post
office, nursing home, garden, etc. According to information gathered on the
ground, each residential quarter costs about Rs.2 lakhs. The complex is within
500 Mt. Zone. The complex would extend into the NDZ, according to the
present layout.

The norms for regulation of Activities in CRZ ll clearly state that "buildings shall be
permitced only on the landward side of the existing road or on the landward side of
the existing authorised structures". The CZMP shows the National Highway l7 as

running parallel to the coast in this area, and therefore is to be considered as the

main road. Even if the village road is considered, the residential complex is neverthless
a violation, since it is towards the seaward side of the road. Only the master plan of
the complex will make clear the extend and position of the complex. At present the
layout is extending into the NDZ.

Tonnirbhovi
It is a place situated on a thin strip of land in-between the Gurupura River and the
Arabian Sea. The C,Z;MP classifies the area as being CRZ l, and records the presence
of mangroves in the CRZ I belc No land is recorded as being CRZ ll or lll. The
CZMf describes the area as prone ro exrreme erosion and also under tremendous
pressure from local population. lt also says that bore water pressure plays a pivotal
role in initiating severe erosion along the beach. lt is also an Olive Ridley Turtle
RookerT, verT much an ecologically sensitive area.
Findings and Analysis: =
o fi 200-mw Barge mount plant is coming up at Tannirbhavi on the River
Gurpur. According to the CZMP the area is included in CRZ l, falls under the limits
of Surathkal Taluka Panchayac To transport the power generated by this plant
Karnataka Electricity Board has constructed Transmission Towers in the river Gurpur.

Since Tannirbhavi is in CRZ I the whole area is a No Development Zone. The region

by its very nature is an ecologically sensitive area. The CZMP clearly vouches for
this, by including the area in CRZ I category. Therefore, the construction of
Tannirbhavi barge mounted power plant in this Zone is a clear violation of the CRZ
Notification.

St Mon/s lslond
It is a 50 million-year-old island located llzkm to the nofth of Malpe Portand is

hmous for its basalt rocks, which have crystallised into hexagonal columns. lt is the
only port in India where basalt rocks show up in such peculiar formations. The
CZ:MP describes these islands as beautiful natural settings, with columnar rocks,
which are a unique geo-morphological features and vegetation. Sc MarT's lsland is

open to visitors only from October to end of May.

Findings and Analysis:

. St. Mary's lsland Beach is badly littered with waste and plastics polluting the
entire stretch.

Hundreds of day picnickers and sea bathers come to this beach every day. But there
are no facilities provided for them.

Kota Beoch
Kota is a village situated 35 km ro the south of Kundapur Taluka. The revenue name
of this-village is Manus Grama, with a population of about 5000. lt is one of the
coastal villages where fishing is very intensive. People residing in this area are mainly

fish merchant and coconut planters. There are three marine industries located in the
village -Jupiter Marine Pvc Limited, Janata Aquatic Products and Tolar Ocean Products

Private Limited. This village is not included in the CZMP.

Monltoring the Ko/,/lotoko Coosl

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Findings and Analysis:

' The village is under severe threat of erosion. According the President of the
Village Panchayac the area had a beach extending upto 3 km inside of where the
sea is presendy. The sea has engulfed this whole area and the process is continuing

till this day. Three ),ears ago big boulders, upto 15ft in height, were dumped
along the coast to reduce sand erosion. All the boulders have sunk.

This village and the nearby area are erosion prone. The reason for this needs to be

established through further studies. However, dumping boulders and building sea
walls is not the answer. The best option, for the time being, would be to relocate
the village funher away from the beach. This would help free sea -coast interaction,
without human interference. The area is ecologically very sensitive and needs
protecdon. Any new constructional activities in the should not be permitted, as

this will be both ecologically harzadous as well as incur financial loss. Declaring the
area as CRZ l, after offering alternatives to the local community, is the way out.

Morovonthe
The CZMP lists this area as having outstanding beauty, and therefore as part of CRZ
l. lt does not delineate any areas as being between the LTL and HTL. lt also includes
CRZ ll and lll areas. The CZMP says that coastal erosion has played "severe havoc"
in this area, and stresses the need for a 'broad and lengthy sea wall'. There is also
fishing activity in this area. The area has high harvest of shell fish mussels.

Findings and Analysis:

. Near Maravanthe village a hotel by name "Sea View" is under construction, and
is within 50 Mts. of HTL. The distance between HTL up to 200 Mts. is No
Development Zone. No new constructions including hotels and resorts are
permitted. The hotel also violates the FSI regulations, as lay down by the CRZ.

Hotel $ea View L a clear violation of CRZ norms. Resorts are permitted along the
coast only beyond the NDZ that is, 200 Mts. The construction is also towards the
seaward side of the road, the National Highway. There is a court case pending
against this hotel for violation of CRZ. But when this monitoring was carried out
construction activities were going on at the hotel site.
 (Above) Talapady: Sand mining. (Below) Mangroves along the Talapady estuary

violationcfeRZNorms
{Bclow) Residential building,uncereonstruetion,ontheoppositebanksoftheestuary;in
 Someshwara Village:
Residential complex under

(Below)Rock mining near

Somanatha temple at
Someshwara village

liotr.r :3eeich: :::ea ei'irsil1! 1s r':ini;.rant

Maravanthe beaeh: Hotel
Seaview under construction,
in blatant violation of e RZ
n0fms

Seawall at Maravanthe.
Ihe entirc area is prone
io erosion rv ih-o sea
 Monitoring Karnataka Coast: =
Uttara Kannada
The coastal tract begins in the North from Village Majali on the Goa border, and
continues in the south upto the Dakhina Kannada boundary, a litde beyond the port
of Bhatkal. lt varies in width from about l6 to 48 kilometres, depending upon the
nature of estuaries and the intermediate tableland. Contrary to the general impression,
this is not a plain but a succession of estuarine area connected by narrow coastal
strip with the large fishing village of Majali, a centre of fishing activit)r. Fisheries have
assumed great importance and much of it consists of both the sea and inland fisheries,
mollusks, o)rsters and prawns. Soon after the tides, the shallow bed in the estuary is

a scene of frequent activity for the local population in search of seafood. The sandy
coastline, and coastal dunes, have considerably influenced local agriculture. Along
the coasg the Causuarina plantations tr), to arrest the migration of sands inwards on
the fertile alluvial land.*

Wither Kanvar : The Sea Bird Project

"People who sacrificed their land would lead a better life, and not one tear would be
allowed to roll from their eyes". These were the words of late Prime Minister Rajiv
Gandhi, as he laid the foundation stone for the Sea Bird Naval Projec, in | 986. But he
is not alive today to wipe the tears of the thousands in Karwar and Ankola taluks.

Uttara Kannada is competing with Dakshina Kannada in displacing people, and

ecological disaster. What it took more than two decades for Dakhina Kannda of
what it is today, the people of Uaara Kannda has been experiencing since the last
two years.

The ambitious Sea Bird project claimed to be the largest in Asia, has already displaced
4779 .Fa;milies from 13 villages of Karwar. 8423 acres of prime coastal and coastal
agricultural land has been acquired for this projecc The project is only on its first
phase, ii* Rs.OOO crores investment ptans to be completed in the next five years.

While the Government found such a large amount for the projet, same government
could not find money to rehabilitate the people in a decent, humaniarian, environment.

The displaced people are still waiting for a decent settlement. People who had been
living in spacious houses and lands have to be content to live in colonies in the
future. lt required the National Human Rights commission to intervene and suggest

' From the Karnaala Coasal Zone Management Plan, 1996.

Monitorlng the Kdrnotokq Coosf

 EOUATIONS

basic amenities like drinking water, sewage and drainage hcilities to be provided in

the couple of rehabilitation centers already provided.

After being looted for everything they had, 26 families from Allegadda had to face
the wrath of the police while demanding for a speedy settlement. They were lathi
charged, which the police denied, claiming that they had only fired tear gas shells to
disperse the crowd.

The people were tested with every known trick that the administration is capable
of. While there was a plea in the High Court that eviction in Benaga, Araga and
Chendya villages be initiated only after proper rehabilitation measures were
completed, the local administration demolished 500 houses, when the courts were
closed for holidays. 2000 displaced people had to obsenre a black day (from Karwar
and Ankola taluks) to open the eyes of naval and local administration to their plight.

The 600 crore project is a joint venture between India, Germany and Holland. lt is a

consortium of engineers and consultants undertaking the development of the base.

Larsen and Toubro would superuise the work as chief consultants and contractors.
The present Defence Minister, while inaugurating the proiect work, has been very
enthusiastic about the local developments and opportunities for local entrepreneurs
and workers. But the local realities are different. Ms. Margaret Alva, MP, complained
about the way things are managed here. Project sub- contractors and transport
contractors are from outside. Even the labourers are being brought from outside,
according to the MP. The justification given by the naval administration was about
the skills required for the kind of work that is to be done here.

While the displaced people are running from pillar to post for their compensation
and promise d ex gntia payments, the local administration is taking advantage of the
opportunity. Mr. Prabhakar Rane, former minister and honorary president of the Sea

Bird Naval Project and Konkan Railway Evacuees Forum, said that corruption is

rampant in the local administration. They are milking the blood, out of the displaced
people, who approach them for assistance and compensation. He had demanded the
transfdi of entire staff of the local administration, according to newspaper reports.

Farmers are crucified for no fault of theirs. Awards for acquisition of land were
passed in 1986, at rhe then price of Rs.150 per gunta. But even after twelve long
years, the compensation is still at the same rate. Since serving of the notice twelve
years ago, community were not allowed to grow crops in the acquired lands, though
they are lying idle ever since. lt seems that once the award is made for the acquired
land, there is no provision for changing the award, however lengthy the time taken =
for implementing the award.

But the gravest threat to Karwar coast and the coastal communities are long term.
One has to wait and watch how much of the coastal land would remain the way it is

today. Looking at the design, it is worthwhile to seek information on the impact of

Sea Bird on nearby coastal areas. According to reports, 5.2 km length breaharater
between Binaga point and Anjadeev islands in the north and between Round lsland
and Arge in south, is to be constructed in the sea. The experience with breakwaters
is that while the sea inside the breaharater is kept calm, the nearby areas would be
affected both by erosion as well as by accretion. This depends upon the various
features and dynamics of the sea and the coast. To construct these breakuraters,
dredging will have to be done on the sea bed, till rocks are found and the breaharater
will be built on it. lt would require huge quantities of granite to build the breaharaters.
The project has identified grinite from the Aligadde hills for this.

What is to be looked at is the long-term impacts of the Sea Bird project. These are
both environmental as well as social. The Karwar region is the verT rare region
where the Western Ghats and the sea are inseparable. The ecological implications
of this, as well as disturbing the seabed, are bound to have impacts that are long-
term. Also Sea Bird being a naval project, would bring in restrictions both on land
and the sea, once it starts operation.

Another development targeted for Karwar is tourism. The unique coastal features
of the region attract tourism here. There is also the tourism industry pressure from
across the Goan border, since the beaches there are too crowded with constructions,
and are becoming lesser and lesser attractive. ln the for new pastures, Karwar is the
nearest are to which tourism can spread. An earlier attempt for a mega torrrist
destination in Majali Panchayat of Karwar had a setback since the community and
the panchayat opposed the project. Now the tactics have changed. Instead of large
single projects, there are attempts for smaller projects.

Konkah Railway was the first to disturb the lives and environment of the region.
Now it is the Sea Bird and tourism projects. The coastal land is coming increasingly,
under pressure both from these developments and also new settlers that is, the
displaced projects.

Monitoring the Kornotoko Coosl

 EQUATIONS

SURVEY UTTARA KANNADA COST

Bengre Beach
Bengre is a village situated at a distance of about l0 km to the north of Bha*al
taluka. The beach is an area of outstanding natural beauty. The entire area is included
under CRZ lll, under the CZMP, and no areas under CRZ I or ll. The CZ;I{P
describes the area as being upward topology leading to flat upland, and that there
is heayy human encroachment in the area, which is especially severe along the
backshore. The area is said to be prone to heavy coasal erosion. The CZMP also

states that the area has unregulated fishing activity.

Findings and Analysis:

. A new road has been constructed right on the NDZ. HTL. The road obstructs
the growth of natural vegetation by dividing the sandy beach.

The road is not mentioned in the CZ,MP of the state. it is not clear whether the
authorities had permission to build this road, or the State CoastalZone Management
Authority is aware of ic As the CZMP surtes, the area is erosion prone. The road
would only enhance this process. Taking into consideration the sensitivity of the
region it would be senre better if the area is recategorised as CRZ l. Since there is

no habitation on the immediate coast such categorisation would not be an obstacle

to the local community also.

Murdeshworo Beoch

Murdeshwara Beach is a pilgrimage place located at 4 km to the north of Bengre

village. Here the famous Murdeshwara temple is located. The CZMP describes
the temple as being surrounded by dense habitation, close to the beach.

Findings and analysis:

. The Murdeshwara temple is located on a hillock protruding into the sea. All
three sides of the temple are surrouhded by sea. At the time of monitoring,
the temple authorities are constructing two high-rise buildings around the
temple, a four-storey building meant to be the entrance Sate to the temple
towards the east and, another four-storey on the cliffarea, which protrudes into
 =
the sea" towards the south of the temple hcing the sea. A new starue of around
fifty metres height, is also under construction. This area is included in CRZ lll
according to the CZ;MP.

These constructions are in total disregard of any nbrms or authoriq/ in this country.
The temple authorities seem to believe they are the law. This is quite objectionable
since such huge constructions cannot be carried out without the knowledge of the
authorities. The minutes of the Coastal Zone Management Authority's workings
should be scrutinized to see who has cleared these construcrions. lt is the right of
every citizen to know on whatgrounds itwas cleared, and have both the Management
Authority and the Temple Management prosecuted.

ldeally, the temple and the beach should be recategorised as cRz l, since the place
is of extremely outstanding natural beauty, its historical, and also ecologically sensitive
in nature.
These constructions will remain as the worst examples of bypassing the law of the
nation, and would send distorted signals about the capability of the law. This is a
clear case needing direct intervention of Ministry of Environment and Forests.

Gokorna Beoch

Gokarna is a historical pilgrimage place situated 25 Kms to the north of Kumta

taluka. The CZMP lists most of the areas as cRz ll, except for a few mangroves
which are listed in CRZ l. lt lists a portion of the beach as being used as a cemetery.
It also records a lot of encroachment into the beach.

Gokarna is a world renowned pilgrim tourist destination. Tourism is at its peak in

the area. New hotels and resorts are either under construction or there are proposed.
Vast coastal land area in and around Gokarna is being brought over for tourism
relate6'construction. There are foreign nationals also involved in tourism business
here. This area is included in CRZ lll category according to the CZ:I{P.

Findings and Analysis:

' The construction of a new road, within 50Mts. of the HTL. The road hinders
natural flow of tidal water during hightide.

Monilorlng the Kornotoko Coosf

 EOUATIONS

' Adjacent to this new road is a two-storey hotel - Kinara hotel - is under
construction. The ground floor is already operationalised. The hotel is within 50
Mts. from the HTL from the seafront and on the edges of an inlet of the sea
towards the south. The construction has violated FSI/ FAR norms of CRZ.

The local people have lodged complaints to the authoriries regarding the illegal
construction of the Kinara hotel. But no action seems to have been taken. Taking
appropriate action on this issue is a must, since Gokarna is fast growing as a tourist
area. Evading action shall only encourage similar violations.

Taking into consideration of the natural beauty and historical importance of the
region the place could be classified as CRZ l.

Kutli Beoch

Kutli is a small village situated I ll2km to the south of Gokarna. lt has a beach with
outstanding natural beauty. The Hallakki Tribes dominates Kutli village, but, the
lands of the Hallakki tribes are being purchased by the landlords who are from
either North India or from South India, to construct new hotels/resorrs in this
area,

Findings and Analysis:

' Adiacent to the Kutli village is a cliff protruding into the sea. Uma Maheshwar
temple is located right on the top of this cliff. Area adjacent to this is sited for
construction of a resort. Landscaping and planting of exotic species of plants
have already taken place in the properq/.

CRZ regulations prohibit landscaping on coastal stretches. The place is also being
introduced to new species of plants. What is disturbing is that the CZMP does
not mention places like the Kulti in the CZMP. The area is of oustanding natural
beauty and a specimen of coastal biodiversity. This is important, since being in a

tourist location, the chances of sUch places to be converted into hotels are plenty.
Not being marked and classified in the CZ;MP also robs the local groups and people
of the oppertunity to approach the concerned authorities, when violations take
place.
Om Beoch =

Half a kilometre to the south of Kulti beach is the world 6mous om beach. The
beach derived its name from the shape of Sanskrit alphabet 'om' and the similarity
of protruding rock formations on the beach. Many foreign tourists flock to this
place from November to May. This area is of oustanding natural beauty. The
place is attracting aftention of tourist entrepreneurs. A number of land trinsactions
have taken place recently, though these lands have not yet been converted to
resorts or hotels.

Findings and Analysis:

. A new road has been constructed to this place, trenching work.all along the
constructed road is being carried out and power lines have been drawn upto
to this beach.

. There is a proposal to construct one R G Hotel, wofth Rs.2 crores. One Mr.
A. Chatterjee has purchased an area of about 62 acres to complete this project
in this Om beach area. R.G. Hotel projects coming up in the northern part of
this area would fall under 500 Mts. distance from the HTL.

' This area is not included in the CZ;MP. Whole of this area is of oustanding
natural beauty and, should be included in the CRZ-I categon/.

Gokarna and its surroundings ask for strict monitoring by the concerned authorities.
Since these are remote places with very high potential for tourism development
the area is constantly under pressure. Systems have to be created for local
panchayats and youths to be aware of the CRZ, and the need for protection of
the coastal ecology.

Mojoli

This is the last panchayat in Karwar, bordering Goa, and is a place of active fishing
and agriculture. There are broad beaches here. Peaceful fishing settlements are
spread along the beaches. Recently there has been an influx of people, who came
to this area and buying land. These are the displaced people from the Sea Bird Naval
Project site. Earlier the Karnataka Industrial Development Corporation along with

Monitorlng the Kornotokq Coqst

 EQUATIONS

the Tai Group of Hotels had plans to convert the place into a large tourism-project.
Land acquisition notices were served to the people. However the panchayat and the
local community stood out against this, and were able to aborc the projecr Now
there are moves by smaller entrepreneurs for tourism projects. The new identified
area is Tilmati of Majali Panchayar

Findings and analysis

' Proposal for tourism project at Tilmati by M/s. Baba Boating Club. The area is

not specifically marked in the C,ZMP.

Tilmati is one of the rarest coastal forestland in Karnataka with lbundant species
of flora and fauna. The community depends on this forest for medicinal, ritualistic
and occasionally fuel requirements. Convefting this area into a tourism proiect
shall destroy the foresc since no constructions could be made here without clearing
the forest.
 =
Conclusion

The entire debate in India, on the coastal issues, is based on the mechanism to
regulate development and protect the coast. Towards this end, the main
instruments used have been the CRZ Notification itself, and the ensuing CZMPs,
which allow for the-application of dre CRZ in each coastal State. This entire process
has been vitiated in Karnataka, as the CZ;MP maps are inadequate, and do not
include areas which are CRZ" :rs per the definitions given in the Notification. This
is a serious lacuna and must be remedied. There is a clear need for proper mapping

of the coastal area, and proper classification into various CRZ zones.

Stricter implementation of laws, when giving clearances for projects, is required.

Usually required procedures, such as EIA and Public Hearing are not followed.
Land acquisition is without heed to the due procedures. Laws are rampantly
bypassed, by the Governmeng and private industry. This reflects the priorities of
the State as being developmeng and not protection of environment, or local peoples.

Even while new development and thereby, changes, are taking place on a very
large scale along the coastal region, what is not being taken into consideration is

the need to understand these changes with a larger and long term perspective.
The government, and its other arms like the Pollution Control Board are satisfied
at looking at these developments in the conventional style, whereas the
developments, both in volume and complexity, are beyond the way it is understood
today.

The people are very much aware of the nature and impacts of these developments.
Drastic changef in their living and occupational space have forced them to think
beyond their immediate space. The challenges the Dakshina Kannada community
and groups have posed in front of the state administration vouch for this. They
have asked for a complete master plan of developments, both existing and
proposed. In many of the agitations and legal battles with the government and
industries, they have asked for arrangement of the carrying capacity of the region
for any future developments. This is a growth that the people have achieved the
hard way. At dre same time the authorities seem to be happy dealing these issues
in the age-old fashion.

Monitorlng the Kornotoko Coosf

The role played by the Coastal Zone Management Authority of the state is

objectanable. lt has not even fulfiled its basic commirments, like providing the
Coastal Zone Management Plan to officials dealingwith these issues. The knowledge,
or at times, even the existence of such a document is alien to man), such officials.
Most of the district head quarters do not have a copy of the CZMP, This is a fact,
eventhough most developments today are happening in the coastal zones.
Murdeshwara: Blaiani violation of ihe CRZ bv iie Temple Auihorities
 Kutli beach: Identified for construction of a
resort. Work is in progress

Gokarna: Tourism constructions and road, in vioiation

of the eRZ Non-ns

(Below) Kinara Hotei, under construction within ihe

No-Developmeni Zone
 {Above) Karwar: The Seabird Navai Pnoject

(Left) OonstruutioR of a seawall ai Majali

liie ,iiliqLie R:j ;+i=s'i. ;f illmeii

=lee,ll;;;l:-ii.