Srikumar Chattopadhyay
Centre for Earth Science Studies
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Integrated Coastal Zone Management Programme (ICZMP) had drawn significant attention in recent years through out the World for more than one reason. The coastal area houses diverse and productive habitats important for human settlements, resource development and local subsistence. More than half of the world population lives within 60 km from the shoreline. The major world cities are located within the coastal zone indicating high economic prosperity, at the same time many of the world's poor people are concentrated in the coastal belt.

As the interface of land, sea and air the coastal area is the zone of intense ecosystem interaction. It is also the zone of intense human intervention, where conflicts arise very often in the matter of resource use. The various stake holders act at different levels, which are not always favourable to the local communities and indigenous people inhabiting the coastal tract.

It is primarily a policy driven action in contrast to project mode implementation programme hitherto followed in most of the coastal zone development activities. Therefore the ICZM approach is concerned with long term anthropocentric perspective area development plan. It attempts to harmonize conservation and development with specific thrust on the welfare of local and indigenous communities, the traditional custodian of the coastal resources.

Another point to be taken note of is that the resource use plan under ICZM must include the marine fisheries sector, i.e the off shore region, where the dominant coastal communities that is fishing communities operate. Hence management of marine fishery resources also form part of the ICZM programmes.

The following management related activities are envisaged while implementing ICZMP:

• Preparation and implementation of land and water use, activity zoning and siting policies
• Preparation of coastal profiles identifying critical areas, including eroded segments, physical processes, development patterns, user conflicts and setting priorities for action and management.
• Contingency plan for human induced and natural disasters including effects of potential climate change and sea level rise
• Contingency plan for degradation and pollution due to human activities
• Improvement of coastal human habitation covering housing, drinking water, sanitation, solid waste management and industrial management.
• Conservation and restoration of critical habitats
• Assessment and periodic monitoring of coastal and marine environment including changes in landuse ( coastal zone) and water quality ( coastal and marine waters)
• Infrastructure adaptation and alternative vocation
• Development of environmental quality criteria
• Human resource development and training to maximize people's participation
• Public education, awareness, and information programme and
• To strengthen and develop institutions to work out and execute the programme with people's participation

The integration under ICZMP can be viewed at three levels. These are

1. Sectoral integration: Integration of sectoral programmes for development of settlement, agriculture, tourism, fishing, infrastructure, industry etc are considered to be the basic task under this programme. It also attempts to integrate environment and development.
2. Spatial integration : The sectoral integration is possible only when the Area Planning approach is adopted based on ecozones. A viable planning unit is as much important as the planning strategy. To work out the plans, implement them and to assess its viability / impact there must be a critical mass in terms of physical and human resources. The main thrust in spatial planning is allocation and reallocation of area for various uses. It also tries to address the trade off among various options available to the society.
3. Institutional integration: The activities in the coastal zone are implemented by various agencies/ institutions responsible for their sectors. Apart from the departments the Central Government , State Government and the Local bodies are other institutions involved at various levels. Although the CZM activities are primarily of local concern the policies of the high tiers play major roles. The national and state interests some times play larger role than that of the local communities. How ever if the aspirations of the local communities or primary stake holders are continuously overlooked and not adequately addressed there is bound to be conflicts. The institutional integration in the matter of policies and programme execution is therefore an important item in the case of ICZM.  

The coastal zone of Kerala in under intensive use. Among all the coastal States in India Kerala has the highest concentration of people in the coastal belt. The major issues related to the coastal and marine resource management in Kerala are briefly described below. This will provide the back ground to understand the importance of Mararikulam experiment in the larger context of the society. Mararikulam Main Page        Mararikulam Seminar Page        Papers Contents Page

Extremely high population pressure, intense human activities, indiscriminate mechanisation of fishing, urbanisation, industrialisation, inappropriate resource use and absence of proper integrated management practices internalising conservation combinedly contribute in reduction of productivity of coastal waters, quality deterioration, reduction in marine fish catch and finally posing hardship for livelihood to the local community. Mechanisation in fishing, particularly the use of trawlers adversely affects the total fish availability in coastal waters and the nearshore fisherman, mostly local community, face extreme hardships.

Wetlands, mangroves, mud banks, beaches, estuaries and cliffs are important habitats having close linkage with local economic activities. However, they are in various stages of degradation. Wetlands are increasingly being diverted for undesirable uses and mangroves are being depleted. Unabated reclamation, silting and pollution from industries and human wastes are damaging the estuarine & backwater ecosystem.

The coastal erosion has become critical for Kerala State, which is already facing the shortage of land due to its high density of population. Seawalls have been constructed to protect 400 km of coastline. However, it is observed that these structures help the coast only in a few places; in others they get damaged or damage the neighbouring coast due to toe cutting and / or end erosion. The severely eroded stretch of 150km covers some parts with sea wall. Down drift side of the mud bank is susceptible to erosion. The backshore level is low in many places causing severe tidal overflow during monsoon months. Sediment supply to the beach is also restricted due to various reasons. The flat coastal plain and extensive backwaters in which all the rivers debouch act as sediment traps. Moreover, all major rivers are arrested in upper reaches and thereby sediment supply is restricted. The situation is further compounded by extensive sand mining from the riverbeds.

 2.4 Encroachment of beaches & coastal lands

Beach is the best protection for coast and is the habitat for many marine and inter tidal organisms. It is also an open space available to the coastal communities for different activities. There are periodic encroachments in the beaches and other coastal lands for settlement even when their susceptibility to erosion is well known. Systematic planning for habitat development is a felt need of the coastal area.

 2.5 Coastal pollution

Water pollution is gradually emerging as an important issue in the state. Domestic wastes, industrial wastes, fertilisers and pesticide residues reach coastal & marine waters through rivers, creeks, bays etc. Lower reaches of all major rivers and the stream passing through urban areas are highly polluted. Coconut retting in the backwaters, a traditional activity, also contributes to coastal water pollution. The low oxygeneted seawater leads to a decrease with population of flora & fauna. Aquatic lives are seriously affected. The Cochin mouth is also subjected to oil spill, though in limited extent.

2.6 Coastal flooding & salt water intrusion

Flooding due to heavy rainfall is a common feature in the coastal belt of Kerala. In addition to this, the urbanisation, settlement expansion, construction of artificial structures, reclamation of wetlands and such others also contribute to this. Salt-water intrusion into the agricultural lands due to flooding creates problem to the coastal agricultural population. Apart from this, due to regulation of river water flow, as a result of dam construction in the upper reaches and also due to river sand mining salt water/fresh water interface has been pushed land ward. This leads to problems of ground water quality.

2.7 Mining of beach placers or heavy minerals

Kerala is endowed with a significant amount of beach placers or heavy mineral deposits in a stretch between Neendakara to Kayamkulam. It is a mineral of strategic importance with high industrial value. Mining of placer deposit affects stability of beach and sometimes-hinder fishing & related activities. There are certain conflicts among the various stakeholders in this area.

2.8 Economic backwardness

The coastal communities are economically backward, resource poor and have limited access to other economic activities. The traditional sectors like fisheries and coir making are over saturated. The problem is further compounded due to degradation of the resource base resulting in decrease in availability.

The performance of the fisheries sector is not adequate. Data indicates that from 1980-81 to 1994-98 the increase in primary sector product was 39% and that of the fisheries sector was 29%. Added to this is the fact that the fishing population in Kerala has also been increasing at a faster rate than the Kerala average. It is reflected in the fact that while the State’s per capita income in a span of 10 years from 1985 – 1995 grew at the rate of 2.8%; and that in the fisheries’ sector remained stagnant at around Rs.1000.

The coastal community faces problems in all the basic sectors. Only 16% houses are pucca’( brick built) against 72% for the State as a whole. More than 50% houses are ‘Kutcha’ (built by mud or other material, non-concrete) houses and are in various state of decadence. They are also affected by hazards. Scarcity of drinking water is a serious problem. Surface water available in lower reaches of rivers in the coastal area suffers saline intrusion and pollution. Ground water is also confronted with similar problems. Most of the schemes for drinking water supply are beset with inadequate storage facilities, damaged & leaking pipe lines and irregular supply.

Lack of sanitation and associated health problems are the fall out of financial constraints and high density of population. Absence of appropriate toilet facilities, open defecation and unhygienic surroundings create health hazards.

2.10 Social and educational backwardness

Large infant mortality rate, low literacy rate, and early entry of children into fishing also point to the backward status of the coastal community. Infant mortality rate in fishing villages is more than double of the state average. Literary rate is too low among fisher women (44%) and is about half of the state average (70%). The sex ratio is 972 females per 1000 males in this community against 1032 females per 1000 male for the state as a whole.

2.11 Inadequate infrastructure facilities

Infrastructure facilities covering roads, fish landing centres, cold storage, fishing harbour, fish processing units, and ice plants are inadequate to cater to the State’s needs. There is also a problem of improper marketing facilities.

2.12 Problem of Agriculture and other traditional sectors

Fall in coconut production due to diseases is a serious problem encountered in the coastal belt. Saline/brackish water intrusion into paddy fields from adjoining inland brackish water bodies and loss of agricultural land due to erosion are other problems confronted by this area. Due to the decrease of wetlands and water pollution, shell collection, catching of small fishes and similar activities are restricted, thereby local community depending on these resources face considerable problem.

2.13 Absence of systematic conservation plan

Biodiversity of Kerala coast is not given serious attention for proper conservation although there are sporadic initiatives at various levels, both at the Governmental & non-governmental. Mangrove regeneration has been taken up in various patches by the Forest department. Another noteworthy attempt of the local people is in the Kolavipalam village in Kozhikode district, where the Olive Ridley turtles are being given protection. Even temporary hatcheries have been constructed.

In addition there is a significant avifauna population including large migrating species, a host of fishes and other aquatic species warranting protection. Isolated attempts at various levels indicate interest of the local people to participate in conservational activities.    Mararikulam Main Page        Mararikulam Seminar Page        Papers Contents Page

The state level discussion in the foregoing section provides a broad idea about the problems faced by the coastal region of the state and also to elucidate the necessity of introducing ICZM approach. Many of the issues specially related to socio-economy, social infrastructure and human habitation mentioned under Kerala are applicable to the Mari region also. However there are site specific problems and potentialities , which need to be specifically addressed to embark upon any developmental action.

The MDA covers Aryad and Kanjikuzhy Community Development Blocks in Alappuzha district. It has an area of 171 sq.km and a population of 259 thousand. Being sandwitched between the Lakshadweep sea and Vembanad lake the entire area comes under the geomorphic unit of coastal plain within the physiographic unit of lowland. Out of eight panchayats covering the total area four panchayats, namely, Cherthala South, Mararikulam North, Mararikulam South and Aryad are along the coastline. These four coastal panchayats cover around 61 sq.km area with a total population of 131 thousand as per 1991 Census. The average population density is 2150 persons per sq. km. The population density varies from 1902 in Cherthala South panchayat to 3500 in Aryad panchayat. It may be noted here that the Alappuzha district has the highest density of population ( 1415 ) among the districts in the State in 1991. It had the same rank in 1981. The provisional figure of 2001 indicate that the Alappuzha district continues to maintain the same position so far as population density is concerned.

The coastal ecosystems in MDA area cover beach, mangroves, tidal marshes and wetlands . Agro ecosystem, human settlement and marine ecosystem are the other functional units that characterise the area. Area covered by different units under terrestrial system within 500 metre from the coastline is given in the table 1. As much as 10 sq. km falls within this 500m zone. Mararikulam South has the maximum area and Aryad Panchayat has the least area under this zone. Settlements have sprang up within this zone only in these two panchayats.

The major environmental problems in this area is pollution, water logging, sea erosion and depletion of mangrove and marshes. Although the area as a whole is located in the accreting segment of the coast, certain stretches of the coast are affected by sea erosion. But for a stretch in the middle part the entire length of the coastline is protected by sea walls. It is well known that the sea walls are not the permanent solution to erosion problem. It had aggravated erosion in many places. The sand dunes are depleted at a faster rate due to indiscriminate sand mining. This affects the groundwater condition as the dunes facilitate water retention and recharging of subsurface water.

Source: Coastal Zone Management, Vol.-1 and Vol.2, Centre for earth Science Studies, 1998

The area is confronted by a number of problems in the socio-economic front. The BPL-2000 survey indicated very high incidence of poverty ranging from 54% in Aryad panchayat to 72.4% in Charthalai South panchayat. The traditional resource sectors like fisheries, cottage industries ( coconut based) and agriculture are also facing problems in more than one ways like other parts of the State. Drinking water, sanitation and health continue to be problems affecting quality of life warranting urgent attention.      Mararikulam Main Page        Mararikulam Seminar Page        Papers Contents Page

Not withstanding these problems, this area had shown significant achievement in people's initiatives to tackle livelihood problems as manifested through vegetable cultivation programme. The ICZMP which calls for people's initiatives in tackling the problems of the coastal region taking note of resource use conflict can be introduced here to evolve a new set of experiments in coastal zone management.

The following activities are proposed for the first phase of ICZMP to be implemented in the MDA. As indicated under the Approach there are various issues to be tackled at different phases.

1. Land use Zonation:

The proposed zonation to be arrived at after detailed cadastral level survey will indicate (i) areas for different developmental activities, (ii) areas for development with necessary protective measures with respect to fragility, (iii) areas of development with required restriction with respect to quality and (iv) areas for full conservation. This will provide the base for proposing all future activities related to land, water and biomass.

2. Rehabilitation of people living in the critical areas:

People living in the critical areas near shore line are often threatened by natural hazards like sea erosion and sea surge. It is proposed to rehabilitate them in model villages, to be located in the areas identified through "Land use Zonation". A rough idea about the structure of the model village is provided hare, which is subject to deliberations. This idea emerged through an exercise of ICZMP undertaken by CESS.

The model village will consist of 250 to 300 house holds/ settlements in 10 to 12 clusters, each with 25 households. This 25 households will form a Neighbour Hood Group ( NHG). Each unit of settlement for a house hold will have 5 cents of land of which 2 cents will be built up area and 3 cents will be vacant. Within a cluster of 25 households there will be 75 cents of open space to be used for common purposes. Each settlement will be single unit with dwelling place at the first floor and storage space in the ground floor. This cluster of 25 houses will have rain water harvesting facilities, there by its own water supply system, sanitation facilities and infrastructure for health and recreation. There will be common educational, marketing, health and recreation facilities for the model village of 250 to 300 settlements. The community will also be entrusted with job of maintaining total environment and protection of common properties under the over all control of the Gram Panchayat. The NHGs will be formed at the beginning itself while land use zonation will be taken up.

There are various issues involved in this activity. These are ownership of land, finance, temporary housing and necessary facilities etc. Therefore one cluster will be taken up to begin the experiment, if it is found successful the programme can be upscaled.

3. Shoreline Protection

Sea wall construction is one of the major coastal engineering activities undertaken in the State. During ninth plan period the proposal was to to construct 96 km of new sea wall and rebuild 48 km of sea wall at a cost of Rs. 310 crores. Sea wall is the last resort in coastal protection. As sea wall covers certain portion of the area and there are also associated erosion problem what is proposed here is to stabilise the coast with vegetative bunding, beach nourishment and strengthening the sea walls with vegatative reenforcement as far as possible. Submersible artificial reefs to break the wave energy and also to trap sand may be experimented.

4. Developing Fishing Infrastructure

Mini fishing harbour, approach road and storing facilities are some of the infrastructures envisaged under this programme. It is also desirable to strengthen proper marketing facilities.

5. Artificial Reef for Fish Aggregation

This is an important intervention in the off shore area to enhance fish catch. The Artificial Reefs have proved to be useful in Thiruvananthapuram and Kanyakumari district under the initiatives of PCO. This can be tried here. Traditional fishing people are aware about the advantages.

6. Littoral Zonation

Like land use zonation in the coastal area it may be possible to work out littoral zones based on bottom topography and fish availability. Knowledge of the traditional fishing people can be used for this purpose and the artificial reefs can be placed accordingly.

7. Health, Sanitation and Drinking water

As these are the chronic problems faced by the area it is necessary to tackle them with priority and together. The problem of drinking water is further aggravated due to contamination and sea water ingress. Rain water harvesting will be introduced. The sanitation facilities will be improved.

8. Capacity Building

Vocational training for other activities are also planned. The fishing sector is near saturated. Shifting of load from this sector to other areas is necessary for which skill development of the local people particularly younger generation is important.

9. Diversification of Economic opportunities

This programme may be considered in two levels. At the initial phase, the diversification of the traditional sectors with technology up gradation may be attempted. At the another level new economic opportunities introducing other kind of activities like tertiary sectors or service sectors may be planned.

10. Conservation

The existing mangrove sites, wetlands and sacred groves will be conserved and rehabilitated where ever necessary. Areas for recreating coastal forests will be identified through land use zonation. These recreated forests will be nurtured by the NHGs and in the long run the minor forest products will be harvested by the concerned group.

11. Joint Coastal Zone Management Programme (JCZMP)

5. Integration with other schemes

There are a number of schemes being implemented by the government departments, research institutes and other organisations. This area is one of the High Priority Areas being considered for detail investigation by the Centre for Earth Science Studies for ICZMP leading to coastal resource management and poverty alleviation. This is a part of the international study programme co-ordinated by the IUCN ( International Union for Conservation of Nature). It proposes to link poverty alleviation with conservation. Similar other programmes under the State and Central Governments can be linked with the proposed ICZMP for the area.

6. End note

The coastal areas are subjected to high degree of stress. It needs proper understanding, convergence of interest of stakeholders and prudent practice of complimentary actions rather than conflicting intervention programmes. The ultimate goal of ICZMP is to achieve sustainable development of the coastal tract. For which the local self governments have to play a very proactive role as the whole programme is site specific. The Mararikulam area can be the test site of the envisaged ICZMP. It will be possible to upscale the programme for other parts of the State and therefore it is significant for the larger society.

Acknowledgement: Some of the materials particularly dealing with the issues in the coastal area of Kerala are taken from the Issue Paper prepared for IUCN meeting at Colombo, Srilanka during December, 2001. The approach of ICZMP proposed here owes its origin to the experiment by CESS under IREL-2 project. Some of the ideas presented here have crystallized during discussion with Dr, M Baba, Director CESS from time to time on Coastal Zone Management.

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