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Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF).
Why is it in news?
- The Environment Ministryhas unveiled the draft Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF).
- The framework is a part of The World Bank-funded project which specifies how infrastructure projects along the coast ought to be assessed before applying for clearance.
More in news
- The document was prepared by the Society for Integrated Coastal Management, a Ministry-affiliated body.
- Guideline proposed in Framework are to be adopted by the coastal States when approving and regulating projects in coastal zones.
- Only Gujarat, Odisha and West Bengal have prepared Integrated Coastal Zone Management Plans with support from The World Bank.
- Benefits of the Move: Building coastal capacity to enhancecoastal resource efficiency and resilienceand foradopting and implementing integrated coastal management approaches.
- Activities proposed for coastal zone development are
(1) Mangrove afforestation/shelter beds.
(2) Habitat conservation activities such as restoration of sea-grass meadows.
(3) Eco-restoration of sacred groves.
(4) Development of hatcheries, rearing/rescue centres for turtles and other marine animals.
(5) Creation of infrastructure for tourism, restoration and recharge of water bodies.
(6) Beach cleaning and development, and other small infrastructure facilities.
Coastal Regulation Zone
- The Rules, mandated under the Environment Protection Act, 1986, were first framed in 1991.
- The regulation zone has been defined as the area up to 500 m from the high-tide line.
- Several kinds of restrictions applydepending on
(1) Population of the area,
(2) Ecological sensitivity,
(3) Distance from the shore,
(4) Whether the area had been designated as a natural park or wildlife zone.
Source
The Hindu