The concept of Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) was born in 1992 during the Earth Summit of Rio Janeiro. The specific issues regarding the ICZM were discussed in the summit.
The whole coastal boundary is divided into four categories of lands, which are named as coastal management zone I, II, III and IV. The sensitivity of the coastal land and other factors were primarily considered for such classifications but in practice, the guidelines formulated by the Government of India are not followed in the country.
The most disastrous situations are now created in the management of climate system in India and so also in the State of Odisha for various reasons; basically geo-political and geo-industrial reasons. We have National Forest Policy 1988, but this policy is not followed scrupulously. Besides, the policy does not speak about integrated management of coastal zone and coastal ecological systems. We have various Acts and Rules and also policies for protection of ecological environment of our habitat, but nothing is sincerely followed for our own wellbeing.
Now the Government of India is going to enforce integrated management policy of River Regulation Zone for the whole country for protection of riparian land and ecological systems, but there are various constraints to implement the same. As sources reveal, the Government of Odisha raised certain objections on its follow-up actions.
The limit of each and every river ends at the meeting point of river with sea or ocean. These are very eco-sensitive sites; for example, the Sundarvans in the river mouth of river Ganges, which forms lifeline not only of India, but also of Bangladesh. It forms a large delta in its mouth, which is largest deltaic land of Asia continent and supports the economy of both India and Bangladesh. This river travels a distance of 2,507 km within India and enriches the vast Indo-Gangetic plains of India. This is a major river of Indian sub continent. Again, it is now a most polluted river of the world.
If we consider the case of Odisha, Mahanadi is the principal river system of Odisha as well as of Chhatisgarh. The river originates from Eastern- Ghat region, which comes within the political jurisdiction of Chhattisgarh. So also is the case of Brahmaputra. Its upper reach is called Yarlung Tsangpo in Tibetan language. It originates from Angsi glacier and flows down from south-east of the mount of Kailash and Manasarabar. The Government of China is building a major hydroelectric project in a major tributary of Brahmaputra since 2014. This is a most expensive hydro-project. Similarly, the Chinese Government is constructing multipurpose lal ho project in the river Xiabuqu with an investment of 740 million dollars, which can store 295 million cubic meters of water and help irrigating 30,000 hectares of farm land. If one-sided monopolization of river systems in the globe goes on by the countries and States from where the rivers originate, it is certain that, there would be civil wars and another world war for water alone.
If we consider the disputes of Odisha and Chhattisgarh and Karnataka and Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry for water of Mahanadi and Cavery rivers respectively, these are leading to civil unrest between the States. We should remember that water is life of every living organism of the universe and human being is a member of the ecological diversity. How can man monopolise the entire wetlands including river systems of the universe for his own selfish greedIJ If this happens, many plants and animals of the universe will vanish from the earth for which the present generation will be squarely responsible.
The writer got an opportunity during 1996 to write a plantation scheme for the estuary lands of Sundarvans delta. Again, the writer is a resident of the river mouth area of the Mahanadi. The rich bio-diversities of the areas are very sensitive from the ecological point of view. All the wetlands of the river systems and the oceans are a part and parcel of climate systems. The interactive process of nature will be jeopardised only because of man of the present generation. The economy of Bangladesh hinges largely on the Sundarvans. The downtrodden people mostly depend on the deltaic landmass of Bangladesh. If Bhagirathi river is dammed up by China, it will certainly cause havoc for Bangladesh.
Every country, irrespective of rich and poor and big and small, should respect the international principles to survive and allow others to survive, lest the Global situation will be uncertain and insecure. Water is for very body’s use and not for any single individual or a nation or a State. The principle of survival of the fittest cannot be applied to a global democracy. India ratified the Paris climate agreement on October 2, 2016,which coincided with the 147th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. This symbolises protection and conservation of all living creatures, including their habitats. A special event was organised to mark the occasion. It is also observed as the International Day of Nonviolence at the UN.
India is the 62 nation to ratify the agreement. India with other nations of the globe signed the accord and took the responsibility to cut the green-house poisoning by 33 per cent by 2030. India contributes 4.1 per cent of green house gas. The climate system of the country must be monitored efficiently to fulfill such commitment.
Odisha has 12,000 km of river routes, which will come under the River Regulation Zone of India. Five km of either side of each river will be under the control of River Regulation Zone and this will be declared as River Protected Zone as per the proposal of the Union Government. The coastal plains as well as the riparian areas are densely populated across India. About 70 per cent of the population of the country lives in riparian land. We need a robust management of policy for intensive management of the River Regulated Zones.
(The writer is a former senior forest officer and an environmentalist. Tel no 9937460649)