integrated coastal zone management project west ... - Iczmpwb.org

152131. The outcome of the important activities as mentioned in the previous paragraph is thesuccess story of implementing some aspects of management of coastal areas of West Bengalwithout stressing the eco system and preserving the resources. Such activities have built upthe foundation on which ICZMP of West Bengal as envisaged in the recent draft CZMnotification could be formulated.132. In spite of the impressive successes that have been achieved, coastal zonemanagement initiative could not prevent some of activities that are not desirable. Theseapparent failures include:1. Absence of an approved science-driven CRZ management plan with mapscapitalizing on opportunities and guarding against constraints2. Pollution of coastal waters from various anthropogenic activities3. Absence or non-functioning of a modern sewerage and drainage system withsewage treatment plant and also solid waste management system in Digha-Sankarpur tourist resort area4. Over fishing and indiscriminate collection of fish and prawn seeds in the estuaries ofSundarban area5. Continued coastal erosion in spite substantial investment in shore protection work inand around places of importance.The present project proposal will capitalize on the successes that have been achieved andwill remove the failures that have been identified.F. Justification for the Project (SWOT)133. The extant eco system of the coastal region of West Bengal is endowed withresources that are unique in the country. On one hand the world famous Sundarban offer arich mangrove habitat with characteristic fauna inclusive of the Royal Bengal Tiger andveritable stock of coastal fishes and exquisite scenic beauty of winding creeks with unspoiltthick mangrove vegetation. On the other, such setting also creates demands for developmentof ecotourism in the region on a world class standard. The local inhabitants also would liketo harness the fish resources, develop brackish water aquaculture, collect minor forestproduce like timber, honey etc. There are pressures also to develop new settlements in theSundarban reclaiming new areas. The coastal areas and the islands making up the Sundarbanare experiencing net erosion, the causes of which are somewhat speculative. Fresh waterrequired for various anthropogenic activities is limited in availability. Cyclones with stormsurges are regular features causing damage to the vegetation and the populace. Threats ofrising sea level due to climate change or otherwise appear to be a reality.