Kochi’s Island panchayats seek exemption from CRZ

Island panchayats in Kochi are seeking complete exemption from the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) as many plots are adjoining the waterfront. Residents of Kadamakkudy and Mulavukad have demanded that they should be given exemption from CRZ for building homes. Cheranelloor panchayat vice-president C K Raju said that they have got nearly 100 applications seeking approval for home constructions. Meanwhile, the Kerala Latin Catholic Association (KLCA) submitted a memorandum to the Centre seeking exemptions for dwelling units for local communities and fisherfolk. Meanwhile, Kochi Corporation hasn’t submitted any suggestions seeking relaxations in the CRZ norms. There were demands from the fisher folk community that they should be given relaxation while constructing houses.