(a) the details of changes noticed in sea level due to rising global temperature;
(b) the manner in which unauthorised development in coastal areas, reduction in green area, unregulated tourism and indifference towards laws relating to conservation of coastal areas have adversely affected the said areas; and
(c) the manner in which the Government is likely to provide for safety against rising sea level in the coastal areas?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
(DR. MAHESH SHARMA)
(a) According to the Fifth Assessment Report of Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change published in 2014, global mean sea level rose by 0.19 [0.17 to 0.21] metres in the period 1901 to 2010, and will continue to rise during the 21st Century. Due to this rise, coastal systems and low-lying areas will increasingly experience adverse impact such as submergence, coastal flooding, and coastal erosion.
(b) & (c) The development in coastal areas is regulated by the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) 2011 with a view to conserve and protect coastal stretches, its unique environment and its marine area and to promote development in sustainable manner based on scientific principles taking into account the dangers of natural hazards in the coastal areas and sea level rise due to global warming. Concerned States and Union Territories are responsible for implementation and enforcement of the provisions of the CRZ Notification.
The Integrated Coastal Zone Management Project implemented by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change includes demarcation of hazard line for mapping the entire coastline of the mainland of the country; establishment of a National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management (NCSCM) in Chennai to promote research and development in the area of coastal management including addressing issues of coastal communities. India’s National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) outlines a strategy that aims to enable the country adapt to climate change and enhances the ecological sustainability of our development path.
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