Fri Dec 13 18:32:03 UTC 2024: ## Tamil Nadu to Establish Coastal Units to Combat Violations

**Chennai, December 14, 2024** – The Tamil Nadu government plans to establish coastal protection units in all 14 of its coastal districts to strengthen enforcement of the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification 2011. This initiative follows a recent Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report highlighting significant lapses in coastal surveillance and enforcement.

A.R. Rahul Nadh, member secretary of the Tamil Nadu State Coastal Zone Management Authority (TNSCZMA), confirmed that a proposal for these units has been submitted. He acknowledged weaknesses in monitoring, particularly in central and southern districts, despite existing TNSCZMA teams. The new units will enhance surveillance using satellite imagery, and a standard operating procedure (SOP) for addressing violations is expected to be released in January 2025.

However, concerns remain about the effectiveness of satellite-based monitoring. K. Saravanan, a GIS specialist and coastal activist, argues that many construction violations are completed before they become detectable via satellite. He advocates for proactive measures, such as regular coastal patrols, to ensure timely identification and response to violations. The coastal authority, he emphasizes, must balance environmental protection with the needs of coastal communities.

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