The coastal fishing communities along with concerned citizens are shocked and alarmed to see the news carried by Indian Express on 22nd March 2017 that reads Govt plans to ease coastal rules, allow land reclamation for commercial use. The news states that the Government is going to rep lace the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification of 2011 by a new Notification named Marine and Coastal Regulation Zone (MCRZ) which is going to effect the following relaxations of restrictions on constructions and activities in the coastal regulation zone * Remove the ban on reclamation of land in coastal areas for commercial or entertainment purposes; * Allow tourism activities even in ecologically sensitive areas along the shores; * Allow setting up of fish-processing units; * Make allowance for facilities meant for patrolling and vigilance activities of coastal or marine police; and * Remove the necessity of obtaining environmental clearances for constructing housing units, and related infrastructure, for local fishermen community. Sir, suffice it to mention that the above relaxations, if effected, will further destroy our coast and its natural resources including the marine fish resources. CRZ Notification has already earned the distinction of being one of the most violated, if not the most violated, statute of our country due to the lack of political will of the government to enforce it and book its violators. Large scale reckless constructions and activities have already lacerated our coastline with huge encroachments, uncontrollable erosions and rampant pollution . It is most unfortunate that when the Government, as custodian of the natural resources of our country, should have taken stringent and effective measures to protect our coast, we hear that relaxations are being contemplated to enhance its further destruction. The small- scale coastal fishing communities are by far the largest primary stakeholders and natural custodians of our coastal and marine natural resources. Any statutory initiative, which may impact the life and livelihood of these communities, should be discussed with these communities and concerned citizens before it is proposed and should be adopted only after taking the informed consent of the affected communities. We are yet to witness it. We take this opportunity to remind you that in the year 2008 the government unilaterally tried to replace the CRZ 1991 Notification by CMZ Notification without consulting the coastal fishing communities. The CMZ Notification would further open up our coast to investment and plunder of natural resources. The fishing communities vehemently protested. Rashtriyo Macchimar Adhikar Yatra (National Campaign for the Rights of the Fish Workers) led by National Fishworkers’ Forum (NFF) unleashed a deluge of protest all over the Indian coast from Gujarat to West Bengal. CMZ was withdrawn. The GoI initiated consultations with the fishing communities in each of the 10 maritime states of the country. NFF participated in the consultation organized by MoEF to prepare an updated CRZ notification. Finally, on 6th January 2011, MoEF published the CRZ 2011 Notification. The then Minister in charge of MoEF Shri Jairam Ramesh, in a press statement issued by him on the occasion, promised to take immediate measures to enact a comprehensive Coastal Regulation Zone Act instead of the CRZ notification which has been a weak instrument. But no progress was made in this regard. In view of the above we would request you to Stop any effort to replace and / or amend the CRZ 2011 Notification without consulting the coastal fishing communities; Take immediate and effective measures to identify all violations of the CRZ Notification and book the violators; Strengthen CRZ Notification with more comprehensive and stringent provisions to protect coastal and marine natural resources and the livelihood of the small scale fishing communities dependent on those resources in consultation with the fishing communities and concerned citizens; Take immediate measures to enact a comprehensive Coastal Zone Regulation Act on the basis of the consultations with the fishing communities and concerned citizens.