This letter pertains to the news article published in the Indian Express on March 22, 2017, titled “Govt plans to ease coastal rules, allow land reclamation for commercial use”. 1he article states that the Government is finalising a new notification to replace the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) notification of 2011 with a proposed Marine and Coastal Regulation Zone (MCRZ) notification. The MCRZ notification will¬ a. Remove the ban on reclamation of land In coastal areas for commercial or entertainment purposes while also allowing tourism activities even in ecologically sensitive areas along the shores. b. Allows setting up of fish-processing units, c. Makes allowance for facilities meant for patrolling and Vigilance activities of coastal or marine police d. Removes the necessity of obtaining environmental clearances for constructing housing units, and related infrastructure, for local fishermen community. Alarmingly, the article states the proposed MCRZ notification views the entire coast from a commercial perspective of having “tremendous tourism potential especially in the classified ecologically sensitive areas, like Wildlife reserves, along the coasts”. It is surprising that such a notification, which will impact millions of lives .along the coasts and beyond, is being drafted and formulated in utter secrecy. It is clear that the proposed MCRZ takes a pro-development approach and does not seek to protect, improve and conserve the fragile coastal ecosystems. Needless to say, the proposed regulations will have disastrous consequences not only for the coast but also for the people who are dependent on the coastal areas for their livelihood. The proposed MCRZ notification is in complete dissonance with the stated mandate of the Ministry given to it under Environmental Protection Act 1986, to implement decisions for the protection and Improvement of environment and the prevention of hazards to human beings, other living creatures, plants and property” will take cognisance of the above and “take steps to protect, preserve and improve our coastal areas”. The article alludes that the Ministry is largely following the recommendations of Shailesh Nayak Committee in developing the MCRZ Regulation. Please do note that Shailesh Nayak Committee takes a one-side view of the cathedral. The Committee has taken the views of State Governments to pursue a development agenda for developing the coast Into an attractive tourist destination, among other things, while promoting greater exploitation of coastal resources. The Ministry has not given Any prior information on the new proposed regulation, in the form of in advertisement nor any notice been put on the public domain Rationale In the form of a position paper or background document on why a new set of regulations are necessary to protect the coast when implementation of CRZ 2011 is still evolving. Indication of who is drafting the proposed regulations -whether a Committee or set of persons or an Individual Any notice on whether there have been adequate consultations with affected stakeholders The above factors make the administrative functioning of the Ministry opaque and not in line with overall Government’s vision of providing transparent and accountable governance We demand that the Ministry should Stop the present work being carried out on Marine and Coastal Regulation Zone {MCRZ} regulations Initiate consultations with affected stakeholders to understand the concerns behind the existing CRZ 2011 notification Form a multi-stakeholder committee to look at the lacuna in existing CRZ regulations and bring Out structured and feasible solutions In view of the reasons and objections given above, we strongly demand the Honourable Minister to keep the proposed MCRZ In abeyance. Sincerely. K. Vishnu Mohan Rao