In the background of recent Tsunami tragedy that has struck Japan,concern has been raised in India on the safety of critical infrastructure projects located in the coastal areas, for instance, power plants, oil storage depots, refineries etc. More such projects are likely to come up in the coastal locations in the years to come.
Hazard Line Mapping
In this connection, it may be recalled that a very important component of the Rs.1200 crore project taken up by the MoEF for implementation involves identification, delineation and demarcation of the hazard line along the 5400 kms of the main coastline of India.
This exercise is being done by the Survey of India and it will be completed in 24 months time. The hazard line mapping exercise assumes special importance in view of the Tsunami-type tragedies. The mapping of the hazard line is important to deal with impacts of climate change and coastal catastrophes.
Management of Islands of Oceanic Islands of Andaman and Nicobar and Lakshadweep
In view of the dangers posed to Andaman and Nicobar and Lakshadweep Islands by the natural disasters including earthquakes and tsunami, the Ministry has delinked the management of these islands from the Coastal Regulation Zone notification and has issued a separate Island Protection Zone(IPZ) Notification on 6.1.2011. As per this notification, an Integrated Island Management Plan would be prepared for each of the 340 islands of A&N and 32 islands of Lakshadweep taking into account the natural disasters including the tsunami like event.