Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) for sustainable development

Abstract

This paper examines how the coastal areas are highly productive rich in biodiversity and support intense economic and social activities. Indian subcontine~t has a vast coastline extending 8129 km with enormous potential for development. These coastal areas are often the sites of wealthiest settlements and the most dynamic growth centres and as a consequence rapid development has taken place utili sing the vast resources sustaining the life of coastal villages and the 'fishermen, besides economic gains for the country as a whole. Over the years, due to diversified activities and human interference, intense deterioration ofsuch areas has taken place leading to several intra and inter-sectoral conflicts. In order to protect the resources and ,promote coastal area development Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) plan has been drawn by the Government of India for its effective implementation. However, the ICM plans have not been fully operational due to various reasons. Therefore, the present paper communicates some of the major issues involved in the ICM plans which can be thought of for their effective and immediate implementation