Government revise Kovalam-Vizhinjam master plan

A recent notification says that all future developments shall be in conformity with provisions of the master plan for the Kovalam-Vizhinjam area. All development and constructions within the planning area boundary prescribed in the master plan shall also conform to the building rules in force - the Coastal Zone Regulations, the Kerala Conservation of Paddy Land and Wetland Act, restrictions imposed by the Aircrafts Act, 1934, (Central Act 22 of 1934), notifications under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, and other statutes applicable.

The land has been zoned for a variety of uses, including agricultural, commercial, public, and semi-public. Lands have also been set aside for civic centres, subcenters at Vellar and Vizhinjam, tourism development, a fishing harbour area, an industrial zone, camping and recreation areas, and golf courses. Under public and semi-public uses, housing, etc, are also included in the areas that will be purchased for the rehabilitation of fishermen and the areas set aside for staff quarters.

In accordance with the notification, all zones may continue to allow the use of existing structures for religious purposes, agricultural land, and areas and structures of significant archaeological value. All buildings and land developments near monuments that are protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), such as the Parasurama Temple in Thiruvallam and the Vizhinjam Rock Cut Cave Temple, must adhere to the relevant ASI regulations.

The development plan was approved by the government in 1978, and it underwent changes in 2010. To make the zoning regulations consistent with the current development scenario, it has once more been modified. According to the notification, large-scale development proposals in all zones other than watercourses may be allowed if they are not included in the permitted uses or restricted uses as per the applicable zoning regulation, cover an area not less than 0.5 hectares, exceed an investment of Rs 500 million, and provide direct employment for at least 250 people (after the project is commissioned). A special committee must approve these projects, and a list of requirements has been established for them.

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