Forests & Environment Department Government of Gujarat. Proceedings of. Conference on. Public Grievance Redressal Mechanism. Jointly organised by

Transcription

1 State Legal Aid Service Authority Ministry of Environment & Forests Government of India Forests & Environment Department Government of Gujarat World Bank Gujarat Ecology Commission Government of Gujarat Proceedings of Conference on Public Grievance Redressal Mechanism Jointly organised by Gujarat Ecology Commission& State Legal Aid Service Authority 8 th April 2012, Surat An initiative under the World Bank aided Integrated Coastal Zone Management project.

2 Content Page No. Acronyms 3 Background Of Integrated Coastal Zone Management Project 4 Conference On Public Grievance Redressal Mechanism 4 Participants of the conference 5 Inaugural address 6 Proceedings of technical session I 7 Proceedings of technical session II 8 Proceedings of technical session III 9 Concluding session 9 Feedback of participants 10 Annexure I Schedule of conference 12 Annexure II List of participants 14 2 P a g e

3 Acronyms BISAG CRZ GEC GEER GMB GoG GoI GPCB ICZMP JMC MoEF PEAs SALSA SPMU Bhaskaracharya Institute for Space Application and Geo-Informatics Coastal Regulation Zone Gujarat Ecology Commission Gujarat Ecological and Educational Research Gujarat Maritime Board Government of Gujarat Government of India Gujarat Pollution Control Board Integrated Coastal Zone Management Project Jamnagar Municipal Corporation Ministry of Environment & Forest Pilot Executing Agencies State Legal Aide Service Authority State Project Management Unit 3 P a g e

4 BACKGROUND OF INTEGRATED COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT PROJECT The Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) Project intends to support the Government of India and selected states in developing and implementing an improved strategic management approach for India s coastal zones to preserve the long-term productivity of this highly populated region for continued sustainable development and economic growth. The project, aided by World Bank is currently being implemented on a pilot basis in Gujarat, West Bengal and Odisha. In Gujarat, the project is being implemented in over 160 coastal villages along the Gulf of Kuchchh. Gujarat Ecology Commission (GEC) has been designated as the State Project Management Unit (SPMU) to implement the project. GEC works in collaboration with other six organisations functioning in the sector. They are known as the Pilot Executing Agencies (PEAs); such as Marine National Park & Sanctuary, Jamnagar; Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB), Gandhinagar; Gujarat Ecological and Educational Research (GEER) Foundation, Gandhinagar; Bhaskaracharya Institute for Space Application and Geo- Informatics (BISAG), Gandhinagar and Jamnagar Municipal Corporation (JMC). The project undertakes a number of activities such as restoration and conservation of mangroves, restoration of coral reefs, installation of a sewerage treatment plant in Jamnagar, geo-spatial satellite mapping of the coastal areas of Gujarat and socio-economic development of the coastal communities through community-based development initiatives. The project was launched in 2010 and focuses on promoting long term sustainable use of coastal natural resources. One of the pivotal components of the project is to generate knowledge and develop skills through stakeholders consultations, workshops and awareness programmes. These capacity building initiatives taken up under the Integrated Coastal Zone Management Project are meant to develop and strengthen capacity of officials of various departments to manage the coastal resources of Gujarat. CONFERENCE ON PUBLIC GRIEVANCE REDRESSAL MECHANISM One of the project objectives is to develop grievance redressal mechanism to resolve issues related to Integrated Coastal zone Management Project and in general of the coastal zone through a three tier redressal system. The project activities are being implemented in collaboration with the coastal communities and other stakeholders. Therefore, it is imperative to make the judicial system aware of coastal zone notification and policy related issues of coastal zone management as well as to popularize the public grievance system. To address this, a one day conference [second of the series] on Public Grievance Redressal Mechanism was held on April 8, 2012 at the Conference Hall of Southern Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Surat. The conference conducted in partnership with Gujarat State Legal Services Authority, Ahmedabad strengthens and enhances knowledge of Judges of the district courts of Gujarat state. It also helps them to understand more precisely, the coastal issues, importance of coastal areas, marine biodiversity, coastal biodiversity, Government policies, role of GEC and ICZMP etc. 4 P a g e

5 The conference was inaugurated by the Hon ble Justice Shri. A. L. Dave, Judge, High Court of Gujarat & Executive Chairman, SALSA and Hon ble Justice Shri. Akil A. Kureshi, Judge, High Court of Gujarat & Administrative Judge, Surat District. Undoubtedly, their presence added value to the conference and helped in establishing trust among the participants. They also imparted knowledge on appropriate policy framework, necessary information on infrastructure and permissible activities. For this, it is of utmost importance to bring together the Judges of the Judiciary system of Gujarat State and apprise them of the developments taking place as part of the Integrated Coastal Zone Management Project and their anticipated role in resolving public grievances. To achieve this Gujarat Ecology Commission conducted a one-day introductory conference on Public Grievance Redressal System on April 8, 2012 at Surat. The broad objectives of the conference were as follows: Objectives of the Conference 1) To generate awareness regarding the coastal zone and the issues therein as well as its conservation 2) To discuss policy related issues with respect to coastal zone management and provide for a platform for its implementation 3) To discuss, finalize and implement the best practices for better grievance redressal mechanism under the ICZM Plan 4) To discuss the existing grievance redressal mechanism. For the schedule of conference, please refer Annexure 1. PARTICIPANTS OF THE CONFERENCE The conference was attended by over 40 district and block level Judges of Bharuch, Navsari, Surat and Valsad districts. Senior Judges and other officials from the Gujarat Judiciary system also participated in the conference. Government officials and delegates from PEAs, World Bank, SICOM of the ICZM project also participated in the conference as expert resource person and delivered lectures on various themes of coastal zone management such as CRZ notification, mangroves and its environment, marine biodiversity, government policies on coastal zone management, oil spillage etc. Senior forest officials of Surat district also participated in the conference. For more details of participants, refer Annexure 2. 5 P a g e

6 INAUGURAL ADDRESS The conference began with the opening remarks of Shri. A. K. Verma, IFS, Member Secretary, GEC and Project Director, ICZMP. Shri. Verma explained about the ICZM project, its development and activities initiated under the ICZM project in Gujarat State by the SPMU. He asserted that important it is to develop a grievance redressal system to exercise legal rights of coastal communities and provisions available to protect and conserve marine ecosystem. He further referred to the report of Swaminathan Committee, which endorses the view that States must have their own laws for management of the coasts. Narrating the evolution story of CRZ 2011 notification, he pointed out that the processes evolved around two important characteristics of coastal management, namely environmental conservation and livelihood of the coastal communities including fisher folk. He also emphasised that judiciary have been taking necessary steps for coastal zone management. He then welcomed all the Chief Guests, experts and participants to the one day conference and extended heartfelt thanks to the Judicial Officials. Hon. Justice Shri. A. Kureshi, Judge, High Court of Gujarat in the key note address reiterated the need of conserving environment. He also pointed out that this kind of workshop provides a platform to exchange information and helps create a better understanding. He stated that the Judiciary system is neither making a law nor it is implementing a law but they are instrumental in implementation of law therefore it is essential that the judicial officials are aware about various environmental issues and the need for its conservation. He further shared extracts and quotes from contemporary literature to keep up motivation of the participants. Dr. S. K. Nanda, IAS, Principal Secretary, Forest & Environment Department, Government of Gujarat gave an introductory speech and emphasised on the importance of public redressal mechanism in the era of Right to Information. He also pointed out about the necessity of similar kind of information sharing workshops and conferences for better conservation of our environment and especially the coastal region. Dr. Nanda also spoke about the importance of coastal resources and marine biodiversity. 6 P a g e

7 Chief Guest of the conference, Hon ble Justice Shri. A. L. Dave, Judge, High Court of Gujarat & Executive Chairman, SALSA addressed all the participants and stated that the conference aims to sensitise the judicial officials who are working in coastal districts of Gujarat. He emphasised on the need to focus on sustainable development and added that none has the rights to violate the laws made to protect natural resources. He appreciated the efforts taken by Gujarat Ecology Commission for coastal zone management project. Shri C. H. Pandya, IFS, Additional Project Director, GEC extended vote of thanks to all the guests and participants of the conference. PROCEEDINGS OF TECHNICAL SESSION I The first technical session was initiated with detailed technical lectures on (i) Coastal Zone Management & CRZ Notification 2011; (ii) Overview of Public Grievance Redressal System in ICZMP and (iii) Mangrove & Coral Conservation in Gujarat. Following is the brief of sessions: Shri. Hardik Shah, Member Secretary, GPCB & Director [Env] explained about the CRZ Notification 1991 and He explained various provisions of new CRZ notification as well as possible threats on marine ecosystems and explained the possibilities of oil spillage. Shri. Shah, gave details of the notification s background, enforcement mechanism, interpretation of various zones and area covered under notification etc. His presentation also included examples relevant to coastal zone management. He also explained about the importance of coastal area management and role of judicial system in the management of coastal area. Post the presentation on CRZ notification, Shri. Ramakrishna, Co-Task Team Leader, World Bank presented on components like enhancing knowledge and capacity building of the coastal states while giving an overview of public grievance redressal system in ICZM. He also reiterated the importance and need of enhanced knowledge among the managers of Indian coasts. Shri. Ramakrishna highlighted in his talk about public grievance redressal system in the ICZM Project and gave details of the three tier public grievance system planned in the project, which at the first level is the responsible agency, while at second level it is 7 P a g e

8 responsibility of PEAs and at third level it is a responsibility of SPMU. Shri. Ramakrishna shared that the SPMU will be having redressal mechanism committee headed by Add. Project Director Level to address grievance, which are not resolved at PEA level. He also stated that if the grievances has not been resolved by the SPMU then the person are free to approach Hon. Court of India for justice through State Legal Aid Cell Authority for which Project will bear all the cost. He also stated that any grievance should be addressed within 30 days. He mentioned that if grievance can be addressed for one person, then its outcome would be beneficial to many. Conservation of mangroves and corals are one of the poignant features of the ICZM project. This was evident from the presentation by Shri. Nischal Joshi, HoO & SMP, GEC on Mangrove and Coral Conservation in Gujarat. The presentation began by showing a video documentary produced by GEC on mangrove and coral. He also shared the status of mangrove regeneration in Gujarat. Shri. Joshi presented about the general ecology and environment of the Mangroves. He also pointed out few facts about mangroves of Gujarat. PROCEEDINGS OF TECHNICAL SESSION II The second technical session had lectures on (i) Overview of coastal biodiversity and its importance and (ii) Government policy on management of coastal biodiversity and resources. Following is the brief of sessions: 8 P a g e The first presentation in this session was done by Shri. Bharat Pathak, IFS, Director, GEER Foundation on Overview of Coastal Biodiversity and its importance. He briefly described about the coastal wetland system, marine system, role of coral, mangroves, algae for carbon sequestration, role of mangroves as bio-shield, conservation of Dugong, importance of algae for pharmaceutical, biotech and research purposes, vertebrates, avifauna etc. The conference also emphasized upon the government policies on management of coastal biodiversity and resources. Shri. R. D. Kamboj, IFS Chief Conservator of Forest, Marine National Park, Jamnagar elaborated about government policies through his presentation. He

9 explained about the benefits of conservation of marine ecosystem in terms of ecological services, biological resources and social benefits. Further he shared about the existing marine ecosystem of the Marine National Park which includes marine mammals, corals, fishes, mangroves etc. Shri. Kamboj highlighted the policies at national and international level such as Montreal Protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer, 1987; Rio Declaration, 1992; Agenda 21, 1992; United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, 1992; United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity, 1992; Agreement on Straddling Fish Stocks and Highly Migratory Fish stocks, 1995 etc. He explained about the major government policies of India such as Indian Fisheries Act, 1897; Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972; Maritime Zones of India (Regulation of Fishing by Foreign Vessels) Act, 1976; Marine Fishing Regulation Act, 1978; Biological Diversity Act, 2002; Comprehensive Marine Fishing Policy, 2004 (MoA);Draft Aquarium Fish Breeding and Marketing Rules, 2010 (MoEF);States Fisheries Acts, Coastal Regulation Zone Notification, 2011 etc. PROCEEDINGS OF TECHNICAL SESSION III The third technical session had a lecture on Coastal issues and role of Gujarat Maritime Board. Following is the brief of sessions: Shri. Atul Sharma, General Manager (Environment), Gujarat Maritime Board shared information about various ports of Gujarat, role of GMB, especially in making contingency plan for oil spill; information system for port limit area etc. He described about the approaches and methodologies adopted by GMB for coastal zone management such as strategic planning of coastal area of Gujarat, data collection, adopted approach, Environment and Resource Management etc. CONCLUDING SESSION The one day conference was concluded with encouraging thoughts from Shri. Akil Kureshi, Judge, High Court of Gujarat & Administrative Judge, Surat District. Sharing the wisdom of 9 P a g e

10 Dalai Lama, Shri. Kureshi highlighted the point that the district judges will have a major role in giving justice to people. He also emphasized that the conference was not mere an exercise to educate judiciary, rather to sensitize each one who are at the helm of giving justice. He further narrated instances where the nature has defied logical explanations. Shri. Kureshi extended appreciation to the entire team of Gujarat Ecology Commission and experts from various organizations for organizing an enriching conference. He added the conference has helped the participants to get introduced to the complexities of nature, in order to redress specific public grievances of coastal communities. FEEDBACK OF PARTICIPANTS GEC believes that feedback from participants of the conference will help while planning out conferences and sessions on public grievance system. Therefore, a feedback form was developed and given to all the participants. Out of the total 40 participants, 15 people have filled the feedback form, which was given to them at the beginning of the conference. The form had eight questions related to the sessions, which were taken up during the conference. The summary of the feedback provided by the participants is as follows: The conference was informative and sessions were useful to understand coastal issues. It helped to understand the CRZ notification and its provisions. The subjects covered in the conference gave an insight to the coastal biodiversity and mangrove of Gujarat coast. It has helped the participants to know about the policies of the World Bank. The conference provided knowledge of several government policies essential for coastal management. The sessions were taken by experts having relevant exposure; therefore it was all the more helpful to understand issues with examples. Inclusion of public grievance redressal mechanism in the ICZM project would indeed be beneficial. The conference was enlightening and provided information on new developments in the coastal areas of Gujarat. The difference between new and old CRZ notifications was explained by the expert. The information provided during the conference was very informative and there is a need to disseminate information about CRZ notification among people who lives and works in the coastal areas of Gujarat. The conference helped to know more about the biodiversity and coastal area of Gujarat. The sessions provided ample information about the environment of coastal area and importance of mangroves. It also helped to understand the socio-economic components of the ICZMP project, which will enable coastal village communities. The conference made it possible to know the initiatives taken by the Forests & Environment Department, GoG with the support of MoEF, GoI and the World Bank. 10 P a g e

11 It was learnt that ICZM project will make people aware about coastal area and its significance. The participants also realized the need to give more focus to mangrove plantation in South Gujarat. The ICZM project should undertake public awareness activities to increase involvement of community. Information about use of modern technologies like GIS and Remote Sensing in coastal zone management and in public grievance. The conference helped participants realize that coastal resource management is the need of the hour. 11 P a g e

12 Annexure I Schedule of conference SCHEDULE FOR THE ONE DAY CONFERENCE ON PUBLIC GRIEVANCE SYSTEM UNDER ICZM PROJECT TIME SESSION SPEAKER 9.30 to Registration of Participants INAUGURAL SESSION to Opening Remarks Shri. A.K.Verma, IFS, Member Secretary, GEC &Project Director, ICZM to Lighting of Lamp & Floral Welcome of Hon. Guest Inaugural Address Dr. S. K. Nanda, IAS, Chairman, GEC & Principal Secretary, DoFE, Govt. of Gujarat to Keynote Address Hon ble Justice Shri.Akil A. Kureshi, Judge, High Court of Gujarat & Administrative Judge, Surat District to Address by Chief Guest Hon ble Justice Shri. A. L. Dave, Judge, High Court of Gujarat & Executive Chairman, Gujarat State Legal Services Authority Vote of Thanks Shri C. H. Pandya, IFS Addl. Project Director, ICZM & Director, Gujarat Ecology Commission TEA BREAK 11:10 to 11:30 Technical Session- I to to Coastal Zone Management & CRZ Notification to Overview of Public Grievance System in ICZM to Mangrove & Coral Conservation in Gujarat Lunch Break to Technical Session- I I Shri. Hardik Shah, Director, (Environment)& Member Secretary, GPCB Shri. Ramakrishna, Co-TTL, World Bank Shri. Nischal Joshi, HoO& SMP, GEC 12 P a g e

13 14.30 to :30 to 15:15 Overview of Coastal Biodiversity and its importance Shri. Bharat Pathak, IFS Director,GEER Foundation to Government Policy on Management of coastal Biodiversity and resources Shri. R. D. Kamboj, IFS Chief Conservator of Forest, Marine National Park & Sanctuary Tea Break to Technical Session- I II to to Coastal Issues & Role of GMB Shri. Atul Sharma, General Manager (Environment) GMB 16:45 to 17:30 Concluding Session Chaired by Hon ble Justice Shri. A. L. Dave, Judge, High Court of Gujarat & Executive Chairman, Gujarat State Legal Services Authority & Co-chaired by Hon ble Justice Shri. Akil A. Kureshi, Judge, High Court of Gujarat & Administrative Judge, Surat District 13 P a g e

14 Annexure II : List of participants No. Name Designation Mobile 1 B. L. Choudhari Secretary, DLSA, Bharuch 2 B. U. Joshi Principal Dist. Judge 3 C. D. Chaudhari Dy CF Surat C. K. Pipalia PCJ, Pardi D. B. Ande CCF, Surat Circle D. I. Thakur Dy. Conservator, Forest Dept, Valsad 7 D. K. Patel ACF, Sub division, acfnbh@yahoo.co.in Bharuch 8 G. H. Desai Principal Sr. Civil Judge H. H. Thakkar Chief Judiciary, Navsari hhthakar69@yahoo.com 10 Hardik Shah Dir (Env) & MS, GPCB 11 I.C. Shah Principal District Jedge, indraved_shah@yahoo.com Bharuch 12 J. D. Solanki Principal Civil Judge, jay.sol74@gmail.com Vapi 13 J. G. Ravi Chief Judicial Magistrate J. J. Pandya Principal Civil Judge, Olpad 15 J. N. Parmar Superintendent J. V. Patel Principal Civil Judge, j.v.patel82@yahoo.com Hansot 17 K. G. Patel Principal Civil Judge, kgpatel@indianjudiciary.gov.in Jambusar 18 M. F. Saiyed Principal Dist. Judge M. S. Soni Secretary, DLSA, Surat N. G. Parmar Principal Civil Judge, ngparmar@indianjudiciary.gov.in Mandavi 21 N. P. Radia Sr. Civil Judge, Valsad P. B. Drives Secretary to Principal District Judge, Surat 23 P. F. Vasava P. I. Prajapati Principal Civil Judge, prakashprajapati01@yahoo.com Surat 25 P. K. Jain DCF, SF, Navsari P. M. Atodadiya Principal Sr. Civil Judge, Ankleshwar 27 P. M. Shah Principal Civil Judge P. P. Parmar Principal Sr. Civil Judge P. S. Joshi Chairman, TSLA, Navsari psjoshi@indianjudiciary.gov.in 30 P. U. Patel Principal Sr. Civil Judge, Bharuch 31 Patel K. G 32 R. D. Kamboj CCF.MNP rdkamboj@yahoo.com 33 R. D. Maheta Principal Civil Judge ravimaheta@gmail.com 34 R. D. Pamdey Principal Civil Judge, Umbergam 35 R. S. Ajara DCF, Surat S. M. Patil Assistant, DLSA, Surat Shailesh Patel Consumer Protection essaipatel@rediffmail.com 38 T. V. Joshi Chairman, TLSA, tvj_indgo@yahoo.com Choryasi, Surat 39 U. M. Bhatt Chief Judicial Magistrate V. G. Chaudhari Dy. Conservator, Forest Dept dcf-val-forest@gujarat.gov.in 14 P a g e

15 The conference was enlightening and provided information on new developments in the coastal areas of Gujarat It helped to understand the socio-economic components of Integrated Coastal Zone Management project The conference acted as an eye opener about the Coastal Regulation Zone Notification and its provisions Expert resource persons made the conference an enriching experience It gave an insight to the coastal biodiversity and mangroves of Gujarat coast 15 P a g e