Financial Times

Coastal no-building zone under review
Tourism authorities are asking the government to be flexible in implementing the proposed ban on new construction within a specified area from the coast in response to concern among investors that it could diminish the attractiveness of beach resorts.

Some chalet-type hotel investors from India, among those who have approved investments here but are yet to build, are threatening to withdraw if these restrictions are enforced.

The Coast Conservation Advisory Department (CCA), and the Urban Development Authority (UDA) is gazetting rules this week imposing restrictions on building near the beach, including 'no building zones' and issuing guidelines for construction. The two agencies are to allow housing and shopping structures within 300 metres from the permanent vegetation line on the beach. Between 100-200 metres only tourism development will be allowed.

Tourism authorities are proposing to the UDA and CCA that -- unaffected hotels in the 100 metre zone be allowed to remain while partially damaged properties must reconstruct under UDA guidelines if they are to remain, completely damaged properties should move out and already approved investments be allowed in the restricted zone.

Dr. Prathap Ramanujam, Secretary, Ministry of Tourism said they are trying to sort out some of these guidelines in response to concerns from the industry.

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