Focus on overcoming hurdles posed by regulations under ‘green zone’ in Kalamassery, says chairperson Jamal Manakkadan

The upcoming meeting of the new Kalamassery council, led by Chairperson Jamal Manakkadan, on January 1, 2026, highlights a critical and increasingly common dilemma faced by urban local bodies across India: balancing the imperative for infrastructure development with stringent environmental protection regulations. The core agenda to overcome hurdles in new infrastructure projects specifically due to 'green zone' restrictions brings into sharp focus the complex interplay between urbanization, governance, and environmental sustainability.

**Background Context and What Happened:**

Kalamassery, a significant industrial and residential hub in Kerala, like many rapidly urbanizing areas, is experiencing pressure for new infrastructure. This includes roads, housing, commercial spaces, and public utilities, all vital for accommodating population growth and economic activity. However, certain areas are designated as 'green zones,' which typically entail restrictions on construction and development to protect ecological balance, conserve biodiversity, or maintain specific environmental parameters. These zones can include wetlands, forest patches, agricultural lands, or areas sensitive to pollution. The problem arises when planned development projects, crucial for the region's progress, conflict with these environmental designations. The new council's first meeting is specifically aimed at strategizing how to navigate these regulatory hurdles, indicating that the 'green zone' restrictions are significantly impeding developmental aspirations.

**Key Stakeholders Involved:**

Several key players are central to this issue. Firstly, the **Kalamassery Civic Body and its Chairperson, Jamal Manakkadan**, are at the forefront, responsible for local governance, urban planning, and addressing the developmental needs of its citizens. They must balance local demands with state and national environmental policies. Secondly, **local residents and businesses** are direct stakeholders; they stand to benefit from improved infrastructure (e.g., better connectivity, services) but may also be impacted by environmental degradation if regulations are relaxed. Thirdly, **environmental activists and organizations** play a crucial role in advocating for the strict enforcement of green zone regulations, emphasizing ecological preservation. Fourthly, **state government departments** (e.g., Urban Development, Environment, Local Self-Government) are critical, as they formulate and oversee the overarching policies and legal frameworks for both urban planning and environmental protection. Finally, **developers and construction companies** are directly affected by these regulations, as project viability and timelines are heavily dependent on environmental clearances and land availability.

**Why This Matters for India:**

This situation in Kalamassery is a microcosm of a larger national challenge. India is undergoing rapid urbanization, with an increasing percentage of its population living in cities. This necessitates massive infrastructure development. However, India is also highly vulnerable to climate change impacts and faces significant environmental challenges, making environmental protection equally critical. The Kalamassery case highlights the inherent conflict between these two imperatives. It underscores the challenges faced by Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in implementing the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act, which devolved powers for urban planning and development. Resolving such conflicts is crucial for achieving **Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)**, particularly SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). Delays in projects due to regulatory hurdles can lead to cost overruns, deter investment, and impede economic growth and job creation, impacting the local and regional economy.

**Historical Context:**

India's environmental protection journey gained momentum post the Stockholm Conference of 1972. This led to significant legislative actions, including the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974. The landmark **Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 (EPA)**, enacted after the Bhopal Gas Tragedy, provided an umbrella framework for environmental protection and empowered the central government to take measures to protect and improve the environment. Subsequent notifications, like the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) notifications and various Forest Conservation Acts, further defined 'green zones' and restricted development in ecologically sensitive areas. The concept of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) also became a mandatory requirement for many projects, adding another layer of scrutiny.

**Future Implications and Related Constitutional Provisions:**

The Kalamassery council's deliberations could lead to several outcomes. It might push for innovative solutions like 'green infrastructure,' compensatory afforestation, or exploring vertical development to minimize land footprint. It could also advocate for policy reforms at the state level to rationalize green zone boundaries or streamline clearance processes without compromising environmental integrity. This situation emphasizes the need for robust, integrated urban planning that considers environmental sensitivity from the outset, rather than as an afterthought. Future urban development will increasingly rely on sophisticated Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing for effective land-use planning and environmental monitoring.

Constitutionally, the issue touches upon several articles. **Article 48A**, a Directive Principle of State Policy, mandates the State to 'endeavour to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and wildlife of the country.' This forms the constitutional basis for environmental legislation. Correspondingly, **Article 51A(g)**, a Fundamental Duty, enjoins every citizen 'to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wildlife, and to have compassion for living creatures.' These articles highlight the constitutional commitment to environmental protection. Furthermore, **Article 243W**, introduced by the 74th Amendment, outlines the powers, authority, and responsibilities of Municipalities, which include urban planning, land-use regulation, and economic and social development, directly relevant to the Kalamassery council's mandate. The **Environment (Protection) Act, 1986**, and various state-specific Town and Country Planning Acts provide the statutory framework for defining and regulating 'green zones' and other land-use categories. The challenge for Kalamassery, and indeed for India, lies in harmonizing these constitutional directives and statutory provisions with the pressing demands of development to foster truly sustainable urban growth.