The government has approved a proposal to restructure the Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) project, which aims at protecting and conserving the coastal environment.

On Tuesday, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved a proposal by the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change which includes revising the cost estimate from ₹1,155.60 crore to ₹1,580.10 crore, and extension of the project till December 31, 2017 from March 31, 2015.

The project involves demarcation of the ‘hazard line’ along the coastal area, which is mapped by the Survey of India. It also includes capacity building and institutional development in coastal areas.

The CCEA in March 2010 had approved the ICZM project with a cost estimate of ₹1,155.63 crore for five years, up to March 31, 2015. The project is being implemented with aid from the World Bank, an official release said.

There has been a cost revision during the project implementation due to natural calamities such as Cyclone Phailin and non-responsive bids among others.

After revision, the net total budget earmarked for Gujarat is ₹387.17 crore, Odisha ₹334.86 crore and West Bengal ₹335.61 crore, while ₹522.45 crore is for national components, which involves ₹50 crore for detailed reports in the 10 remaining States including Maharashtra, Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.

Bhutan hydel project The Cabinet also approved revision of the cost estimate of the 1,200MW Punatsangchu-I hydroelectrical project in Bhutan to ₹9,375.58 crore. The cost escalation has been due to various reasons such as generation works, change in design among others.

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