- In 1991, the Government of India issued a notification under the Environment Protection Act of 1986, administered by the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF), to protect and preserve the environment and ecosystems along the nation’s coastline.Â
- Subsequently, this notification lapsed, leading to the issuance of a new notification in September 2010, ultimately formalized as the Coastal Regulation Zone Notification 2011 on January 6, 2011.
- The Coastal Regulation Zone encompasses the coastal area extending up to 500m from the High Tide Line (HTL) and a stretch of 100m along the shores of creeks, estuaries, backwaters, and rivers subject to tidal fluctuations, as specified in the announcement.Â
- State governments are responsible for formulating Coastal Zone Management Plans (CZMPs) and overseeing the implementation of CRZ regulations through their respective local Coastal Zone Management Authorities.
- The CRZ Notification, 2011, reflects the acknowledgment by the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoE&F) of its commitment to issuing notifications in laws and regulations.Â
- This commitment aims to establish a more balanced approach, addressing the dual imperatives of accelerated economic growth and enhanced environmental protection.
COASTAL REGULATION ZONE – CLASSIFICATION
- CRZ-I: Encompasses environmentally sensitive areas where construction is prohibited, except for activities related to nuclear power plants and defense.
- CRZ-II: Includes designated urban areas with extensive development. Construction activities are allowed only on the landward side.
- CRZ-III: Comprises generally undisturbed areas, mainly rural. No new construction is permitted in this zone; only repairs to existing structures are allowed. However, the construction of dwelling units is authorized on plots situated between 200 and 500 meters from the high tide line.
- CRZ-IV: Covers the water region between the low tide line and 12 nautical miles seaward. All activities involving the sea and tidal water, except for fishing and associated activities, are regulated in this zone.
ITS SIGNIFICANCE
Coastal zones represent the convergence of marine and territorial areas, emphasizing the crucial need to safeguard these environmentally delicate regions, including mangroves and coral reefs, from pollution and the impacts of climate change.
Key Points of Significance:
- Protection of Fragile Ecosystems:
- Coastal areas, particularly mangroves and coral reefs, serve as vital barriers against natural calamities such as tsunamis and cyclones. It is imperative to shield these environmentally sensitive zones from industrial growth and new infrastructure projects that pose threats to local livelihoods.
- Enhancing Coastal Lifestyles:
- The regulations aim to improve the quality of life for coastal communities, including fishing villages. This involves striking a delicate balance between development initiatives and the conservation of the coastal environment.
- Balancing Development and Conservation:
- Coastal laws and regulations, particularly those outlined in the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) framework, are crafted to conserve coastal ecosystems by restricting human and industrial activities along the shoreline. The goal is to ensure sustainable development while preserving the delicate balance of the coastal environment.
- Livelihood Improvement:
- The laws seek to enhance the livelihoods of coastal populations, especially in fishing villages. By implementing strategies to address the impacts of climate change and intense storms, the regulations aim for long-term growth and resilience in coastal areas.
- Government Initiatives – Sagarmala Programme:
- Coastal community development is a significant component of the government’s ambitious Sagarmala programme. The adoption of CRZ guidelines is expected to boost economic activity in coastal regions, leading to job creation, improved living standards, and a positive contribution to the national economy.
- Economic Growth and Conservation Principles:
- The government, in 2018, emphasized that adherence to CRZ guidelines would stimulate economic growth in coastal areas while upholding conservation principles. This approach is envisioned to not only generate substantial employment opportunities but also enhance the overall well-being of the people and contribute value to the country’s economy.
CRZ NOTIFICATION 2011
The Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification of 1991, aimed at the conservation and protection of the coastal environment, underwent revisions in 2011 under the auspices of the Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Climate Change. The notification has been periodically updated based on feedback and evolving requirements.
Reforms by Category:
CRZ-I:
- Specific types of new constructions are permissible in CRZ-I.
- Construction of highways and trans-harbour sea linkages between High Tide Line (HTL) and Low Tide Line (LTL) is allowed without disrupting tidal flow.
- Initiatives involving the Department of Atomic Energy.
- Other authorizations include exploration and extraction of natural gas, desalination facilities, basic amenities construction within biosphere reserves for traditional inhabitants, salt harvesting through solar evaporation, and non-hazardous cargo storage within notified ports.
CRZ-II:
- Encompasses areas developed up to the shoreline within municipal boundaries, including established villages and towns.
- Structures are allowed on the landward side of the hazardous line.
- Certain activities, such as desalination plants, are permitted in accordance with the notification’s guidelines.
CRZ-III:
- Includes relatively undisturbed areas not falling under CRZ-I or CRZ-II, along with underdeveloped rural and urban areas.
- A No Development Zone spans 0-200 meters from HTL, where construction is prohibited.
- Permitted activities within this zone include agriculture, forestry, Department of Atomic Energy projects, rare mineral mining, salt manufacturing, petroleum product regasification, non-conventional energy sources, and specific public facilities.
- Construction of houses for local communities and tourism projects is allowed between 200-500 meters from HTL.
CRZ-IV:
- Designates the aquatic area from the low tide line to territorial limits, including tidal-influenced water bodies.
- Traditional fishing by local communities is unrestricted.
- Prohibits untreated sewage or solid waste discharge or dumping in these areas.
- A separate draft Island Protection Zone Notification, under the Environment (Protection) Act of 1986, addresses the protection of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
The 2011 CRZ Notification reflects a balanced approach to coastal development, considering environmental conservation and sustainable utilization of coastal resources.
Coastal Regulation Zone, 2011 – Procedure for Clearances
The 2011 Notification provides a well-defined process for obtaining project permissions:
- Rapid Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Report
- Risk Management and Disaster Management Report
- CRZ map indicating the demarcation of High Tide Line (HTL) and Low Tide Line (LTL)
- Certificate of no objection from the relevant Pollution Control Boards
- The project clearance is valid for a period of five years from the date of approval.
Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESA) – Critical Vulnerable Coastal Areas (CVCAs)
Certain areas have been identified as Critical Vulnerable Coastal Areas (CVCAs), designated as Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESAs) under the Coastal Regulation Zone, 2011. These include:
- Sunderbans
- Gulf of Khambhat and Gulf of Kutch
- Malvan
- Achra-Ratnagiri in Maharashtra
- Karwar to Kundapur in Karnataka
- Vembanad in Kerala
- Bhaitarkanika in Orissa
- Coringa in East Godavari
- Krishna in Andhra Pradesh
Additionally, under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, certain beaches in Goa, including Mandrem, Morjim, Galgiba, and Agonda, have been declared as turtle nesting locations, affording them protection. In these locations, developmental activities are strictly prohibited. The designation as CVCAs emphasizes the need for enhanced conservation measures in these environmentally sensitive areas.
CRZ 2011 – SIGNIFICANCE
The Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) 2011 introduces significant changes and expansions to enhance the protection and management of coastal areas:
- Expanded Definition of CRZ:
- The CRZ now encompasses the land between High Tide Line (HTL) and 500 meters on the landward side.
- It includes land between HTL and 100 meters or the width of the creek, whichever is less, along tidally influenced water bodies connected to the sea.
- Inclusion of Territorial Waters:
- For the first time, CRZ includes up to 12 nautical miles of sea and the entire water area of a tidal water body, without imposing restrictions on fishing activities.
- Territorial waters are now designated as a protected zone within CRZ.
- Introduction of Hazard Line Concept:
- A ‘hazard line’ is introduced, demarcated by the Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Climate Change (MOEF) through the Survey of India.
- It considers factors like tides, waves, sea level rise, and shoreline changes, addressing natural disasters such as tsunami and floods.
- Special Consideration Category:
- Areas requiring special consideration are identified, including CRZ areas in Greater Mumbai, Kerala, and Goa.
- Critically vulnerable coastal areas like the Sunderbans are categorized for specific attention.
- Timelines for CRZ Approval:
- Established timelines for obtaining CRZ approval to streamline the regulatory process.
- Introduction of post-clearance project monitoring with mandatory half-yearly compliance reports displayed on the Ministry’s website.
- Expanded List of Exceptions:
- Significant changes to the list of prohibited activities, expanding exceptions for establishing new industries and expanding existing industries.
- Coastal Zone Management Plans (CZMPs):
- Implementation of CZMPs to govern coastal development activities.
- Plans are to be developed by state governments or the administration of union territories.
- Redevelopment Permissions:
- Permitted redevelopment of approximately 146 existing slums in CRZ areas in Greater Mumbai, with a 51 percent stake required by the state government or its agencies.
- In CRZ-II areas, redevelopment and reconstruction of old, dilapidated, and unsafe buildings are allowed.
- Pollution Prevention Measures:
- Specific measures outlined in the 2011 Notification to prevent pollution in coastal areas and coastal waters.
CRZ 2011 – DRAWBACKS
Despite its objectives, the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) 2011 has some drawbacks and concerns:
- Reduction in No-Development Zone:
- The reduction of the no-development zone from 200 meters to 100 meters from the High Tide Line (HTL) may lead to increased construction along the coast.
- The provision allowing construction for “traditional coastal communities, including fisher-folk” could contribute to additional pressure on coastal resources.
- Exclusion of SEZ Projects:
- Special Economic Zone (SEZ) projects are not permitted within the CRZ, limiting potential economic development opportunities in these coastal areas.
- Unrestricted Housing Expansion in CRZ III:
- In CRZ III, which comprises relatively undisturbed and rural areas, there are no restrictions on the expansion of housing for rural communities.
The absence of limitations on housing expansion may have implications for the ecological balance and sustainability of these areas.
COASTAL REGULATION ZONE 2018-19
- The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, under the leadership of Dr. Shailesh Nayak, established a Committee in June 2014.Â
- The committee was tasked with investigating the various challenges faced by Coastal States/UTs and stakeholders to propose necessary adjustments to the CRZ Notification of 2011.Â
- Following extensive discussions with state governments and stakeholders, the Shailesh Nayak Committee delivered its recommendations in 2015.Â
- Subsequently, the Union Cabinet approved the draft notification in December 2018. The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) announced the new CRZ requirements in January 2019.
- Published under Section 3 of the Environment Protection Act of 1986, the aim of the new CRZ Notification is to promote sustainable development grounded in scientific principles.Â
- It takes into account the risks associated with natural calamities, such as sea-level rise induced by global warming.Â
- Beyond ensuring a secure source of income for fisher communities and local residents in coastal areas, the notification also endeavors to preserve and safeguard the unique ecology of coastal stretches and marine areas.
FAQs – Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Rules 2011 and 2019
1. What is the purpose of the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Rules?
A: The CRZ Rules aim to safeguard and preserve the coastal environment and ecosystems in India while promoting sustainable development.
2. When were the CRZ Rules first introduced?
A: The Government of India issued the initial notification under the Environment Protection Act in 1991, followed by revisions and formalization into the CRZ Notification 2011.
3. What areas do the CRZ Rules cover?
A: The CRZ Rules regulate activities along the coastline, extending up to 500 meters from the High Tide Line (HTL), including 100 meters along creeks, estuaries, backwaters, and rivers.
4. How are the coastal areas classified under the CRZ Rules?
A: The CRZ areas are classified into four categories:
- CRZ-I: Environmentally sensitive areas
- CRZ-II: Urban areas with extensive development
- CRZ-III: Undisturbed rural areas
- CRZ-IV: Water region from low tide line to 12 nautical miles seaward
5. What is the significance of the CRZ Rules?
A: The CRZ Rules play a vital role in:
- Protecting fragile ecosystems like mangroves and coral reefs
- Enhancing the quality of life for coastal communities
- Balancing development and conservation
- Improving livelihoods and promoting economic growth in coastal regions
- Supporting government initiatives like the Sagarmala Programme
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