FAQ on the Coastal Regulation Zone Notification, 2011 and Island Protection Zone Notification, 2011

I. General

1.  Why is there a need for a Coastal Regulation Zone Notifi cation,

2011?

The Ministry of Environment and Forests had issued the Coastal Regulation

Zone (CRZ) Notifi cation on 19.2.1991 under the Environment (Protection) Act,

1986, with the aim to provide comprehensive measures for the protection and

conservation of our coastal environment. However, over the last two decades the

following issues emerged while implementing the 1991 Notifi cation:

•  The 1991 Notifi cation stipulated uniform regulations for the entire Indian

coastline which includes 5500 Km coastline of the mainland and 2000 Km

of coastline of the islands of Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep. It,

therefore, failed to take into account that the Indian coastline is highly diverse

in terms of biodiversity, hydrodynamic conditions, demographic patterns,

natural resources, geomorphological and geological features.

•  In the 1991 Notifi cation, no clear procedure for obtaining CRZ clearance was

laid down and no time lines stipulated. Furthermore, there was no format

given for the submission of clearance applications.

•  It may be noted that the 1991 Notifi cation, also did not provide a post

clearance monitoring mechanism or a clear cut enforcement mechanism to

check violations.

•  The 1991 Notifi cation sought to regulate all developmental activities in the

inter-tidal area and within 500 metres on the landward side. No concrete

steps were indicated in the 1991 Notifi cation with regard to the pollution

emanating from land based activities.

•  The restrictive nature of the 1991 Notifi cation caused hardships to the persons/

communities living in certain ecologically sensitive coastal stretches. These

included slum dwellers and other persons living in dilapidated and unsafe 2

buildings in Mumbai, communities living in islands in the backwaters of

Kerala, local communities living along the coast of Goa and other traditional

coastal inhabitants.

•  The 1991 Notifi cation has been amended almost 25 times in consideration

of requests made by various State Governments, Central Ministries, NGOs

etc. In addition, there are also several offi ce orders issued by Ministry of

Environment and Forests clarifying certain provisions. The frequent changes

to the 1991 Notifi cation have been consolidated in the 2011 Notifi cation.

The 2011 Notifi cation takes into account and address all the above issues in a

comprehensive manner, relying on the recommendations made in the “Final

Frontier” Report by the Committee chaired by Dr. M.S. Swaminathan on Coastal

Regulation and the fi ndings of the various consultations held in various coastal

States and Union territories. The Minister of State (I/C) personally presided over

the consultations in Goa, Chennai, Puri, Kochi and Mumbai.

2.  What are the objectives of the Coastal Regulation Zone

Notifi cation, 2011?

The main objectives of the Coastal Regulation Zone Notifi cation, 2011 are:

•  To ensure livelihood security to the fi shing communities and other local

communities living in the coastal areas;

•  To conserve and protect coastal stretches and;

•  To promote development in a sustainable manner based on scientifi c

principles, taking into account the dangers of natural hazards in the coastal

areas and sea level rise due to global warming. 3

II. Identifi cation and Classifi cation of CRZ

Areas under the 2011 Notifi cation

1. How have the coastal zones been classifi ed under the 2011

Notifi cation?

In the 1991 Notifi cation the CRZ area was classifi ed as CRZ-I (ecological sensitive),

CRZ-II (built-up area), CRZ-III (Rural area) and CRZ-IV (water area). In the 2011

Notifi cation the above classifi cation is retained. The only change is the inclusion

of CRZ-IV, which includes the water areas upto the territorial waters and the tidalinfl uenced water bodies.

For the very fi rst time, a separate draft Island Protection Zone Notifi cation has

been issued for protection of the islands of Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep

under Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

2.  What are the coastal areas that qualify as falling within the CRZ-I

category?

The CRZ Notifi cation, 2011 clearly lists out the areas that fall within the category

of CRZ-I. It includes:-

(i) Ecologically sensitive areas and the geomorphological features that play a

primary role in maintaining the integrity of the coast. 

•  Mangroves, in case mangrove area is more than 1000 square metres, a buffer

area of 50 metres shall be provided;

•  Corals and coral reefs and associated biodiversity;

•  Sand Dunes;

•  Mudfl ats which are biologically active;

•  National parks, marine parks, sanctuaries, reserve forests, wildlife habitats

and other protected areas under the provisions of Wild Life (Protection)

Act, 1972 (53 of 1972), the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 (69 of 1980)

or Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 (29 of 1986); including Biosphere

Reserves encompassing;

 ~ Salt Marshes;

 ~ Turtle nesting grounds;

 ~ Horse shoe crabs habitats;4

 ~ Sea grass beds;

 ~ Nesting grounds of birds;

 ~ Areas or structures of archaeological importance and heritage sites;

(ii)  The area between Low Tide Line and High Tide Line.

3.  What are the activities permissible in CRZ-I?

The activities permitted in CRZ-I under the 2011 Notifi cation are the activities

that were permissible under the 1991 Notifi cation as amended from time to time.

These relate to the following:-

(i)  No new construction shall be permitted in CRZ-I except;

•  Projects relating to the Department of Atomic Energy;

•  Pipelines, conveying systems including transmission lines;

•  Facilities that are essential for activities permissible under CRZ-I;

•  Installation of weather radar for monitoring of cyclones movement and  

prediction by the Indian Meteorological Department;

•  Construction of trans-harbour sea link and roads on stilts or pillars  

without affecting the tidal fl ow of water, between LTL and HTL.

•  Development of green fi eld airport already permitted at only   

Navi Mumbai;

(ii)  Between Low Tide Line and High Tide Line in areas which are not ecologically

sensitive, the following may be permitted;

•  Exploration and extraction of natural gas;

•  Construction of dispensaries, schools, public rain shelter, community

toilets, bridges, roads, jetties, water supply, drainage, sewerage which

are required to meet the needs of traditional inhabitants living within the

biosphere reserves after obtaining approval from concerned CZMA.

•  Salt harvesting by solar evaporation of seawater;

•  Desalination plants;

•  Storage of non-hazardous cargo such as edible oil, fertilizers and food

grain within notifi ed ports;5

•  Construction of trans-harbour sea links, roads on stilts or pillars without

affecting the tidal fl ow of water.

4. What are the coastal areas that qualify as falling within the CRZ-II

category?

The Notifi cation defi nes CRZ-II as the areas which are developed upto or close to

the shoreline and falling within municipal limits.

5. What are the activities permissible in CRZ-II areas?

Buildings are permissible on the landward side of the existing road, authorized

structure or hazardous line where there are no authorised structures. Other

activities such as desalination plants and storage of non-hazardous cargo are also

permissible. The Floor Space Index and Floor Area Ratio for construction projects

shall be as on 19.2.1991 except for those specifi ed in the CRZ Notifi cation,

2011 which is mainly for slum redevelopment and redevelopment of dilapidated

structures.

6.  What are the coastal areas that qualify as falling within the CRZ-III

category? What are the activities permitted in these areas?

CRZ-III areas are those areas that are relatively undisturbed and do not fall under

either in Category I or II and also include rural and urban areas that are not

substantially developed.

All permissible activities for CRZ-III as listed in the CRZ Notifi cation, 1991 are

retained in the Notifi cation. Between 0-200 metres from HTL is a No Development

Zone where no construction shall be permitted. Only certain activities relating to

agriculture, horticulture, gardens, pasture, parks, play fi eld, forestry, projects of

Department of Atomic Energy, mining of rare minerals, salt manufacture from

seawater, facilities for receipt, storage, regasifi cation of petroleum products and

liquefi ed natural gas, facilities for generating power by non-conventional energy

sources and certain public facilities may be permitted in this zone.

Between 200-500 metres of HTL, construction and repair of houses of local

communities, tourism projects including green fi eld airport at Navi Mumbai,

facilities for receipt, storage, degasifi cation of petroleum products and liquefi ed

natural gas, storage of non-hazardous cargo, desalination plants, facilities for

generating power by non-conventional energy sources are permissible6

7.  What are the coastal areas that qualify as falling within the CRZ-IV

category??

The aquatic area from low tide line upto territorial limits is classifi ed as CRZ-IV

including the area of the tidal infl uenced water body.

8. What are the activities permissible in the CRZ-IV?

In CRZ-IV areas, there is no restriction on the traditional fi shing and allied activities

undertaken by local communities. However, no untreated sewage, effl uents or

solid waste shall be let off or dumped in these areas. A comprehensive plan for

treatment of sewage generating from the city must be formulated within a period

of one year from the date of issue of this Notifi cation and be implemented within

two years thereafter.

III. Special Provisions for the Fisherfolk

Communities

1.  What are the new provisions contained in the 2011 Notifi cation to

benefi t the fi sher-folk community?

Since the fi shing communities traditionally live in the coastal areas, they have

been given primary importance when drafting the CRZ Notifi cation 2011.

One of the stated objectives of the Notifi cation is “to ensure livelihood security to

the fi sher communities and other local communities, living in the coastal areas…

and to promote development through sustainable manner based on scientifi c

principles taking into account the dangers of natural hazards in the coastal areas,

sea level rise due to global warming.”

The following are the provisions in the 2011 Notifi cation that address the issues

relating to fi shermen community:-

(i)  Water area up to 12 nautical miles and the tidal infl uenced water bodies have

been included under the Coastal Regulation Zone areas in order to:

•  control the discharge of untreated sewage, effl uents and the disposal of

solid wastes as such activities endanger the fi sh and their ecosystem;

•  Conserve and protect habitats in the marine area such as corals and

coral reefs and associated biodiversity, marine sanctuaries and biosphere 7

reserves, sea grass beds etc. which act as spawning, nursery and rearing

grounds for fi sh and fi sheries;

•  Regulate activities in the marine and coastal waters such as dredging,

sand mining, discharge of waste from ships, construction like groynes,

breakwaters, etc. including reclamation which have serious impacts on

fi shing and allied activities;

•  Enable studies of the coastal and marine waters with regard to the impact

of climate change and the occurrence of disasters which have serious

impacts on the livelihood and property of the fi sher-folk communities;

It may be noted that  no restrictions are being imposed on any fi shing

activities and allied activities of the traditional fi shing communities in this

area.

(ii)  At several coastal stretches of the country the fi shermen and their dwelling

units are in danger due to erosion which is occurring primarily due to

manmade activities. The development of such manmade foreshore activities

shall be regulated after identifying and demarcating the coast as falling in

the high eroding category, the medium eroding category or the stable sites

category.

(iii)  While preparing the Coastal Zone Management Plans the infrastructures

essential for fi shing communities must be clearly demarcated and fi shing

Zones in the water bodies and the fi sh breeding areas shall also be clearly

marked.

(iv) The 2011 Notifi cation requires the Coastal Zone Management Authorities

to invite comments on the draft Coastal Zone Management Plan from

stakeholders. This will ensure that for the fi rst time, local communities

including fi shermen communities, will have a say in the preparation of the

CZMPs.

(v)  The Notifi cation allows infrastructural facilities for the local fi shing communities

to be constructed in the CRZ-III area.

(vi) Reconstruction, repair works of dwelling units of local communities including

fi sheries in accordance with local Town and Country Planning Regulations

has been made permissible.

(vii) In CRZ-III areas where 0-200 metres is a No Development Zone (NDZ), to meet

the demands of dwelling units of traditional coastal communities including 8

fi sher-folk, the NDZ has been reduced to 100 metres. Hence, dwelling units

of such communities can be constructed 100-200 metres from High Tide

Line along the seafront with the approval of the State Government and the

MoEF.

2. What are some of the state specifi c provisions made in the 2011

Notifi cation for the Fisherfolk Community?

Special provisions have also been incorporated for the fi shermen communities

living along the coastal areas in Maharashtra, Goa, Kerala, Sunderban and other

ecologically sensitive areas.

•  Greater Mumbai: For the traditional fi shing communities (namely, the

Koliwadas) living in Greater Mumbai a provision has been provided, wherein,

the area concerned shall be mapped and declared as CRZ-III and development

including construction and reconstruction can be taken up as per local Town

and Country Planning Regulations.

•  Goa: The Government of Goa shall survey and map the fi shing villages all along

the Goa coast and all facilities required for fi shing and allied activities shall

be provided. As per the CRZ Notifi cation, 1991, expansion/reconstruction/

repair of dwelling units of local communities in CRZ areas were viewed as

violations of the Notifi cation if the requisite permission had not been taken

from the authorities. Such units (approximately 5,000) were ordered to

be demolished by the Hon’ble High Court of Bombay. However,  the 2011

Notifi cation provides that reconstruction and repair of the structures of local

communities shall also be permissible in CRZ areas.

•  Kerala: The CRZ area in Kerala is reduced to 50 metres from High Tide Line

(HTL) on the landward side. This area is a ‘No Development Zone’ where

no new constructions can be carried out. However, dwelling units of local

communities within this area may be repaired and reconstructed. Necessary

foreshore facilities such as fi shing jetty, fi sh drying yards, net mending yard,

fi shing processing by traditional methods, boat building yards, ice plant, boat

repairs etc. can also be constructed within the 0-50 metres area. Beyond

50 metres from HTL on the landward side, dwelling units of local communities

may be constructed with the permission of the local panchayat.

•  Sunderban: In order to regulate development in Sunderban and other

ecologically sensitive areas, and to take up conservation and protection of 9

these areas for the benefi t of local communities an integrated management

plan (IMP) is required to be prepared in consultation with the communities.

The housing needs of the local communities including fi sherfolk who are

living in such ecologically sensitive areas shall be also addressed in the IMP.

IV. Measures to Combat Pollution

1.  What are the provisions in the 2011 Notifi cation for the prevention

of pollution in coastal areas/coastal waters?

The 2011 Notifi cation lists out certain measures that have to be taken to prevent

pollution in the coastal areas/coastal waters. The disposal of wastes and effl uents

into coastal waters is a prohibited activity. All coastal states are required to ensure

that:

•  the existing practice of discharging untreated waste and effl uents is phased

out within a period not exceeding two years.

•  Dumping of solid waste is phased out within one year from the commencement

of the Notifi cation.

•  An Action Plan is to prepared for dealing with pollution in coastal areas and

waters and in a time bound manner.

•  The Action Plan is submitted to MoEF who would provide technical and

fi nancial assistance.

V. Procedure for Clearances

1. What is the clearance procedure laid down under the 2011

Notifi cation?

Unlike the 1991 Notifi cation which did not lay down the process for obtaining

CRZ clearance, a specifi c procedure has been provided in the 2011 Notifi cation

for obtaining such clearance. This procedure is as follows:

(i)  The project authorities shall submit the proposal to the concerned State/UT

CZMA along with the following documents/reports,-

•  Form-1 (Annexure-IV of the Notifi cation);10

•  Rapid Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Report including marine

and terrestrial EIA. Comprehensive EIA and cumulative studies for port

and foreshore requiring projects as per guidelines issued by MoEF from

time to time;

•  Disaster Management Report and Risk Management Report;

•  CRZ map indicating HTL and LTL demarcated by an authorized agency

(1:4000 scale);

•  Project layout superimposed on the above mentioned map;

•  The CRZ map shall normally indicate a 7km radius around the project

site.

•  The CRZ map shall indicate the CRZ-I, II, III and IV areas;

•  No Objection Certifi cate from the concerned Pollution Control Boards

or Committees for the projects which envisage discharge of effl uents,

solid wastes, sewage etc. (NOC from the Pollution Control Boards or

Committees has been made mandatory in view to minimize pollution in

the coastal waters)

(ii)  The concerned CZMA shall examine the above documents in accordance

with the approved CZMP and CRZ Notifi cation and make recommendations

within a period of sixty days from date of receipt of above document to,-

•  SEAC or EAC in case of the project attracting EIA Notifi cation, 2006;

•  MoEF or State Government for the project attracting CRZ Notifi cation;

(iii) MoEF or State Government shall consider such projects based on the

recommendations of the concerned CZMA within a period of sixty days.

2. How long is this clearance valid?

The clearance accorded to the projects under the 2011 Notifi cation shall be valid

for the period of fi ve years from the date of issue of such clearance.

3. What is the post-clearance monitoring mechanism?

Once the clearance has been accorded to projects under the 2011 Notifi cation,

the following post clearance mechanism kicks in:

•  It shall be mandatory for the project management to submit half-yearly 11

compliance reports in respect of the terms and conditions stipulated for

granting environmental clearance in hard and soft copies to the concerned

regulatory authority, on 1st June and 31st December of each calendar year;

•  All such compliance reports submitted by the project management shall be

public documents;

•  Copies of the same shall be given to any person on application to the

concerned regulatory authority;

•  The latest compliance report shall also be displayed on the website of the

concerned regulatory authority and shall be valid for the period of fi ve years

from the date of issue of clearance.

VI. Enforcement Measures

1. What is the mechanism of enforcement prescribed under the 2011

Notifi cation?

The CRZ Notifi cation, 1991 did not indicate the enforcement mechanism. This

was one of the major drawbacks of the Notifi cation and also the primary reason

for the large number of violations. The CRZ Notifi cation, 2011 lays out the method

and the time frame in which actions shall be taken against any violations of the

Notifi cation. The CZMAs at the State level and the NCZMA, at the Central level

shall be strengthened in a time bound manner and their capacities enhanced by

MoEF for effectively enforcing the Notifi cation. The violation shall be identifi ed

by using latest appropriate maps, satellite imagery and information technology

within a period of four months from date of issue of the 2011 Notifi cation and

necessary action will be initiated in accordance with the Environment (Protection)

Act, 1986 within a period of four months thereafter.

2. What further measures have been taken to ensure transparency?

To ensure transparency in the working of the CZMAs, the Coastal Zone

Management Authority has to create a website and post on such website the

agendas, minutes, decision taken, clearance letters, violations, action taken,

court cases etc. including the CZMPs. (Such provisions were not provided for in

the CRZ Notifi cation, 1991.)12

VII. Special Provisions for Specifi c

Coastal Stretches

1. What are the areas requiring special consideration?

The 1991 Notifi cation provided for the uniform regulation of the coastal areas

in the entire country irrespective of the environmental diversity, socio-economic

conditions, developmental pressures etc. In the 2011 Notifi cation special

provisions have been inserted, keeping in view the diverse problems faced by

local communities like those individuals living in slums, those inhabiting old

and unsafe buildings in Mumbai, people living in islands in the backwaters in

Kerala, local communities living in the coast of Goa and the communities living in

ecologically sensitive areas of the Sunderban etc.

2. What are the special dispensations given to Greater Mumbai?

Keeping in mind the fact the Mumbai faces some unique environmental and

social issues the following provisions have been drafted:

 A. CRZ-I areas:

•  All approved roads and links must be constructed on silts to ensure free

fl ow of tidal waters.

•  Five times the number of mangroves destroyed/cut during the above

construction process shall be replanted.

•  Within one year of issue of this Notifi cation, all mangrove areas must be

mapped, notifi ed and measures for conservation must be initiated, solid

disposal sites must be relocated outside CRZ area and an action plan

must be launched to protect habitations and structures located on the

seaward side of the hazard line.

 B. CRZ-II area:

•  The State Government may undertake slum redevelopment schemes

in the CRZ-II areas in compliance with the Floor Space Index or Floor

Area Ratio as specifi ed in the Town and Country Planning Regulations,

prevailing as on the date of the project being sanctioned. However, the

stake of the State Government or its agencies shall not be less than 51%

in such projects.13

•  Redevelopment and reconstruction of old, dilapidated, and unsafe

buildings in the CRZ-II area shall be allowed. All such projects must

be taken up by the owners of the buildings, directly or with private

developers. All construction must be in accordance with the Town and

Country Planning Regulations prevailing as on the date on which the

project is granted approval by the competent authority.

•  In order to protect and preserve the ‘green lung’ of the Greater Mumbai

area, all open spaces, parks, gardens, playgrounds indicated in

development plans within CRZ-II shall be categorized as CRZ-III, that is,

‘no development zone’. Only construction of civic amenities and facilities

for recreational sports shall be permitted if the fl oor index is upto 15%.

Residential and commercial use of such spaces is prohibited.

•  Reconstruction and repair of the dwelling units belonging to local

communities in CRZ-II areas shall be permitted by the Competent

Authorities on a priority basis.

•  Fishing settlement areas including Koliwada, and those identifi ed in

the Development Plan of 1981 or relevant records of the Government

of Maharashtra, shall be mapped and declared as CRZ-III so that any

development, including construction and reconstruction of dwelling

units within these settlements shall be undertaken in accordance with

applicable local Town and Country Planning Regulations.

3. What is the mechanism to ensure that no malpractice takes place on

account of such special dispensation for Greater Mumbai?

In order to ensure that the redevelopment of slums and dilapidated structures in

Mumbai are done in the most transparent and accountable manner, the following

measures are provided:-

•  The Right to Information Act, 2005 shall be applicable to all redevelopment or

reconstruction projects granted clearance by the Competent Authorities.

•  Auditing shall be done by the offi ce of the Comptroller and Auditor General

(C&AG) of India in case of projects relating to slum redevelopment and

by the empanelled statutory auditor of C&AG in case of redevelopment of

dilapidated, cessed and unsafe structures.14

•  A High Level Oversight Committee shall be set up for periodic review by

the Government of Maharashtra. This Committee shall include eminent

representatives of like Architects, Urban Planners, Engineers, and members

of Civil Society, besides the local urban bodies, the State Government and the

Central Government.

4. What are the special dispensations given to Kerala?

Kerala has one of the most unique coastal environments wherein more than

300 islands are located within its backwaters. Keeping in view the distinctive

geographical layout of Kerala, special allowances have been provided for coastal

stretches of Kerala in the Notifi cation.

Since the islands in the backwaters of Kerala are narrow stretches of land, the

CRZ area is reduced to 50 metres from HTL on the landward side. This area is a

‘No Development Zone’ where no new constructions can be carried out. Existing

dwelling units of local communities within this area may however be  repaired

and reconstructed. Necessary foreshore facilities such as fi shing jetty, fi sh drying

yards, net mending yard, fi shing processing by traditional methods, boat building

yards, ice plant, boat repairs etc. can also be constructed within the 0-50 metres

area. Beyond 50 metres from HTL on the landward side, dwelling units of local

communities may be constructed with the permission of the local panchayat.

5. What are the special dispensations given to Sunderban and other

ecologically sensitive areas?

Sunderban is the largest mangrove area in the country. Nearly 5 lakh people live

within the biosphere itself. Sunderban is being greatly affected by the rising sea

levels and changing weather patterns caused by climate change. Further, the local

communities face immense hardship due to lack of infrastructure facilities. An

integrated management plan is proposed to be drawn up, under the Notifi cation,

for Sunderban and such ecologically important areas such as Gulf of Khambat

and Gulf of Kutch in Gujarat, Malvan, Achra- Ratnagiri in Maharashtra, Karwar and

Coondapur in Karnataka, Vembanad in Kerala, Bhaitarkanika in Orissa, Coringa,

East Godavari and Krishna in Andhra Pradesh. These areas would be declared

as Critical Vulnerable Coastal Areas (CVCA) and the integrated management

plan would be prepared for each of these areas in consultation with the local

communities.15

Until the integrated management plans are drawn up and initiated, all necessary

infrastructure developments for the local inhabitants in these areas shall be

permitted on a case to case basis by the Coastal Zone Management Authority.

6. What are the special dispensations given to Goa?

Specifi c provisions have been provided for the State of Goa with a stringent

regulatory mechanism for sustainable development and ecological protection of

coastal areas. Other provisions include the following:

•  Since the traditional occupation of the population living along the coast is

mainly the fi shing and allied activities and fi shing communities require basic

infrastructure facilities for their livelihood, such facilities shall be provided by

the Government of Goa after conducting a comprehensive survey.

•  Reconstruction, repair of the structures of local communities shall be

permissible in the CRZ areas.

•  The eco sensitive low lying areas infl uenced by tidal action known as khazan

lands shall be mapped. All mangroves along such land shall be protected and

a management plan shall be prepared. No developmental activities shall be

permitted in the khazan land.

•  Sand dunes, beach stretches along the bays and creeks shall be surveyed

and mapped. No activity shall be permitted on such sand dune areas.

•  Beaches such as Mandrem, Morjim, Galgiba and Agonda have been

designated as turtle nesting sites and protected under the Wildlife Protection

Act, 1972. These areas shall be surveyed and management plan prepared

for protecting these sites. No developmental activities shall be permitted in

these areas.

VIII. Transference of Pending Cases and

Violations under the 1991 Notifi cation

1. Will the coming into force of the 2011 Notifi cation mean that existing

violations of the CRZ Notifi cation, 1991 are condoned?

No. As per appropriate direction to be issued by the MoEF under section 5 of

the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, specifi c guidelines will be provided to

all CZMAs on the process to be adopted using latest appropriate maps, satellite 16

imagery and information technology within a specifi ed time frame for action.

2. What will be the status of the Coastal Zone Management Plans

which have been prepared under the 1991 Notifi cation once the 2011

Notifi cation is issued?

The Notifi cation provides that until new CZMPs in accordance with CRZ

Notifi cation, 2011 are approved, the CZMPs prepared under Coastal Regulation

Zone Notifi cation, 1991 shall be followed.

3. Will the Coastal Regulation Zone Notifi cation, 2011 regularize the

buildings constructed in violation of the Coastal Regulation Zone

Notifi cation, 1991 such as, Adarsh etc?

No. As per appropriate direction to be issued by the MoEF under section 5 of

the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, specifi c guidelines will be provided to

all CZMAs on the process to be adopted using latest appropriate maps, satellite

imagery and information technology within a specifi ed time frame for action.

IX. Island Protection Zone

Notifi cation

1. Why is a separate Island Protection Zone Notifi cation, 2011

required?

There are about 500 islands in Andaman & Nicobar and about 30 in Lakshadweep.

These two groups of oceanic islands are home to some of the country’s  most

thriving biodiversity hotspots. The A&N Islands are known for their terrestrial and

marine biodiversity including forest area which covers 85% of the Andaman and

Nicobar geographical area, while, Lakshadweep is a coral island. The geographical

areas of these islands are so small that in most of the cases the 500 metres

Coastal Regulation Zone regulations overlap. Hence, a separate Notifi cation

is being issued which takes into account the management of the entire island

(except for four islands of A&N which include North Andaman, Middle Andaman,

South Andaman and Great Nicobar). 17

2.  What are the objectives of the IPZ Notifi cation, 2011?

The main objectives of the Coastal Regulation Zone Notifi cation, 2011 are:

•  To ensure livelihood security to the fi shing communities, tribals and other

local communities living in the coastal areas;

•  To conserve and protect coastal stretches and;

•  To promote development in a sustainable manner based on scientifi c

principles, taking into account the dangers of natural hazards in the coastal

areas and sea level rise due to global warming.

3.  What is the Jurisdiction of the IPZ Notifi cation, 2011?

For the four islands namely, North Andaman, Middle Andaman, South Andaman

and Great Nicobar, the Notifi cation applies to areas within 500 metres from

the High Tide Line along the seafront, while for all other islands of A&N and

Lakshadweep the entire geographical area, including the water area upto 12

nautical miles falls within purview of the Notifi cation.

4. Has the frequency of natural disasters been taken into account for the

management of the islands?

Yes, the islands of A&N are prone to natural disasters including earthquake,

tsunamis, cyclone etc. The Integrated Island Management Plan (IIMPs) would

take into account all the natural disasters and other environmental issues. Suitable

guidelines for preparing the IIMPs have been laid down in the Notifi cation.18

X. Summary: Coastal Regulation Zone

Notifi cation, 2011 and Coastal Regulation Zone

Notifi cation, 1991 compared

1. What are the most signifi cant new provisions in the Coastal Regulation

Zone Notifi cation, 2011?

(i) The entire water area which includes 12 nautical miles in the sea and the

entire water area of a tidal water body such as creek, river, estuary will be

regulated by the Notifi cation.

(ii) In order to safeguard livelihood and property of local communities including

the infrastructure along the coastal areas the hazard line has been introduced

which will be demarcated by the offi ces of the Survey of India.

(iii) Keeping in view the environmental and social issues, special dispensation

has been provided to Greater Mumbai, Kerala, Goa and Critically Coastal

Vulnerable Areas such as the Sunderban.

(iv) In view of the erosion experienced along the coastal areas due to man-made

interventions the shoreline will be mapped using up-to-date satellite images

and the shorelines will then be subsequently classifi ed as ‘high eroding’,

‘medium eroding’ and ‘low or stable stretches’. No foreshore development

would be permissible in high eroding areas.

(v) To meet the increasing demands of housing for fi shing communities and

other traditional coastal communities, the No Development Zone which is of

200 metres from the High Tide Line is being reduced to 100m.

2. What are the main provisions of Coastal Regulation Zone Notifi cation,

1991 that have been retained in Coastal Regulation Zone Notifi cation,

2011?

(i) The jurisdiction of 500 metres from the High Tide Line along the seafront and

100 metres from the High Tide Line along the tidal infl uenced water bodies

has been retained

(ii) The categorisations of the Coastal Regulation Zone area as Coastal Regulation

Zone-I (ecologically sensitive areas), Coastal Regulation Zone-II (urban areas),

Coastal Regulation Zone-III (rural areas) have been retained.19

(iii) The methodology to be utilised for the preparation of Coastal Zone

Management Plans demarcating Coastal Regulation Zone-I, II and III has

been retained.

3. What are the important provisions of Coastal Regulation Zone

Notifi cation, 1991 that have been dropped in Coastal Regulation Zone

Notifi cation, 2011?

(i) No more SEZ projects in Coastal Regulation Zone area will be allowed.

(ii) The provisions pertaining to the regulation of Andaman & Nicobar and

Lakshadweep have been dropped and in view of the specifi c geographical

issues, environmental sensitivity and to meet the needs of the islanders, a

separate Notifi cation has been issued called IPZ Notifi cation.

(iii) The provisions restricting the expansion of housing for the rural communities

in Coastal Regulation Zone-III area have been dropped. 20