Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ)

The coastal regulation zones (CRZ) refer to specific coastal stretches defined by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change where regulation is imposed on various activities.

As per the CRZ notification of 2011, the land area from the high tide line (HTL) to 500 meters on the landward side is defined as the CRZ. Additionally, the land area between the low tide line (LTL) and HTL is also part of the CRZ.

HTL , LTL and Spring TideThe high tide line (HTL) is the highest line on the land till which the seawater reaches during spring tide. Low Tide Line (LTL) is the lowest tideline on the land till which sea water reaches during spring tide.  The tide height directly depends on the position of both sun and moon in relation to the earth. When all the three astronomical objects Sun, moon and the earth are in a straight line the tide height will be at their greatest. The tides are then called spring tides. They occur twice a month during full moon period and New Moon period.

The objectives behind demarcating CRZ areas are to protect fragile coastal ecosystems, ensure the livelihood security of coastal communities, and enable sustainable development based on scientific principles.

Background on CRZ Regulations

The regulation of coastal zones began in 1991 when the first CRZ notification was issued under the Environment Protection Act 1986. However, this initial notification had several shortcomings such as lack of clear procedures for CRZ clearance and inadequate measures to control land-based pollution in coastal areas.

To address these gaps, the CRZ notification was revised and consolidated in 2011. Recently in 2018, a new CRZ notification was approved by the government based on recommendations made by the Shailesh Nayak Committee in 2015 to balance coastal protection with tourism, ports and real estate development.

Classification of Coastal Zones

The 2011 notification classified the CRZ into 4 categories:

• CRZ-I: Ecologically sensitive areas like mangroves, coral reefs, etc. where only specific activities are allowed such as those related to atomic energy, salt production, etc.
• CRZ-II: Developed areas up to or close to the shoreline. Construction permitted according to specified guidelines.
• CRZ-III: Relatively undisturbed rural and urban areas not classified as CRZ-I or II. No new construction permitted within 0-200 meters from high tide line.
• CRZ-IV: Tidal influenced water bodies. Traditional fishing allowed. No untreated waste can be disposed here.

Regulation of Activities and Clearances

The type and extent of activities permitted in CRZ areas depends on the classification. Clearances are required from state pollution control boards and coastal zone management authorities for permissible activities.

For large projects, a detailed environment impact assessment and disaster management report needs to be submitted. The validity of clearances granted is 5 years.

Special Dispensations

Certain ecologically sensitive areas are designated as Critical Vulnerable Coastal Areas (CVCAs) which have an integrated management plan for conservation. Examples include the Sunderbans, Gulf of Kutch, Vembanad Lake, etc. In addition, beaches where turtles nest like Morjim and Galgiba in Goa are protected habitats. No developmental activities can occur in these areas.

Analysis

First introduced in 1991, the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) notification aims to regulate human activities like construction, waste disposal, mining, aquaculture etc in environmentally sensitive coastal stretches within specific zones marking high tide lines, ecologically important mangroves/corals, hazard zones etc. It imposes restrictions on constructions towards preserving coastal ecology and communities livelihood security. However, rampant CRZ violations are often observed from tourism infrastructure, mining and housing projects illegally destroying mangroves and filling creeks. Issues persist in vulnerable coastal communities lacking tenure rights and continuing to face relocation threats from doubtful “public purposes”. Attempts to dilute CRZ rules for accelerating development rather than conservation centric approach have faced civil society opposition.