1. Definition of CRZ Regulation
CRZ (Coastal Regulation Zone) regulation refers to a set of environmental guidelines governed by the Coastal Regulation Zone Notification, issued under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. It aims to regulate human and industrial activity along the coastal stretches of seas, bays, estuaries, creeks, rivers, and backwaters to:
- Protect fragile coastal ecosystems
- Preserve livelihoods of traditional coastal communities
- Prevent ecological degradation and pollution from unregulated development
The latest version is the CRZ Notification, 2019, which superseded earlier notifications from 1991 and 2011.
2. CRZ Classification Zones
The coastal areas are divided into several categories based on their ecological sensitivity and existing development:
- CRZ-I: Ecologically sensitive areas such as mangroves, coral reefs, national parks, marine parks, and areas between High Tide Line (HTL) and Low Tide Line (LTL). No construction is allowed except for defense or public utilities.
- CRZ-II: Developed areas close to the shoreline, within municipal limits. Construction is allowed on the landward side of existing roads and buildings as per local norms.
- CRZ-III: Undeveloped rural areas and those not falling under CRZ-I or II. Development is regulated, and a No Development Zone (NDZ) of typically 50 to 200 meters is maintained from the HTL.
- CRZ-IV: Water areas up to 12 nautical miles seaward and tidal-influenced water bodies such as rivers and creeks. Regulations focus on discharge, fishing, and dredging activities.
3. Regulatory Authority and Oversight
CRZ regulations are administered and enforced by:
- The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) at the central level
- State Coastal Zone Management Authorities (SCZMAs) for site-specific clearances and monitoring
- District and local authorities for on-ground enforcement and building plan approvals
Projects within CRZ areas must secure prior approval through a CRZ clearance process, which may include environmental impact assessments.
4. Applicability of CRZ Regulation
CRZ regulations apply to:
- All land between the High Tide Line and 500 meters inland from the coast
- Tidal-influenced inland water bodies, including estuaries, creeks, and backwaters up to the point where tidal effects are measurable
- Islands, coral reefs, and sensitive marine ecosystems notified under the Wildlife Act or protected area rules
States with extensive coastal boundaries like Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Goa have widespread CRZ coverage.
5. Development Restrictions and Permissions
Under CRZ regulations:
- Industrial and real estate development near the shoreline is subject to strict scrutiny
- Specific rules govern construction, tourism facilities, ports, harbors, pipelines, and roads
- Any activity that may cause coastal erosion, pollution, or biodiversity loss is regulated or prohibited
Only approved activities such as fishing, shipbreaking (with clearance), defense installations, and coastal infrastructure are allowed under defined conditions.
