Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ)
- First notified in 1991, with amendments in 2011 and 2018.
- Objective:
Protect the coastal environment. Regulate development activities in coastal areas.
CRZ Categories
| Zone | Description |
|---|---|
| CRZ-I | Ecologically sensitive areas (e.g., mangroves >1000 m², coral reefs, sand dunes, mudflats, turtle nesting grounds, sea grass beds, bird nesting grounds, archaeological sites, areas between LTL & HTL). |
| CRZ-II | Built-up areas within municipal limits developed close to shoreline. |
| CRZ-III | Relatively undisturbed rural areas. (Further divided in 2018 into CRZ-IIIA & CRZ-IIIB) |
| CRZ-IV | Aquatic areas: water body from LTL up to territorial waters (12 nautical miles), including tidal water bodies. |
Provisions of CRZ-2011
- Regulated all water areas (including estuaries, creeks, rivers, etc.).
- Introduced hazard line for vulnerable areas to protect communities.
- Special provisions for Mumbai, Kerala, Goa, Sunderbans.
- Shoreline mapping into erosion categories (high, medium, low/stable).
- NDZ (No Development Zone) reduced from 200 m to 100 m in certain areas to support housing needs.
Activities Permitted/Restricted in CRZ
CRZ-I
- Generally, no new construction, except:
- Atomic energy projects, pipelines, transmission lines.
- Weather radars, sea links, roads on stilts.
- Airports & essential public facilities (in non-sensitive areas between LTL & HTL).
- Salt harvesting, desalination plants, storage of non-hazardous cargo.
CRZ-II
- Buildings allowed on landward side of authorized roads/structures.
CRZ-III
- In 2018 notification:
- CRZ-IIIA: Densely populated rural areas (≥2161/km²) — NDZ = 50 m.
- CRZ-IIIB: Sparsely populated rural areas (<2161/km²) — NDZ = 200 m.
- Promotes basic tourism facilities in NDZ (≥10 m from HTL).
CRZ-IV
- No restriction on traditional fishing.
- Prohibits untreated sewage, effluents, solid waste dumping.
CRZ-2018 Notification
- Based on recommendations of Shailesh Nayak Committee (2014).
- Balances coastal conservation with economic development and housing needs.
Salient Features:
- FSI/FAR norms: Updated to current development regulations (instead of 1991 levels).
- Tourism infrastructure: Encouraged with basic amenities in beaches & NDZ.
- Decentralized clearances: CRZ-II & III clearances at State level; CRZ-I & IV with MoEFCC.
- NDZ of 20 m: For islands & backwaters (due to space constraints).
- Ecologically sensitive areas: Specific guidelines for conservation.
- Pollution abatement focus: Coastal treatment facilities allowed.
- Defence & strategic projects: Special dispensation.
