CRZ Notification 2019, Classification, Provisions, Concerns

The CRZ Notification, 2019 replaced the 2011 regulation to balance coastal conservation, sustainable development, and livelihood security. Based on the Shailesh Nayak Committee’s recommendations, it reduced the No Development Zone (NDZ) in rural areas, promoted tourism, decentralised authority, and allowed development in coastal zones (CRZ-I to CRZ-IV).

However, concerns have been raised over environmental degradation, threats to fragile ecosystems, and the impact on traditional livelihoods. Legal challenges, particularly in the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and Supreme Court, question the notification's compliance with environmental safeguards and delayed Coastal Zone Management Plans (CZMPs).

CRZ Notification 2019 Overview  

The Coastal Regulation Zone Notification 2019 replaced the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification 2011, addressing concerns about marine ecosystem conservation, sustainable coastal development, and livelihood security. A committee led by Dr Shailesh Nayak recommended revisions, emphasising balanced environmental protection and development while accounting for natural hazards and rising sea levels due to global warming.

CRZ Notification 2019 Objectives

The objective of the CRZ Notification 2019 is to conserve coastal ecosystems, ensure livelihood security, and promote sustainable coastal development. The notification aims to:

• Conserve and protect the unique coastal environment and marine ecosystems.
• Ensure livelihood security for fishers and coastal communities dependent on coastal resources.
• Promote sustainable development of coastal areas, considering scientific principles and the risks of natural hazards and sea-level rise due to global warming.

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CRZ Notification, 2019 Classification

The Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification regulates coastal and marine areas to protect ecologically sensitive zones while allowing sustainable development. It classifies coastal regions into different zones (CRZ-I to CRZ-IV) based on their environmental sensitivity and development status. Those are as follows:

CRZ-I: Ecologically Sensitive Areas

CRZ-I areas are identified as the most environmentally sensitive and are further classified into two categories:

• CRZ-I A (Ecologically Sensitive Areas): These areas include ecologically significant features and geomorphological aspects essential for maintaining coastal integrity.
  • Mangroves (with more than 1000 sq. metres of area, a 50-metre buffer is required), Corals and Coral Reefs, Sand Dunes, and Biologically Active Mudflats.
  • Salt Marshes, Turtle Nesting Grounds, Horseshoe Crab Habitats, Sea Grass Beds, Nesting Grounds of Birds, Archaeological and Heritage Sites.
  • Protected Areas such as national parks, marine parks, sanctuaries, wildlife habitats, and biosphere reserves (e.g., Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve).
  • The State/UT governments must prepare detailed environment management plans for these ecologically sensitive areas (ESAs) based on guidelines provided by NCSCM (National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management).
• CRZ-I B (Intertidal Zone): This zone comprises the area between the Low Tide Line (LTL) and High Tide Line (HTL). It is a highly sensitive area due to the tidal movement, which affects ecosystems like estuaries, mudflats, and marshlands.

CRZ-II: Developed Urban Areas

CRZ-II includes areas that are already developed and situated near the shoreline, typically within municipal limits or designated urban areas. These areas:

• Have substantial built-up infrastructure (more than 50% of the plots built up).
• Include provisions such as drainage, roads, water supply, and sewerage.

This zone regulates further development and ensures that urban expansion doesn’t adversely affect the coastal environment.

CRZ-III: Undisturbed and Rural Areas

CRZ-III areas include relatively undisturbed regions, especially rural coastal areas, and are further divided into two subcategories based on population density:

• CRZ-III A (Densely Populated Areas): Areas with a population density of more than 2161 persons per sq. km (as per the 2011 census) are designated as CRZ-III A. 
  • The No Development Zone (NDZ) extends up to 50 metres from the HTL, provided the CZMPs (Coastal Zone Management Plans) have been approved. 
  • If CZMPs are not approved, a 200-meter NDZ applies.
• CRZ-III B (Less Populated Areas): Areas with a population density of less than 2161 persons per sq. km are categorised as CRZ-III B. A 200-meter NDZ is applicable in these areas.

CRZ-IV: Water Areas

• CRZ-IV A (Sea Areas): Includes water and seabed area from the Low Tide Line (LTL) to 12 nautical miles seaward.
• CRZ-IV B (Tidal-Influenced Water Bodies): Encompasses water areas and seabed between LTL on both banks of tidal water bodies (creeks, rivers) up to the salinity level of 5 parts per thousand (ppt) in the driest season.

CRZ Notification 2019 Provisions

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change issued the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification 2019 under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 to balance economic growth in coastal regions with environmental conservation.

CRZ Notification, 2019 Permissible Activities

The regulation of permissible activities within the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) defines specific guidelines for ecologically sensitive areas (CRZ-I), intertidal areas (CRZ-IB), and other coastal zones (CRZ-II, CRZ-III, and CRZ-IV). Activities like eco-tourism, infrastructure for public utilities, and projects related to defence, ports, and erosion control are allowed under strict environmental safeguards.

• Further, constructions like roads, housing, and temporary tourism facilities are regulated based on their proximity to the High Tide Line (HTL)
• Activities such as traditional fishing, desalination, and energy projects are permitted in certain zones with approvals from the relevant authorities.

CRZ Notification 2019 Prohibited Activities

The CRZ Rules 2019 prohibit several activities to protect coastal ecosystems. These include setting up new industries, expanding existing ones, handling hazardous substances, and establishing new fish processing units. Land reclamation, altering seawater courses, and discharging untreated waste from cities or industries are also banned. 

• Dumping city waste, construction debris, and port projects in erosion-prone areas is restricted.
• Other prohibitions include sand mining, altering active sand dunes, and disposing of plastic in coastal waters, with required measures for plastic waste management. Groundwater extraction is also limited to safeguard coastal ecosystems.
• These rules aim to balance development with environmental protection.

CRZ Rules 2019 Changes

The Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification, 2019 replaces the older 2011 rules to promote economic growth and infrastructure development while protecting coastal ecosystems.

• Reduction of No Development Zone (NDZ): The NDZ in densely populated rural areas (CRZ-III A with population density over 2,161 per sq km) is reduced to 50 meters from the High Tide Line (HTL), down from 200 meters. For less dense rural areas (CRZ-III B), it remains 200 meters.
• Decentralization of Clearances: Powers for approving projects in CRZ-II and CRZ-III are delegated to state/union territory Coastal Zone Management Authorities (CZMAs), leaving only sensitive CRZ-I and CRZ-IV projects with the central Ministry.
• Sub-classification of Zones: CRZ-I (ecologically sensitive) is split into CRZ-I A (sensitive areas like mangroves/corals) and CRZ-I B (intertidal zones). CRZ-III is split into 'densely' and 'sparsely' populated rural sub-categories.
• Tourism and Beach Infrastructure: Temporary tourism facilities and infrastructure needed for international Blue Flag Certification (such as solar plants, toilet blocks, and greywater treatment) are allowed close to beaches (up to 10 metres from HTL).

CRZ Notification 2019 Concerns

The CRZ Notification, 2019, aimed to balance development and coastal protection but has raised several environmental and socio-economic concerns. Key issues include the following:

• Environmental Degradation: Reducing the No Development Zone (NDZ) from 200 metres to 50 metres increases the risk of environmental degradation in coastal areas by allowing development too close to ecologically sensitive zones. 
• Threat to Coastal Ecosystems: The notification prioritises commercial activities like tourism over the preservation of fragile coastal ecosystems, potentially harming biodiversity and coastal ecology.
  • Traditional livelihoods of coastal communities, especially fishing communities, are threatened due to the increased scope for commercial and tourism projects 
• Environmental Safeguards: Multiple legal petitions, including those in the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and Supreme Court, challenge the notification's impact on coastal environments and question its compliance with existing environmental safeguards.
• Weak Regulatory Mechanism: The notification’s framework for protecting ecologically threatened areas remains vague, making the enforcement of environmental norms challenging.
• Delayed Coastal Zone Management Plans (CZMPs): The requirement for preparing CZMPs may lead to delays in proper coastal zone management, leaving many areas without timely environmental protections.

CRZ Committee Recommendation 

The Shailesh Nayak Committee was established to review the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) 2011 rules and suggested significant amendments to improve coastal management and development. Key recommendations include:

• Reduction of NDZ: Reduce the No Development Zone (NDZ) to 50 m from the High Tide Line (HTL) in rural areas with high population density, while keeping it at 200 m elsewhere.
• Tourism Development: Allow tourism-related infrastructure in NDZs to promote economic growth.
• Decentralisation of Power: Transfer more authority to local governments for better coastal management.
• Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESAs): Identify and protect ESAs like mangroves, beaches, and coral reefs under CRZ I.
• Seabed Reclamation: Permit reclamation in CRZ IV for infrastructure projects.
• Housing and Infrastructure: Permit housing, slum development, and port-related construction within CRZ zones.