Cabinet approves new Coastal Regulation Zone notification

The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification-2018 for promoting economic growth in the coastal areas, the government said on Friday.

The move comes in the backdrop of a series of representations received by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change from various coastal states and Union Territories, besides other stakeholders for a comprehensive review of the provisions of the CRZ Notification, 2011.

"The CRZ Notification-2018 will lead to enhanced activities in the coastal regions thereby promoting economic growth while also respecting the conservation principles of coastal regions. The new notification is expected to rejuvenate the coastal areas while reducing their vulnerabilities," an official note said.

As per CRZ-2011 Notification, for CRZ-II (urban) areas, the Floor Area Ratio (FAR) had been frozen as per 1991 Development Control Regulation (DCR) levels. In the new notification, the same has been de-frozen.

Temporary tourism facilities such as shacks, toilet blocks, change rooms, drinking water facilities etc have now been permitted on beaches.

The procedure for CRZ clearances has been streamlined. Only such projects/activities, which are located in the CRZ-I (ecologically sensitive areas) and CRZ IV (area covered between Low Tide Line and 12 nautical miles seaward) shall be dealt with for CRZ clearance by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

The powers for clearances with respect to CRZ-II and III have been delegated to the states with necessary guidance.

A No Development Zone (NDZ) of 20 meters has been stipulated for all Islands. All ecologically sensitive areas have been accorded special importance. Specific guidelines related to their conservation and management plans have been drawn up as a part of the CRZ notification, the note said.

Also, in order to address pollution in coastal areas, treatment facilities have been made permissible activities in CRZ-I B area subject to necessary safeguards. Defence and strategic projects have been accorded necessary dispensation, it said.

--IANS

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