Govt reviewing CRZ notification 2011 after states' concerns

Government has initiated the process to review the 2011 Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) notification in the backdrop of issues raised by certain coastal states, Lok Sabha was informed today.
An expert committee has examined various issues relating to the 2011 notification and submitted its report to his Ministry, Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar said during Question Hour.
The CRZ notification provides for special dispensation to the local coastal community including permission for reconstruction and repair works of dwelling units in accordance with local town and country planning norms.
The notification also provides for ex-post facto approval to construction and repair activities of dwelling units of traditional coastal communities which were undertaken after 1991 without any approval.

Javadekar said construction or reconstruction of dwelling units of traditional coastal communities including fisher folk is permitted between 100 and 200 metres from the HTL along the seafront in accordance with a comprehensive plan prepared by the state government or Union Territory in consultation with the traditional coastal communities.
The Minister said existing policy on coastal management as laid down in the CRZ notification and Island Protection Zone (IPZ) notification 2011 issued under the Environment (Protection) Act 1986 envisages ensuring livelihood security to the coastal communities, to conserve and protect coastal stretches and marine areas and promote sustainable development on scientific principles taking into account the dangers of natural hazards in the coastal areas and sea level rise.

Javadekar said these notifications demarcate CRZs and IPZs in coastal stretches and regulate and restrict setting up and expansion of any industry, operations or processes and manufacture or handling or storage or disposal of hazardous substances in these zones.
The Minister said as per the IPZ notification, integrated islands protection zones of Andaman and Nicobar and Lakshadweep islands are required to be managed in accordance with the Integrated Islands Management Plan and Integrated Coastal Zone Plans by their respective UT administrations.