The Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) notifications are issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. These rules govern and regulate industrial and developmental activities near the shoreline to protect the fragile marine ecosystem and ensure the livelihood security of fisherfolk and local communities. The first CRZ notification was issued in 1991, followed by a major revision in 2011, and the current prevailing framework under CRZ Notification 2019.
Spatial Jurisdiction of CRZ
The CRZ applies to specific coastal stretches defined by the movement of tides.
- Landward Side: Up to 500 metres from the High Tide Line (HTL).
- Intertidal Zone: The land between the Low Tide Line (LTL) and the High Tide Line (HTL).
- Creeks and Estuaries: Up to 100 metres or the width of the creek (whichever is less) from the HTL along the banks of tidal influenced water bodies.
- Seaward Side: Up to 12 nautical miles into the territorial waters.
Classification of CRZ Zones (2019 Framework)
The 2019 notification categorized the coastal areas into four distinct zones based on ecological sensitivity and development density.
| Zone | Description | Key Regulations |
| CRZ-I | Ecologically Sensitive Areas (Mangroves, Coral Reefs, Sand Dunes, Turtle Nesting Grounds). | No new construction permitted except for essential services (pipelines, trans-harbor links). |
| CRZ-II | Developed Urban Areas up to the shoreline. | Construction is allowed but must follow existing Floor Space Index (FSI) or Floor Area Ratio (FAR) norms. |
| CRZ-III | Rural Areas that do not fall under CRZ-I or II. | Divided into CRZ-III A (Densely populated) and CRZ-III B (Sparsely populated). |
| CRZ-IV | Marine Areas from the LTL up to 12 nautical miles seaward. | Regulates discharge of untreated waste and effluents; protects traditional fishing rights. |
Key Reforms in CRZ 2019
The 2019 notification introduced significant relaxations to promote tourism and housing while maintaining ecological safeguards.
1. Bifurcation of CRZ-III (Rural Areas)
- CRZ-III A: Areas with a population density of 2,161 per sq km or more (as per 2011 Census). The No Development Zone (NDZ) is reduced from 200 metres to 50 metres from the HTL.
- CRZ-III B: Areas with a population density less than 2,161 per sq km. The NDZ remains 200 metres from the HTL.
2. FSI/FAR Relaxations
In CRZ-II (Urban) areas, the 2019 rules did away with the freeze on FSI at 1991 levels. Developers can now utilize the current FSI allowed by local town planning authorities, facilitating vertical growth in coastal cities like Mumbai and Kochi.
3. Tourism Infrastructure
Temporary tourism facilities such as shacks, toilets, change rooms, and drinking water facilities are now permitted on beaches, even within the No Development Zone of CRZ-III and in CRZ-I areas (subject to strict environmental conditions).
4. Blue Flag Certification
To assist Indian beaches in obtaining the international “Blue Flag” certification, the government permitted the construction of necessary infrastructure (cleanliness equipment, greywater treatment plants, solar power) in the NDZ.
Prohibited Activities in CRZ
Regardless of the zone, certain activities are strictly prohibited within the CRZ:
- Setting up new industries and expansion of existing industries (except those directly related to the waterfront, like ports).
- Manufacture, handling, or storage of hazardous substances (with specific exceptions for petroleum products in port areas).
- Dumping of city waste, untreated sewage, or industrial effluents.
- Land reclamation or bunding that disturbs the natural flow of seawater (unless for specific strategic or public utility projects).
Governance and Clearance Mechanism
The clearance process is decentralized under the 2019 notification to speed up project approvals.
- CRZ-I and CRZ-IV: Projects in these high-sensitivity or marine zones require clearance from the MoEFCC.
- CRZ-II and CRZ-III: The power to clear projects has been delegated to the State Coastal Zone Management Authority (SCZMA).
- Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP): Every coastal state is required to formulate a CZMP identifying HTL, LTL, and various CRZ zones. Approvals are granted strictly based on these approved maps.
Trivia and Facts for UPSC Prelims
- High Tide Line (HTL): Defined as the line on the land up to which the highest water line reaches during spring tides.
- Island Protection Zone (IPZ): Separate notifications (IPZ 2011) govern the unique ecosystems of Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep islands.
- Shailesh Nayak Committee: The 2019 CRZ notification was largely based on the recommendations of this committee, which looked into the concerns of states regarding the rigid 2011 norms.
- Mangroves Buffer: In CRZ-I, if the mangrove area is more than 1000 sq. metres, a buffer of 50 metres must be maintained.