India Eases CRZ Rules for Blue Flag Beach Certification

The Ministry of Environment and Forest, in a significant move, recently relaxed the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) rules. This regulation governs construction activities near beaches. The decision opens up new avenues for States to construct infrastructure and helps pave the way for beaches to earn ‘Blue Flag’ certification.

Relaxed CRZ Rules and Its Importance

In the past, India’s CRZ laws restricted the construction of infrastructure on beaches and islands, which were seen as vital for their preservation. With the recent relaxation, certain construction activities are now permitted in these zones, including islands, specifically for achieving Blue Flag certification. However, it is to be noted that these activities must maintain a minimum distance of 10 meters from the High Tide Line (HTL).

Understanding High Tide Line and Low Tide Line

HTL signifies the line on the land up to which the highest water line reaches during spring tide, whereas the Low Tide Line indicates the line on the land up to which the lowest water line reaches during the same period. Spring tides, occurring twice a month during full moon and new moon periods, happen when the sun, the moon, and the earth align in a straight line, thereby leading to higher tides.

Before we proceed towards the details of Blue Flag Certification, let’s consider some interesting facts:

The Significance of Blue Flag Certification

Originated in France in 1985 and introduced in Europe in 1987, the globally revered ‘Blue Flag’ is an international recognition conferred on beaches that meet specific environmental and cleanliness norms. The certification denotes a beach as an ‘eco-tourism model,’ assuring tourists and beachgoers of clean and hygienic bathing water, necessary amenities, a safe and healthy environment, and sustainable development of the area.

The Blue Flag Programme’s Mechanism

The Denmark-based Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), a non-profit organisation, accords the certification under four major heads and across 33 stringent criteria. The broad categories are Environmental Education and Information, Bathing Water Quality, Environment Management and Conservation, Safety, and Services. The programme found global appeal in 2001 when South Africa became the first nation outside Europe to embrace it.