Meaning

Coastal Regulation Zone refers to the regulated coastal stretches notified by the Central Government to protect coastal ecosystems while allowing development only under defined safeguards. The CRZ framework applies along India’s mainland coast and also covers coastal waters and tidal-influenced areas.

Legal Basis

• Notified under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 (Section 3).
• First CRZ notification issued in February 1991; later updated through 2011 and 2019 notifications.

Core Objectives

• Conserve fragile coastal and marine ecosystems (mangroves, coral reefs, dunes, etc.).
• Ensure livelihood security of coastal communities, especially fisherfolk.
• Allow sustainable development based on scientific, hazard-aware planning.
• Reduce risks from coastal hazards such as erosion, storms and sea-level rise.

Coastal Reference Lines

• HTL (High Tide Line): Highest reach of seawater during high tide.
• LTL (Low Tide Line): Lowest reach of seawater during low tide.
• Many CRZ restrictions and permissions are defined using HTL/LTL and the intertidal zone.

Classification of CRZ Areas

CRZ is divided into four broad categories, with sub-classifications introduced in later notifications.

CRZ–I

Areas with highest ecological sensitivity and the intertidal zone.

• CRZ–I(A): Ecologically sensitive areas such as mangroves, coral reefs, sand dunes, nesting grounds, national parks, wildlife habitats, archaeological/heritage sites, etc.
• CRZ–I(B): Intertidal zone between LTL and HTL.

CRZ–II

Developed/urbanised coastal stretches within municipal limits where substantial built-up infrastructure already exists.

CRZ–III

Rural and relatively undisturbed coastal stretches (outside municipal limits) with controls through the No Development Zone (NDZ) concept.

• CRZ–III(A): Densely populated rural areas (population density threshold used in 2019 norms).
• CRZ–III(B): Other rural areas with wider NDZ.

CRZ–IV

Water areas and tidal-influenced water bodies.

• CRZ–IV(A): Water area up to 12 nautical miles seaward from LTL (including seabed).
• CRZ–IV(B): Water areas between LTL on both sides of tidal-influenced water bodies.

Key CRZ Notifications

CRZ Notification 1991

• Introduced the CRZ framework and the broad CRZ-I to CRZ-IV structure.
• Strong emphasis on restricting development close to the shoreline.

CRZ Notification 2011

• Strengthened livelihood focus for coastal communities and coastal governance.
• Institutionalised coastal management authorities and planning instruments.

CRZ Notification 2019

• Retained CRZ-I to IV, but refined categories (I-A/I-B, III-A/III-B, IV-A/IV-B).
• Introduced changes aimed at easing certain activities while continuing ecological safeguards, including revisiting NDZ norms for specific rural/densely populated areas and encouraging planned tourism where permitted.

Permissible Activities

(Allowed subject to zone-wise rules, clearances, and safeguards)

In CRZ–I(A) (Ecologically sensitive)

• Very limited, typically eco-restoration, conservation-linked activities, and essential public utilities on strict conditions.

In CRZ–I(B) (Intertidal)

• Select foreshore facilities (ports/harbours/jetties), coastal protection measures, pipelines, monitoring infrastructure, and strategic projects—subject to approvals.

In CRZ–II

• Construction generally permitted on the landward side of existing authorised structures/roads, as per prevailing town-planning norms and CRZ conditions.

In CRZ–III

• Inside NDZ: no new construction except limited repairs/reconstruction of authorised structures as per conditions.
• Beyond NDZ: regulated development including tourism facilities, subject to compliance and environmental safeguards.

In CRZ–IV (Water areas)

• Traditional fishing and allied activities.
• Select offshore/foreshore infrastructure and regulated exploration/operations, subject to permissions.

Prohibited / Restricted Activities

• Discharge of untreated sewage/effluents into coastal waters.
• Dumping of municipal waste, industrial waste, construction debris, fly ash in CRZ areas.
• New/expanding industries generally restricted, except activities needing waterfront access with approvals.
• Land reclamation/bunding that alters natural flow, except where explicitly permitted with prior approval.
• Plastic disposal into coastal waters (requires strict management and compliance).

Clearance and Regulatory Mechanism

• Clearances vary by zone and project type.
• Typically:
  • CRZ–I and CRZ–IV projects require Central-level appraisal/approval (MoEFCC route).
  • CRZ–II and CRZ–III projects are largely handled through State Coastal Zone Management Authorities (SCZMA) as per notified procedures.
• Coastal projects are expected to align with the Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP) of the State/UT.

Significance

• Works as a legal buffer against unplanned coastal urbanisation and ecosystem loss.
• Protects natural shields like mangroves and dunes that reduce disaster impact.
• Preserves access and rights of traditional coastal communities.
• Supports climate resilience through regulation of hazard-prone zones.

Key Challenges

• Enforcement gaps and frequent violations on the ground.
• Conflicts between development interests (tourism, real estate, ports) and conservation.
• Repeated amendments can dilute consistency and predictability.
• Community concerns around displacement, access restrictions, and uneven benefits.
• Coastal erosion and climate risks increasing faster than regulatory adaptation in some regions.

Shailesh Nayak Committee (CRZ Review)

• Set up to review issues around CRZ (notably the 2011 framework) and suggest reforms.
  Major directions commonly associated with its recommendations:
• Recalibrating NDZ norms in specific rural/densely populated stretches.
• Enabling planned tourism and infrastructure with safeguards.
• Greater decentralisation and improved CZMP-based management.
• Clearer identification of ecologically sensitive areas and better coastal governance.

Conclusion

CRZ is India’s primary regulatory tool to manage coastal development without degrading ecosystems that are vital for biodiversity, livelihoods, and disaster protection. Its effectiveness depends on credible coastal mapping (HTL/LTL), strong enforcement, community-sensitive planning, and keeping development strictly aligned with ecological carrying capacity.