Office Memorandum, Procedure for Clearance of Permissible Activities under the CRZ Notification, 2011 and IPZ Notification, 2011
The Ministry at Indira Paryavaran Bhawan, Jor Bagh Road, New Delhi issued this Office Memorandum dated 26 April 2022 to prescribe the application, appraisal and approval procedure for permissible activities under the Coastal Regulation Zone Notification, 2011 and Island Protection Zone Notification, 2011. It requires applications through the PARIVESH portal and supersedes the Ministry's Office Memorandum dated 19 January 2015 and other office memorandums concerning these clearance procedures.
What the memorandum governs
The Office Memorandum dated 26 April 2022 establishes the procedure for obtaining prior Coastal Regulation Zone or Island Protection Zone clearance, including projects that also require Environmental Clearance. It identifies the documents to be filed, the role of the concerned State or Union territory Coastal Zone Management Authority, and the authority responsible for approval in different project categories.
The procedure replaces the Ministry's Office Memorandum dated 19 January 2015 and other office memorandums dealing with appraisal and approval under the Coastal Regulation Zone Notification, 2011 and Island Protection Zone Notification, 2011.
Application requirements
Project proponents must apply through the PARIVESH portal to the concerned State or Union territory Coastal Zone Management Authority. The application documents include:
- Form 1 from Annexure IV of the notification.
- A rapid environmental impact assessment covering marine and terrestrial components, except for the specified construction projects.
- A comprehensive environmental impact assessment with cumulative studies for projects in stretches classified as low or medium eroding zones.
- Disaster management, risk assessment and management reports.
- A Coastal Regulation Zone map showing the high tide line and low tide line, prepared by an authorised agency at a scale of 1:4000.
- The project layout superimposed on that map.
- A Coastal Regulation Zone map normally covering a seven kilometre radius around the site.
- Identification of Coastal Regulation Zone I, II, III and IV areas and other notified ecologically sensitive areas.
- A no objection certificate from the relevant pollution control body where the project involves effluent, solid waste, sewage or similar discharge.
Review and approval routes
The concerned State or Union territory Coastal Zone Management Authority must examine the documents against the approved coastal or island management plan. Its recommendation must clearly identify whether the activity is permissible and the provision allowing it.
Key approval routes include:
- Construction projects with built up area below 20,000 square metres in Coastal Regulation Zone II or III receive standalone clearance through the Coastal Zone Management Authority, followed by approval from the concerned State or Union territory planning authority.
- Category A projects in a Coastal Regulation Zone area require combined Environmental Clearance and Coastal Regulation Zone clearance from the Ministry.
- Category B projects require combined clearance through the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority after recommendation by the Coastal Zone Management Authority and the State Expert Appraisal Committee.
- Public utilities and amenities required for traditional or local inhabitants may receive standalone clearance from the Coastal Zone Management Authority.
- Development of beach resorts or hotels follows different routes depending on location and built up area.
Special provisions for Kerala, Goa, Greater Mumbai and Critical Vulnerable Coastal Areas continue as specified in the notification.
This summary is generated from the source document to help you find what is relevant. The PDF above is authoritative. For advice on your own property, use LandLens One or speak to a qualified professional.
Common questions
Where must I apply for Coastal Regulation Zone clearance?
A project proponent must apply through the PARIVESH portal to the concerned State or Union territory Coastal Zone Management Authority.
Do I need a Coastal Regulation Zone map with my application?
Yes. The application must include a map showing the high tide line and low tide line, prepared by an authorised agency at a scale of 1:4000, together with the project layout superimposed on it.
Who approves a construction project below 20,000 square metres in Coastal Regulation Zone II or III?
The procedure requires an application to the Coastal Zone Management Authority, its recommendation, and approval by the concerned State or Union territory planning authority.
Does the memorandum still follow the clearance procedure issued on 19 January 2015?
No. The Office Memorandum dated 26 April 2022 supersedes the Ministry's Office Memorandum dated 19 January 2015 and other office memorandums concerning these clearance procedures.
