S.O. 114(E), Coastal Regulation Zone Notification, 1991
The Ministry of Environment and Forests (Department of Environment, Forests and Wildlife), Government of India, issued S.O. 114(E) on 19 February 1991 to declare specified coastal stretches as the Coastal Regulation Zone and restrict industries, operations, development and construction within them. The notification covers land up to 500 metres from the high tide line, land between the low tide line and high tide line, and specified tidal stretches of rivers, creeks and backwaters.
What the notification governs
S.O. 114(E), issued on 19 February 1991 by the Ministry of Environment and Forests (Department of Environment, Forests and Wildlife), Government of India, regulates coastal land affected by tidal action. The Coastal Regulation Zone includes land up to 500 metres from the high tide line and land between the low tide line and high tide line. For rivers, creeks and backwaters, the regulated distance may be adjusted through a Coastal Zone Management Plan, but cannot be less than 100 metres or the width of the water body, whichever is less.
Who may be affected
The Coastal Regulation Zone Notification may affect coastal property owners, buyers, developers, industries, tourism projects, fishing settlements and public authorities. Whether construction is allowed depends on the land's Coastal Regulation Zone category, its distance from the high tide line, existing development and the approved Coastal Zone Management Plan.
Main restrictions
The notification prohibits or restricts activities including:
- Establishment of new industries and expansion of existing industries, except industries directly related to the waterfront or requiring waterfront facilities.
- Handling, storage or disposal of specified hazardous substances.
- New or expanded fish processing units, subject to stated exceptions.
- Discharge of untreated waste and effluent from industries and settlements.
- Dumping municipal waste, ash or industrial solid waste.
- Land reclamation, bunding or disturbance of the natural flow of seawater, except for specified protective and operational works.
- Mining of sand, rocks and substrata, except rare minerals unavailable outside Coastal Regulation Zone areas.
- Construction between the low tide line and high tide line, except specified essential facilities and permitted activities.
- Alteration of sand dunes, hills and natural features, except where permitted.
Coastal categories and construction
The notification classifies coastal stretches into Coastal Regulation Zone I, II, III and IV. Coastal Regulation Zone I covers ecologically sensitive areas and the intertidal area. Coastal Regulation Zone II covers substantially developed urban areas with infrastructure. Coastal Regulation Zone III covers relatively undisturbed areas outside Categories I and II. Coastal Regulation Zone IV covers the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep and other small islands not included in the first three categories.
Coastal Regulation Zone III generally treats the first 200 metres from the high tide line as a no-development zone, while allowing specified traditional uses, repairs and limited activities. Construction between 200 and 500 metres is subject to conditions.
Planning and enforcement
Coastal states and Union Territory administrations were required to prepare Coastal Zone Management Plans within one year and obtain approval from the Ministry of Environment and Forests. State governments, Union Territory administrations, local authorities and designated bodies are responsible for regulation, monitoring and enforcement.
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Common questions
Does the notification apply to land within 500 metres of the sea?
Yes. It declares coastal stretches up to 500 metres landward from the high tide line as part of the Coastal Regulation Zone, along with land between the low tide line and high tide line.
Can I construct a new house within 200 metres of the high tide line in a Coastal Regulation Zone III area?
The area up to 200 metres from the high tide line in Coastal Regulation Zone III is generally a no-development zone. The notification allows only specified activities, including certain repairs and traditional uses.
Are existing authorised buildings allowed to be rebuilt in a developed coastal area?
In Coastal Regulation Zone II, reconstruction of authorised buildings is allowed if existing floor space standards are followed and the existing use is not changed.
Who decides the Coastal Regulation Zone category of a property?
Coastal states and Union Territory administrations must identify and classify Coastal Regulation Zone areas through Coastal Zone Management Plans prepared under the notification and approved by the Ministry of Environment and Forests.
