S.O. 556(E), Coastal Regulation Zone Notification, 2011 Amendment, 2015
The Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change issued Notification S.O. 556(E), dated 17 February 2015, amending the Coastal Regulation Zone Notification, 2011. It creates a limited exception for State Governments to construct memorials, monuments and allied facilities in CRZ-IV (A) areas, subject to case specific review and environmental safeguards.
What the notification changes
Notification S.O. 556(E), dated 17 February 2015, was issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change after considering objections and suggestions on a draft published on 11 December 2014. It further amends the Coastal Regulation Zone Notification, 2011.
The amendment concerns memorials, monuments and allied facilities proposed by a State Government in CRZ-IV (A) areas. It modifies restrictions relating to reclamation and alteration of natural features, and adds a process for considering such projects in exceptional cases.
Activities covered
The amended provisions state that:
- Reclamation for commercial purposes, including shopping and housing complexes, hotels and entertainment activities, remains covered by the restriction. An exception is provided for memorials, monuments and allied facilities proposed by the concerned State Government in CRZ-IV (A) areas, in exceptional cases and on a case by case basis.
- Dressing or altering sand dunes, hills and natural features, including landscape changes for beautification or recreation, remains covered by the restriction. The concerned State Government may use rocks, hills or natural features in CRZ-IV (A) areas for developing memorials, monuments and allied facilities.
- Construction of memorials, monuments and allied facilities by a State Government in CRZ-IV (A) areas may be considered only in exceptional cases and with adequate environmental safeguards.
Review and environmental requirements
For a proposed memorial or monument project, the concerned State Government must:
- Explain why the project must be located in a CRZ-IV (A) area.
- Provide details of alternative sites considered.
- Submit a weightage matrix covering various parameters, including environmental parameters, to the State CZMA.
- Obtain examination and recommendation by the State CZMA before the proposal goes to the Central Government for Terms of Reference.
- After Terms of Reference are granted, prepare a draft Environmental Impact Assessment report and Environmental Management Plan.
- Prepare a draft Risk Assessment Report and Disaster Management Plan, including on-site and off-site emergency plans and an emergency evacuation plan.
- Submit these documents to the State Pollution Control Board for a public hearing.
Who may be affected
The amendment directly concerns State Governments proposing memorials or monuments in CRZ-IV (A) areas. It may also matter to coastal property owners, residents and other interested persons where such a project, its environmental assessment or its public hearing could affect the surrounding area.
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Common questions
Does the amendment allow ordinary commercial reclamation in CRZ-IV (A) areas?
No general permission is provided. The amendment creates an exception only for memorials, monuments and allied facilities proposed by the concerned State Government in exceptional cases.
Can a private landowner use this exception to build a memorial in a coastal area?
The text applies the exception to construction by the concerned State Government. It does not state that a private landowner may use the exception.
Must alternative sites be considered before locating the project in CRZ-IV (A)?
Yes. The concerned State Government must provide details of alternative sites considered and justify locating the project in the CRZ-IV (A) area.
Is a public hearing required for a proposed memorial or monument?
The text requires the draft environmental, risk and disaster management documents to be submitted to the State Pollution Control Board for conduct of a public hearing.
