Coastal Regulation Zone Notification, 2019
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change issued Notification G.S.R. 37(E), dated 18 January 2019, to declare and regulate Coastal Regulation Zone areas along India’s coastal stretches and territorial waters, excluding the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep and their surrounding marine areas. The notification supersedes the Coastal Regulation Zone Notification, 2011, while preserving actions already taken or omitted under the earlier notification.
What the notification governs
Notification G.S.R. 37(E), dated 18 January 2019, issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, regulates land and water within designated Coastal Regulation Zone areas. Its purposes include protecting coastal and marine environments, supporting sustainable development, addressing natural hazards and sea level rise, and protecting the livelihoods of fishing and other local communities.
The regulated area includes land up to 500 metres from the High Tide Line towards the landward side, intertidal land between the High Tide Line and Low Tide Line, specified tidal water bodies connected to the sea, and marine waters up to 12 nautical miles from the Low Tide Line.
Coastal classifications
Notification G.S.R. 37(E) divides regulated coastal areas into the following categories:
- CRZ-I includes ecologically sensitive areas and important coastal landforms. These include mangroves, coral reefs, sand dunes, mudflats, salt marshes, turtle nesting grounds, seagrass beds, bird breeding areas, protected areas, archaeological structures and heritage sites.
- Mangrove areas exceeding 1,000 square metres must have a 50 metre buffer along the mangrove edge.
- CRZ-II covers substantially built-up coastal land within existing municipal limits or other legally designated urban areas where infrastructure is available.
- CRZ-III covers relatively undisturbed areas, including rural areas, that do not fall within CRZ-II.
- CRZ-IV covers coastal water areas, seabeds and tidal water bodies.
No Development Zones
Notification G.S.R. 37(E) divides CRZ-III areas according to 2011 Census population density:
- CRZ-III A covers areas with more than 2,161 people per square kilometre. The No Development Zone is 50 metres from the High Tide Line after approval of a Coastal Zone Management Plan prepared through consultation. Until then, the 200 metre limit applies.
- CRZ-III B covers areas with fewer than 2,161 people per square kilometre. Its No Development Zone extends 200 metres from the High Tide Line.
- Along tidal water bodies in CRZ-III, the No Development Zone is 50 metres from the High Tide Line or the creek width, whichever is less. It does not apply within notified port limits.
Relevance in Tamil Nadu
Notification G.S.R. 37(E) identifies the Gulf of Mannar in Tamil Nadu as a critically vulnerable coastal area. Management must involve coastal communities, including fishers who depend on coastal resources for sustainable livelihoods.
The notification generally prohibits new industries, expansion of existing industries, new fish processing units, untreated waste discharge, dumping for land filling, mining of sand and rocks, and obstruction of the natural flow of seawater, subject to the listed exceptions and permissions.
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
How can I tell whether a coastal property in Tamil Nadu is within a No Development Zone?
The applicable distance depends on the property’s Coastal Regulation Zone category, population density and approved Coastal Zone Management Plan. CRZ-III A and CRZ-III B have different No Development Zone limits.
Is the Gulf of Mannar subject to special coastal regulation?
Yes. The Gulf of Mannar is identified as a critically vulnerable coastal area, and its management must involve coastal communities, including fishers who depend on coastal resources.
Does Coastal Regulation Zone regulation apply beside rivers and creeks connected to the sea?
Yes. It applies to tidal water bodies connected to the sea, including bays, estuaries, rivers, creeks, backwaters, lagoons and ponds, based on tidal influence and the applicable Coastal Zone Management Plan.
Can a new industry or fish processing unit be built within a Coastal Regulation Zone?
New industries and new fish processing units are generally prohibited throughout Coastal Regulation Zone areas. Specified exceptions and regulated activities depend on the relevant coastal category and required permission.
