S.O. 5495(E), Amendment to Coastal Regulation Zone Notification, 2019
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change issued notification S.O. 5495(E) on 24 November 2022 to amend, rather than replace, the Coastal Regulation Zone Notification, 2019. It changes clearance responsibilities for coastal projects, permits seasonal temporary structures subject to monsoon restrictions, updates mapping and clearance procedures, and allows regulated manual removal of sand bars by traditional coastal communities.
What it changes
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change issued notification S.O. 5495(E) on 24 November 2022 to amend the Coastal Regulation Zone Notification, 2019. The amendment changes how certain activities and projects in CRZ-I, CRZ-II, CRZ-III and CRZ-IV areas are mapped, considered and cleared.
Who it affects
Notification S.O. 5495(E) affects owners, buyers and project proponents dealing with land or development in a Coastal Regulation Zone. It is also relevant to Coastal Zone Management Authorities, State Environment Impact Assessment Authorities, traditional coastal communities and operators of temporary seasonal structures.
A person considering coastal property should check the applicable Coastal Regulation Zone classification and map because the responsible clearance authority varies by the location and type of project.
Key provisions
Notification S.O. 5495(E) makes the following changes:
- Purely temporary and seasonal structures, such as shacks, may customarily be put up during non-monsoon months. Facilities in those structures must remain non-operational during monsoon months.
- Development activities or projects in CRZ-I and CRZ-IV are generally handled by the Central Government for Coastal Regulation Zone clearance, based on the recommendation of the concerned Coastal Zone Management Authority.
- Stand-alone jetties, salt works, slipways, temporary structures and erosion control measures are handled by the concerned Coastal Zone Management Authority. Listed erosion measures include bunds, seawalls, groynes, breakwaters, submerged reefs and sand nourishment.
- Coastal Regulation Zone maps must be prepared at a 1:4000 scale by agencies identified by the Central Government, using the demarcation of HTL, LTL and ecologically sensitive areas specified by the National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management.
- Projects also covered by the Environment Impact Assessment Notification, 2006 may receive composite clearance through the Central Government or State Environment Impact Assessment Authority, according to their category.
- Applicable projects in CRZ-II or CRZ-III, and listed projects handled by the Coastal Zone Management Authority, must be considered within sixty days after a complete proposal is received.
- Traditional coastal communities may remove sand bars within the intertidal area only through non-mechanised manual methods. State Governments and Union Territory administrations may regulate the area, period, quantity and registration of permitted persons, with annual renewal.
Practical relevance
Notification S.O. 5495(E) does not remove Coastal Regulation Zone controls. Coastal buyers and owners may still need clearance, and the correct authority depends on the project, its Coastal Regulation Zone category and whether environmental impact assessment requirements also apply.
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
Can I operate a temporary beach shack throughout the year?
No. Purely temporary and seasonal structures may be put up during non-monsoon months, but their facilities must remain non-operational during monsoon months.
Who handles clearance for a stand-alone jetty in CRZ-I or CRZ-IV?
The concerned Coastal Zone Management Authority handles stand-alone jetties, along with salt works, slipways, temporary structures and listed erosion control measures.
Does the amendment allow mechanical removal of sand bars?
No. Traditional coastal communities may remove sand bars within the intertidal area only through non-mechanised manual methods and subject to permission and registration conditions set by the State Government or Union Territory administration.
What map scale is required for Coastal Regulation Zone proposals?
The Coastal Regulation Zone map must be prepared at a 1:4000 scale by agencies identified by the Central Government, using the specified demarcation of HTL, LTL and ecologically sensitive areas.
