S.O. 4789(E), Draft Amendment to the Island Coastal Regulation Zone Notification, 2019
The Government of India, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change published notification number S.O. 4789(E), dated 18 November 2021, as a draft further amendment to the Island Coastal Regulation Zone Notification, 2019. It proposes to allow the setting up of gas based power plants within ICRZ-III areas on islands with a geographical area of more than 100 square kilometres, subject to the draft consultation process.
What it proposes to change
Notification number S.O. 4789(E), dated 18 November 2021, proposes to amend the Island Coastal Regulation Zone Notification, 2019. The existing notification declared certain coastal stretches as Coastal Regulation Zone areas and restricted the establishment and expansion of industries, operations and processes in those areas.
The proposed amendment would insert a new provision in the part dealing with ICRZ-III. Its key provision is:
- Gas based power plants may be set up within ICRZ areas on islands having a geographical area of more than 100 square kilometres.
Who may be affected
The draft amendment published by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change is relevant to landowners, buyers, developers, power project operators and professionals dealing with ICRZ-III land on qualifying islands.
- The proposed provision is limited to islands larger than 100 square kilometres.
- The document does not identify particular islands or individual properties.
- The document concerns the Island Coastal Regulation Zone framework and does not state that the proposed provision applies to every coastal property.
- A buyer or owner would still need to establish whether the land falls within an ICRZ area and whether the island meets the stated area threshold.
Why the change was proposed
The draft amendment records that the Andaman and Nicobar Coastal Zone Management Authority proposed including gas based power plants within ICRZ areas. The National Coastal Zone Management Authority considered the issue at its meeting on 16 August 2021.
The stated purpose was to meet island residents' energy needs while reducing dependence on conventional diesel generator sets, which the document describes as highly polluting sources. The National Coastal Zone Management Authority recommended considering gas based power plants only on islands exceeding 100 square kilometres.
Draft status and public comments
Notification number S.O. 4789(E), dated 18 November 2021, was expressly published as a draft for people likely to be affected. It states that the Central Government would consider the draft after sixty days from the date Gazette copies were made available to the public.
Written objections or suggestions could be sent within that period to the Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Indira Paryavaran Bhawan, Jorbagh Road, Aliganj, New Delhi-110003. They could also be emailed to [email protected] or [email protected].
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
Does S.O. 4789(E) finally approve gas based power plants in ICRZ areas?
No final approval is recorded in this document. Notification number S.O. 4789(E), dated 18 November 2021, was published as a draft amendment for public objections and suggestions.
Does the proposed amendment apply to every coastal property in Tamil Nadu?
The text concerns ICRZ-III areas on islands with a geographical area of more than 100 square kilometres. It does not identify any particular Tamil Nadu property or state that every coastal property is covered.
What type of project would the draft amendment permit?
The proposed provision concerns setting up gas based power plants within ICRZ areas on islands larger than 100 square kilometres.
How could the public submit comments on the draft?
Objections or suggestions could be submitted in writing to the Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change at the address stated in the notification, or emailed to [email protected] or [email protected], within the specified sixty day period.
