S.O. 4790(E), Draft Amendment to the Island Protection Zone Notification, 2011
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change issued draft notification S.O. 4790(E) on 18 November 2021, proposing to amend the Island Protection Zone Notification, 2011. The proposal would allow the setting up of gas based power plants in ICRZ-III (b), following a recommendation concerning ICRZ-III areas between 200-500 metres, and was published for public objections and suggestions before final consideration.
What the draft notification does
Draft notification S.O. 4790(E), issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change on 18 November 2021, proposes a further amendment to the Island Protection Zone Notification, 2011. That 2011 notification declared certain coastal stretches as Coastal Regulation Zone and restricted the establishment and expansion of industries, operations and processes in those areas.
The proposed amendment would insert a new permitted activity under ICRZ-III (b):
- Setting up a gas based power plant.
The document remains a draft published for public consultation. It states that the proposal would be considered on or after sixty days from the date on which Gazette copies containing the notification were made available to the public.
Why the change was proposed
The Central Government received a proposal from the Andaman and Nicobar Coastal Zone Management Authority to include gas based power plants within ICRZ areas governed by the Island Protection Zone Notification, 2011.
The National Coastal Zone Management Authority considered the issue at its 43rd meeting on 16 August 2021. Its stated reasons included:
- Meeting the energy requirements of island residents.
- Reducing dependence on conventional diesel generator sets, described in the notification as highly polluting sources.
- Providing an enabling provision in the Island Protection Zone and ICRZ notifications.
- Considering gas based power plants within ICRZ-III areas between 200-500 metres.
Who may be affected
Draft notification S.O. 4790(E) is relevant to authorities, project developers, landholders and residents concerned with gas based power projects in ICRZ-III (b) areas governed by the Island Protection Zone Notification, 2011. The text focuses on island coastal regulation areas and does not identify Tamil Nadu land as being changed by the proposal.
Objections and suggestions
Any interested person could submit written objections or suggestions within the specified sixty day period. Submissions could be sent to the Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Indira Paryavaran Bhawan, Jorbagh Road, Aliganj, New Delhi-110003, or emailed to [email protected] and [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. 4790(E) itself give final permission for a gas based power plant?
No. S.O. 4790(E) was published as a draft proposal for public objections and suggestions before consideration by the Central Government.
Which coastal category would the proposed amendment cover?
The proposed clause would be inserted under ICRZ-III (b). The National Coastal Zone Management Authority recommended considering gas based power plants within ICRZ-III areas between 200-500 metres.
Why was a gas based power plant provision proposed?
The stated purpose was to meet island residents' energy needs while reducing dependence on conventional diesel generator sets, which the notification describes as highly polluting.
Does the draft notification state that Tamil Nadu property rules are changed?
No. The text concerns the Island Protection Zone Notification, 2011 and ICRZ areas, and does not identify any change to Tamil Nadu land rules.
