S.O.20(E), Island Protection Zone Notification, 2011

What the notification governs

Notification S.O.20(E), issued by the Government of India, Ministry of Environment and Forests on 6 January 2011, provides a separate environmental management system for the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep. Its stated aims include protecting the islands and marine environment, supporting local communities including fisherfolk and tribal communities, and enabling sustainable development based on scientific principles and coastal hazard vulnerability.

The Island Protection Zone covers:

• Coastal stretches of Middle Andaman, North Andaman, South Andaman and Greater Nicobar.
• The entire area of the other Andaman and Nicobar islands and Lakshadweep.
• Their water areas up to the territorial water limit.

The notification restricts the establishment and expansion of industries, operations and processes, and the manufacture, handling, storage or disposal of specified hazardous substances, except as permitted through the applicable plans.

Planning systems for different islands

Notification S.O.20(E) establishes two planning systems:

• Middle Andaman, North Andaman, South Andaman and Greater Nicobar are regulated through Island Coastal Regulation Zone Plans.
• The other Andaman and Nicobar islands and Lakshadweep are regulated through separate Integrated Islands Management Plans for each island.

Integrated Islands Management Plans must identify existing and proposed development, conservation and preservation schemes, housing and infrastructure such as schools, markets, hospitals and public facilities. Activities must also comply with applicable forest, wildlife, environmental, planning and building requirements.

Draft plans must be publicised through at least two newspapers and the administration website. Hard copies must be available at specified government offices, and the public and stakeholders must be given thirty days to submit suggestions. The Ministry of Environment and Forests approves the plans after examination.

Coastal classification and regulated area

For the four larger islands, the Island Coastal Regulation Zone generally includes land up to 500 metres from the High Tide Line along the sea front, specified land beside tidal water bodies, the intertidal zone, and waters and seabed extending to the territorial water limit.

Coastal areas are classified as:

• ICRZ-I, ecologically sensitive areas and the intertidal zone.
• ICRZ-II, substantially built-up developed areas with infrastructure.
• ICRZ-III, relatively undisturbed or less developed areas.
• ICRZ-IV, relevant sea and tidal water areas.

Sensitive areas include mangroves, coral reefs, sand beaches, dunes, mudflats, salt marshes, turtle nesting grounds, sea grass beds, fishing villages and areas of traditional rights.

Relevance to Tamil Nadu property

Notification S.O.20(E) applies to the named island territories and their waters. It does not establish land or coastal controls for property in Tamil Nadu.