Coastal Regulation Zone Notification

What it governs

The Coastal Regulation Zone Notification, issued as S.O.19(E), dated 6 January 2011, covers coastal stretches of the country and water up to the territorial water limit. It excludes the islands of Andaman and Nicobar and Lakshadweep, together with the marine areas surrounding those islands.

The Coastal Regulation Zone includes:

• Land from the High Tide Line to 500 metres on the landward side of the sea front.
• Land along tidal influenced water bodies, from the High Tide Line to 100 metres or the width of the creek, whichever is less.
• Land between the hazard line and the specified coastal limits.
• The intertidal area between the High Tide Line and Low Tide Line.
• Sea water and bed areas from the Low Tide Line to the territorial water limit of 12 Nm, and corresponding areas in tidal influenced water bodies.

Tidal influence is determined using a salinity concentration of 5 parts per thousand during the driest period of the year and must be identified in Coastal Zone Management Plans.

Who it affects

Notification S.O.19(E) affects property owners, buyers, local communities, fishers, industries and project proponents whose land or proposed activity falls within a Coastal Regulation Zone. The notification aims to protect coastal and marine environments, support coastal livelihoods and promote development based on scientific principles and natural hazard risks.

Reconstruction and repair of homes belonging to local communities, including fishers, may be allowed in accordance with local town and country planning regulations.

Key restrictions

The Coastal Regulation Zone Notification prohibits or limits activities including:

• New industries and expansion of existing industries, subject to listed exceptions for waterfront dependent activities and specified projects.
• Untreated waste and effluent discharge.
• Dumping municipal waste, construction debris, industrial solid waste or fly ash for land filling.
• Commercial reclamation for shopping, housing, hotels or entertainment.
• Sand, rock and sub-strata mining, except for listed minerals and oil or natural gas activities.
• Altering sand dunes, hills, landscapes or other natural features for beautification or recreation.
• Groundwater withdrawal and related construction within 200 metres of the High Tide Line, subject to exceptions for local communities.

Clearance requirements

The Coastal Regulation Zone Notification requires project proponents seeking prior clearance to apply to the relevant State or Union territory Coastal Zone Management Authority. Required material includes Form-1, applicable environmental impact reports, disaster and risk management documents, a Coastal Regulation Zone map showing the High Tide Line and Low Tide Line at 1:4000 scale, and the project layout placed over that map.