Official guidance, Tamil Nadu land law
G.S.R. 37(E), Coastal Regulation Zone Notification, 2019
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change issued notification G.S.R. 37(E) on 18 January 2019, superseding the Coastal Regulation Zone Notification, 2011, except for earlier acts or omissions. The notification declares and classifies coastal land and water as Coastal Regulation Zone, sets development restrictions and No Development Zones, and identifies activities that are prohibited, regulated or permitted.
What the notification governs
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change notification G.S.R. 37(E), dated 18 January 2019, applies Coastal Regulation Zone controls to coastal stretches and waters up to the territorial water limit, excluding the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep and the marine areas surrounding those islands.
The regulated area includes:
- Land from the High Tide Line to 500 metres on the landward side along the sea front.
- Land along tidal influenced water bodies connected to the sea, subject to specified limits and tidal influence.
- The intertidal area between the Low Tide Line and High Tide Line.
- Sea and seabed from the Low Tide Line to 12 nautical miles, and tidal water bodies up to the extent of tidal influence.
The High Tide Line is demarcated by the National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management.
Coastal classifications
The Coastal Regulation Zone Notification, 2019 divides regulated areas into four main categories:
- CRZ-I covers environmentally critical areas. CRZ-I A includes mangroves, coral reefs, sand dunes, mudflats, protected areas, salt marshes, turtle nesting grounds, sea grass beds and heritage sites. CRZ-I B is the intertidal zone.
- CRZ-II covers substantially built-up urban land within municipal limits or other legally designated urban areas that also have specified infrastructure.
- CRZ-III covers relatively undisturbed areas, including rural areas. CRZ-III A applies where population density exceeds 2,161 per square kilometre, while CRZ-III B applies where density is lower.
- CRZ-IV covers coastal and tidal water areas and their beds.
Development limits affecting land
The Coastal Regulation Zone Notification, 2019 establishes the following key limits:
- CRZ-III A has a 50 metre No Development Zone after approval of the required Coastal Zone Management Plan. Until approval, 200 metres continues to apply.
- CRZ-III B has a 200 metre No Development Zone from the High Tide Line.
- Along tidal influenced water bodies in CRZ-III, the No Development Zone is up to 50 metres or the creek width, whichever is less.
- No Development Zones do not apply within notified port limits.
Restricted activities
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change notification generally prohibits new industries, expansion of existing industries, new fish processing units, unauthorised reclamation, untreated waste discharge, waste dumping, sand and rock mining, alteration of active sand dunes, disposal of plastic into coastal waters and groundwater drawal. CRZ-I A generally permits no activity, subject to listed exceptions including approved eco-tourism and certain public utilities.
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
How can I know whether coastal land in Tamil Nadu falls within a No Development Zone?
The applicable distance depends on the Coastal Regulation Zone classification and the approved Coastal Zone Management Plan. CRZ-III A, CRZ-III B and land along tidal influenced water bodies have different No Development Zone limits.
Does the 50 metre No Development Zone automatically apply in every CRZ-III A area?
No. The 50 metre limit applies after approval of the Coastal Zone Management Plan prepared under the notification. Until approval, the 200 metre No Development Zone continues to apply.
Are mangroves treated as environmentally sensitive coastal areas?
Yes. Mangroves are classified as CRZ-I A. Where the mangrove area exceeds 1,000 square metres, a 50 metre buffer along the mangroves also forms part of CRZ-I A.
Does the notification give special protection to any coastal area in Tamil Nadu?
Yes. The Gulf of Mannar in Tamil Nadu is identified as a Critically Vulnerable Coastal Area to be managed with the involvement of coastal communities, including fisher folk who depend on coastal resources.
