Govt approves CRZ notification 2018, gives impetus to promotion of tourism

The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification, 2018, in which it has delegated powers to give clearances to projects falling in CRZ-II and III have been delegated at the state level with necessary guidance.

“The proposed CRZ Notification, 2018 will lead to enhanced activities in the coastal regions thereby promoting economic growth while also respecting the conservation principles of coastal regions. It will not only result in significant employment generation but also to better life and add value to the economy of India. The new notification is expected to rejuvenate the coastal areas while reducing their vulnerabilities,” an official statement said.

The CRZ notification was last reviewed and issued in 2011. The move comes in the backdrop of a series of representations received by the Environment Ministry from various coastal states/UTs and other stakeholders.

“Temporary tourism facilities such as shacks, toilet blocks, change rooms, drinking water facilities etc. have now been permitted on beaches. Such temporary tourism facilities are also now permissible in the ‘No Development Zone’ (NDZ) of the CRZ-III areas as per the Notification. However, a minimum distance of 10m from HTL should be maintained for setting up of such facilities,” the statement said.

The notification also has streamlined the process of CRZ clearances and only projects located in the CRZ-I (Ecologically Sensitive Areas) and CRZ IV (area covered between Low Tide Line and 12 nautical miles seaward) will now be dealt by the Union Environment Ministry for clearance. “The powers for clearances with respect to CRZ-II and III have been delegated at the state level with necessary guidance,” the statement said.

Under the new notification, an NDZ of 20 metres has been stipulated for all Islands. All ecologically sensitive areas have been accorded special importance and specific guidelines related to their conservation and management plans have been drawn up as a part of the notification.

According to the statement, as per CRZ, 2011 Notification, for CRZ-II (Urban) areas, Floor Space Index (FSI) or the Floor Area Ratio (FAR) had been frozen as per 1991 Development Control Regulation levels.

The new notification is expected to go a long way in meeting the aspirations of coastal communities besides ensuring welfare of poor and vulnerable populations, it said.