Restrictions have been imposed on certain activities on the coastal stretches of the country. The coast includes sea, estuaries, creeks, backwaters, lagoons, ponds and other tidal influenced water bodies influenced by tidal effects which have a salinity content of 5 parts per thousand (ppt) measured during the driest period of the year. The distance up to which tidal effects are experienced shall be clearly identified and demarcated accordingly in the Coastal Zone Management Plan.
On the seafront, the prohibited distance is 500 meters. The distance up to 200 meters from the high tide line is the No-Development Zone. As per 2019 notifications, the distance rule for other water bodies is 50 meters or the width of the river whichever is less. Initially, the distance rule for other tidal water bodies is 100 meters which were reduced to 50 meters in 2019. But the said benefit of reduction will be available only if the new CZMP is prepared and approved. The new CZMP under the new notification is under preparation.
The coastal regulation zones are classified into different categories. Ecologically sensitive areas are classified as CRZ-II wherein no construction is possible. Developed areas classified as CRZ-II where constructions are possible on the landward side of the existing road/authorised structures. The underdeveloped areas which are not included in CRZ-I and CRZ-II are classified as CRZ-III. In the said area’s no construction is possible in the NDZ, up to 200 meters. But certain constructions are possible if such areas are classified as CRZ-IIIB. All CRZ-III areas with a population density of less than 2161 per sq km, as per the 2011 census base, shall be designated as CRZ-III B.
Only the Central government can decide whether to demolish the structures or adopt remedial actions as prescribed in the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. A hurried preparation of the Coastal Zone Management Plan, the vision document spelling out the development paradigm in coastal stretches, will lead to improper implementation of the CRZ notifications and will be blamed for the present fiasco. Click here to read the entire article in the Hindu
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