Coastal Regulation Zone Framework

India’s Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) framework controls activities along coasts to protect sensitive ecosystems and coastal livelihoods while permitting regulated development. It uses the High Tide Line (HTL), ecological sensitivity and existing development patterns to classify coastal areas and prescribe different restrictions.

Legal and spatial basis

The Central Government issues CRZ notifications under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. The CRZ Notification, 2019 generally covers land up to 500 metres from the HTL along the sea front, the intertidal area between the HTL and Low Tide Line, and specified tidal-influenced water bodies.

• Coastal Zone Management Plans prepared by states and Union Territories map CRZ boundaries and provide the spatial basis for regulating projects.

Classification of coastal areas

• CRZ-I covers ecologically sensitive and geomorphologically important areas, along with the intertidal zone; activities are therefore highly restricted.
• CRZ-II covers substantially developed urban coastal areas, where construction is regulated with reference to existing roads, authorised structures and planning norms.
• CRZ-III covers relatively undisturbed rural areas. CRZ-IIIA areas, with population density above 2,161 persons per square kilometre under the 2011 Census, have a 50-metre No Development Zone, while CRZ-IIIB areas generally have a 200-metre zone.
• CRZ-IV covers coastal waters from the Low Tide Line to 12 nautical miles seaward and waters of tidal-influenced bodies.

Development controls and implementation

The framework combines No Development Zones, activity-specific prohibitions and prior CRZ clearance. Industries, hazardous-substance handling, untreated waste discharge, land reclamation, mining and permanent construction are restricted or prohibited, subject to specified exceptions for activities requiring a waterfront location, strategic projects, public utilities and livelihood needs.

• National and state or Union Territory Coastal Zone Management Authorities appraise proposals, monitor compliance and enforce approved plans.
• Conservation of mangroves, coral reefs, sand dunes and other natural buffers also reduces exposure to erosion, storm surges and sea-level rise.