Introduction – Meaning, Background and Need
Coastal areas are among the most ecologically sensitive regions in India, supporting marine biodiversity, fisheries, mangroves, coral reefs, and coastal communities. Rapid urbanisation, tourism, port development, and industrial activities along India’s vast coastline led to severe environmental degradation, erosion, and loss of livelihoods. To address these concerns, the Government of India introduced the concept of Coastal Regulation Zones to regulate human and developmental activities near coastal stretches.
The Coastal Regulation Zone framework aims to protect and conserve coastal ecosystems while allowing regulated and sustainable development. It seeks to balance environmental protection with economic activities, particularly in areas dependent on coastal resources.
Legal Basis and Evolution of CRZ Law in India
The legal foundation of CRZ regulation lies in the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, specifically Section 3, which empowers the Central Government to take measures to protect the environment. In exercise of this power, the government issued the first CRZ Notification in 1991. Over time, the regulatory framework evolved, leading to the CRZ Notification, 2011, and subsequently the CRZ Notification, 2019, which currently governs coastal regulation in India.
The CRZ Notifications are subordinate legislation and have binding legal force. Courts have consistently upheld their validity and enforceability, recognizing the fragile nature of coastal ecosystems.
Objectives and Principles of CRZ Regulation
The primary objective of CRZ regulation is to ensure the protection of coastal ecology, including mangroves, coral reefs, sand dunes, and nesting grounds of marine life. The framework also aims to safeguard the livelihood of traditional coastal communities such as fisherfolk while preventing unregulated construction and industrial pollution along the coast.
CRZ law is grounded in environmental principles such as sustainable development, precautionary principle, and inter-generational equity, which guide decision-making by authorities and courts.
Classification of Coastal Regulation Zones
The CRZ framework classifies coastal areas into different zones based on ecological sensitivity and existing development. CRZ-I includes ecologically sensitive areas such as mangroves, coral reefs, marine parks, and areas between the Low Tide Line and High Tide Line, where developmental activities are largely prohibited. CRZ-II covers already developed urban areas close to the shoreline, where regulated construction is permitted.
CRZ-III applies to relatively undisturbed rural and peri-urban areas, imposing restrictions on construction within a specified distance from the High Tide Line. CRZ-IV relates to coastal stretches in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep, and other island territories, as well as the water area from the Low Tide Line to territorial waters.
Regulated and Prohibited Activities
The CRZ framework strictly regulates activities such as construction, land reclamation, mining of sand, and industrial discharge. Certain activities, including setting up of new industries, disposal of hazardous waste, and alteration of natural coastal features, are prohibited in sensitive zones.
At the same time, the rules permit essential activities such as ports, harbours, defence installations, and public utilities, subject to environmental clearance and compliance with prescribed safeguards. This reflects the regulatory approach of controlled development rather than absolute prohibition.
CRZ Clearance and Regulatory Authorities
Projects falling within CRZ areas require prior clearance from designated authorities. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), along with State Coastal Zone Management Authorities (SCZMAs), plays a central role in granting approvals, monitoring compliance, and enforcing CRZ norms.
Coastal Zone Management Plans (CZMPs) prepared by States form the basis for regulation and decision-making, ensuring location-specific environmental protection.
Judicial Interpretation and Landmark Case Laws
Indian courts have played a vital role in enforcing CRZ norms and protecting coastal environments. In Indian Council for Enviro-Legal Action v. Union of India, the Supreme Court emphasized the importance of coastal protection and environmental accountability. In Goa Foundation v. Union of India, the Court intervened to regulate construction and mining activities in coastal areas to prevent ecological damage.
In S. Jagannath v. Union of India (1997), the Supreme Court prohibited intensive shrimp farming in coastal areas, holding that such activities violated CRZ norms and endangered coastal ecology. This case remains a landmark in CRZ jurisprudence.
CRZ and Constitutional Protection
CRZ regulation is closely linked with Article 21 of the Constitution, as degradation of coastal ecosystems directly affects the right to life and livelihood of coastal communities. The State’s obligation under Article 48A and the citizen’s duty under Article 51A(g) further reinforce the constitutional basis of CRZ laws.
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Recent Developments and Contemporary Issues
The CRZ Notification, 2019 introduced certain relaxations to promote tourism and infrastructure development, while retaining protections for ecologically sensitive areas. These changes sparked debates regarding environmental dilution versus economic growth. Courts and the National Green Tribunal continue to scrutinize CRZ clearances to ensure compliance with environmental safeguards.
Mind Map – Text-Based Overview
Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ)
│
├── Legal Basis – EPA, 1986
├── CRZ Notifications – 1991, 2011, 2019
├── Zone Classification – CRZ I to IV
├── Core Objective – Coastal Protection
├── Regulated Activities – Construction & Industry
├── Authorities – MoEFCC & SCZMAs
└── Judicial Oversight – Courts & NGT
Situation-Based Questions and Answers
If a private resort is constructed within a prohibited CRZ-I area without clearance, the construction would be illegal and liable to demolition. If coastal land is reclaimed for industrial purposes without approval, affected persons may challenge the project before the NGT. Traditional fishing activities, however, are protected and permitted under CRZ norms.
