## Report on Amendments to the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification, 2019
**1. Executive Summary:**
This report analyzes amendments made on November 26, 2021, to the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification, 2019, based on the official gazette notification. The amendments address omissions and errors from the original 2019 notification, reinstating provisions previously available in the CRZ Notification, 2011. Key changes include clarifications regarding the High Tide Line (HTL) demarcation in Khazan Land, CRZ categorization within the Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve, and the allowance of dead shell collection by traditional communities. These amendments aim to rectify oversights and ensure the continuation of established practices within the CRZ framework, impacting coastal states, traditional communities, and development projects in specific coastal zones.
**2. Introduction:**
This report aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the amendments introduced to the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification, 2019, as published in the Gazette of India on November 26, 2021. The analysis is based solely on the information provided within the gazette notification text.
**3. Policy Overview:**
* **Original Policy:** Coastal Regulation Zone Notification, 2019 (G.S.R. 37E, dated 18th January, 2019).
* **Core Objectives:** As inferred from the text, the core objectives of the original CRZ Notification, 2019, and the amendments, include:
* Regulating activities and development in coastal areas to protect the coastal environment.
* Imposing restrictions on industries, operations, and processes within the CRZ.
* Ensuring sustainable management of coastal zones.
**4. Background and Rationale:**
The amendments to the CRZ Notification, 2019, were prompted by representations from State Governments and recommendations from the National Coastal Zone Management Authority (NCZMA). These representations highlighted the omission of specific provisions from the 2019 notification that were previously included in the CRZ Notification, 2011. The issues addressed include:
* **HTL Demarcation in Khazan Land:** The original 2019 notification failed to explicitly state that the HTL in Khazan Land should be restricted to the bund sluice gate.
* **CRZ Delineation in Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve:** Specific provisions related to the categorization of CRZ and delineation of HTL and CRZ boundaries in the Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve were not carried over from the 2011 notification.
* **Collection of Dead Shells:** The allowance for traditional communities to collect dead shells for poultry and animal feed supplements was inadvertently omitted.
The rationale for these amendments is to rectify these oversights, ensuring consistency with previous regulations and maintaining established practices within the CRZ framework.
**5. Key Provisions / Changes:**
The following changes are introduced by the amendment:
* **Amendment 1: HTL Definition (Paragraph 1, Clause i):**
* **Original Policy Part Changed:** The "Explanation" of HTL in the original notification.
* **New Rule/Provision:** The amendment clarifies that in areas with bunds or sluice gates constructed before February 19, 1991, the HTL will be restricted to the line along the bund or sluice gate. It further stipulates that any mangroves growing beyond the bund or sluice gate due to saline water intrusion will be classified as CRZIA and protected, prohibiting their diversion for developmental activities.
* **Effect of Change:** This change clarifies the HTL demarcation in specific areas (Khazan Lands) with existing infrastructure, offering greater certainty for planning and preventing unintended restrictions on traditional land use. It also reinforces the protection of mangrove ecosystems.
* **Amendment 2: Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve (Paragraph 2, Subpara 2.1.1, Clause a, Subclause v):**
* **Original Policy Part Changed:** Insertion in the provision regarding Biosphere Reserves.
* **New Rule/Provision:** An exception is made for the Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve, stipulating that the categorization of CRZ and delineation of HTL and CRZ boundaries will be done in consonance with the provisions of the Notification. It also notes that the CVCA (Critically Vulnerable Coastal Areas) delineated within the Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve shall be managed through an Integrated Management Plan prepared by the State Government and approved by the Central Government.
* **Effect of Change:** This amendment ensures that the unique environmental characteristics and management needs of the Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve are appropriately addressed within the CRZ framework, potentially allowing for tailored regulations within this ecologically sensitive area, managed through an integrated plan.
* **Amendment 3: Collection of Dead Shells (Paragraph 5, Subpara 5.1.2):**
* **Original Policy Part Changed:** Insertion after subclause xviii.
* **New Rule/Provision:** Collection of dead shells by traditional communities for poultry and animal feed supplements is now explicitly permitted and does not require prior CRZ clearance.
* **Effect of Change:** This amendment simplifies the process for traditional communities engaged in this activity, removing a potential regulatory burden and acknowledging the sustainable nature of traditional practices.
**6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:**
Based on the provided text, the following are directly affected by these amendments:
* **Coastal States and Union Territories:** Responsible for implementing the CRZ regulations.
* **Traditional Communities:** Particularly those involved in collecting dead shells or residing in Khazan Land areas.
* **Project Developers:** Planning projects within the CRZ, especially in Khazan lands or the Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve.
* **National Coastal Zone Management Authority (NCZMA)**
**7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):**
* **Responsible Agency/Bodies:**
* The amendments will be implemented by the coastal States and Union Territories, guided by the National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management (NCSCM) for HTL demarcation.
* The State Government is responsible for preparing the Integrated Management Plan for the Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve and for obtaining approval from the Central Government.
* **Timelines or Procedures:** The text does not specify any new timelines or procedures for implementation, suggesting that existing CRZ implementation mechanisms will be used.
**8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:**
The intended outcomes of these amendments are:
* **Increased Clarity and Consistency:** The amendments aim to reduce ambiguity and ensure consistent application of CRZ regulations, especially in relation to HTL demarcation in Khazan lands and CRZ delineation in the Sundarbans.
* **Reduced Regulatory Burden:** Allowing traditional communities to collect dead shells without prior clearance simplifies the regulatory process and supports traditional livelihoods.
* **Improved Environmental Management:** Reinforcing mangrove protection in Khazan lands and promoting integrated management in the Sundarbans contribute to improved coastal ecosystem management.
* **Facilitation of Sustainable Development:** By addressing specific omissions and inconsistencies, the amendments aim to facilitate sustainable development in coastal areas while ensuring environmental protection.
**9. Conclusion:**
The amendments to the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification, 2019, represent a course correction, reinstating previously existing provisions to address identified oversights and inconsistencies. By clarifying regulations related to HTL demarcation, CRZ delineation in the Sundarbans, and the collection of dead shells, these changes aim to improve the clarity, consistency, and effectiveness of CRZ implementation. The result should be a more balanced approach to coastal regulation, supporting both environmental protection and the sustainable development of coastal communities.
Key Entities Referenced
Coastal Regulation Zone Notification, 2019: A notification by the Government of India in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change declaring certain coastal stretches as Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) and imposing restrictions on industries, operations, and processes in the zone.
Coastal Regulation Zone Notification, 2011: Previous version of the Coastal Regulation Zone Notification that contained provisions regarding High Tide Line (HTL) demarcation in Khazan Land, collection of dead shells, and HTL/CRZ delineation in the Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve, which were not fully carried over to the 2019 notification.
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change: The Indian government ministry responsible for environmental regulation and policy.
Central Government: The Union Government of India.
State Governments: Refers to the governments of the various states within India.
Khazan Land: Refers to land where High Tide Line (HTL) demarcation is restricted to the bund sluice gate.
High Tide Line: The line on the land up to which the highest water line reaches during the spring tide, demarcated by the National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management.
Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve: A Biosphere Reserve where specific provisions for categorization of CRZ and delineation of HTL and CRZ boundaries apply.
National Coastal Zone Management Authority: An authority that recommended the inclusion of certain provisions from the CRZ Notification, 2011 into the CRZ Notification, 2019.
Environment Protection Rules, 1986: Rules under which a notice requirement was dispensed with due to the nature of the amendment being proposed.
Environment Protection Act, 1986: The act under which the powers are conferred to make amendments to the Coastal Regulation Zone Notification.
National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management: An organization responsible for demarcating the High Tide Line.
Dr. Sujit Kumar Bajpayee: Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
New Delhi: The location of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, and the place of notification. Union Territory of Delhi
रजिस्ट्री स.ं डी.एल.- 33004/99 REGD. No. D. L.-33004/99
सी.जी.-डी.एल.-अ.-26112021-231407
xxxGIDHxxx
CG-DL-E-26112021-231407
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असाधारण
EXTRAORDINARY
भाग II—खण् ड 3—उप-खण्ड (ii)
PART II—Section 3—Sub-section (ii)
प्राजधकार स ेप्रकाजित
PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY
स.ं 4517] नई दिल्ली िुक्रवार, नवम्बर 26, 2021/अग्रहार्ण 5, 1943
No. 4517] NEW DELHI, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2021/AGRAHAYANA 5, 1943
पर्ाावरण वन और िलवार् ु पररवतना मत्रं ालर्
अजधसचू ना
नई दिल् ली, 26 नवम् बर, 2021
का.आ. 4886(अ).—केन्द रीर् सरकार न े भारत सरकार के पर्ाावरण वन और िलवार्ु पररवतान मंत्रालर् क
अजधसूचना सं. सा.का.जन. 37(अ), तारीख 18 िनवरी, 2019 (जिस े इसमें इसके पश्च ातत तयीर् जवजनर्मन ि न
अजधसूचना, 2019 कहा गर्ा ह)ै द्वारा तयीर् क्षेत्रों क कजतपर् तयीर् जवजनर्मन क्षेत्र (जिसे इसमें इसके पश् चातत सीआरिेड
कहा गर्ा ह)ै के रूप में घ जित दकर्ा था और उक्त ि न में उ् गों क स्ट् थापना और जवस्ट् तार, प्रचालन तथा प्रसंस्ट् करण पर
जनबंधन अजधर जपत दकए थ;े
और केन्द रीर् सरकार क राज्र् सरकारों स े सीआरिेड अजधसूचना म ें उन उपबंधों क समावेजित करने के जलए
अभ् र्ावेिन प्राप् त हुए ह,ैं ि सीआरिडे अजधसूचना, 2011 म ें पहले ही उपलब् ध ह,ैं लेदकन बांध/िलमागा क खिानी भूजम
में उच् च ज्व ार रेखा (एचयीएल) के सीमांकन क जनबंजधत करने, सीआरिेड क्षेत्रों म ें परंपरागत समुिार्ों द्वारा मृत सीप के
एकत्रण और सुन्द िरवन िैवमडं ल ररिवा म ें एचयीएल और सीआरिडे प्रवगों के रेखांकनों के संबंध म ें सीआरिडे अजधसूचना,
2019 म ेंछूय गए ह;ैं
और सुन्द िरवन िैवमंडल ररिवा म ें बांध/िलमागा म ें खिानी भूजम पर उच् च ज्व ार रेखा के सीमांकन तथा एचयीएल
और सीआरिेड प्रवगों के रेखाकंन से संबंजधत उपबंध अजधसूचना स.ं का.आ. 1422(अ), तारीख 1 मई, 2020 के संि धन
द्वारा सीआरिडे अजधसूचना, 2011 म ें सजम् मजलत दकए गए थ,े तथाजप, र्े उपबंध सीआरिेड अजधसूचना, 2019 म ें
सजम् मजलत नहीं दकए िा सके थ,े चूंदक र्े तारीख 18 िनवरी, 2019 क अथाातत उपर क्त तारीख 1 मई, 2020 के पहल े
अजधसूजचत दकए गए थ;े
6878 GI/2021 (1)2 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA : EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—SEC. 3(ii)]
और सीआरिेड क्षेत्रों म ें परंपरागत समुिार्ों द्वारा मृत सीप के एकत्रण स े संबंजधत उपबंध अजधसूचना स.ं का.आ.
19(अ), तारीख 6 िनवरी, 2019 के माध् र्म स े सीआरिडे अजधसूचना, 2011 म ें सजम् मजलत दकए गए थ,े तथाजप, र्े
सा.का.जन. स.ं 1227(अ), तारीख 6 अक् तूबर, 2017 द्वारा पश् चातवती संि धन म ें गलती स े छूय गए थ े और इस प्रकार
इन्द ह ें सीआरिडे अजधसूचना, 2019 म ें सजम् मजलत नहीं दकर्ा िा सका था ;
और राष्टर ीर् तयीर् ि न प्रबंधन प्राजधकरण(एनसीिेडएमए) न े तारीख 23 माच,ा 2021 क आर् जित अपनी
42वीं बैठक म ें र्ह जसफाररि क ह ै दक उपर क्त उपबंध ि सीआरिेड अजधसूचना, 2011 म ें पहल े स े ही उपलब्ध थ े और
ि सीआरिेड अजधसूचना, 2019 म ें अनवधानता और गलती स े छूय गए ह,ैं सीआरिेड अजधसूचना, 2019 म ें सजम् मजलत
दकए िाएंगे;
और तथ्र् ों के मद्देनिर वे उपबंध ि सीआरिेड अजधसूचना, 2011 द्वारा पहल े स े ही लागू हों, सीआरिेड
अजधसूचना, 2019 म ें सजम् मजलत दकए िान े के जलए प्रस्ट् ताजवत दकए िात े ह ैं और अजधसूचना के प्रस्ट् ताजवत संि धन द्वारा
क ई नए जनबंधन र्ा प्रजतिधे अजधर जपत नहीं दकए िा रह े ह,ैं इसजलए पर्ाावरण(संरक्षण) जनर्म, 1986 के जनर्म 5 के
उपजनर्म (3) के खंड (क) के अधीन सूचना क अपेक्षा स ेल कजहत में अजभमुजक्त िी िाती ह;ै
अत:, अब, केन्द रीर् सरकार पर्ाावरण (सरं क्षण) जनर्म, 1986 के जनर्म 5 के उपजनर्म (4) के साथ परठत
पर्ाावरण (संरक्षण) अजधजनर्म, 1986 (1986 का 29) क धारा 3 क उपधारा (1) और उपधारा (2) के खंड (v) द्वारा
प्रित् त िजक्त र्ों का प्रर् ग करत े हुए तयीर् जवजनर्मन ि न अजधसूचना, 2019 का जनम्न जलजखत संि धन करती ह,ै अथाातत:-
1. उक्त अजधसूचना म,ें--
(i) पैरा 1 के खंड (i) म,ें स्ट् पष्टय ीकरण के स्ट्थ ान पर जनम्न जलजखत स्ट् पष्टय ीकरण रखा िाएगा, अथाातत:-
“स्ट्प ष्टय ीकरण.—इस अजधसूचना के प्रर् िनों के जलए, --
(क) एचयीएल स े भूजम पर ऐसी रेखा अजभप्रेत ह ै िहां तक उत् पन्द न ह न े वाले ज्व ार के िौरान उच् चतम िलरेखा पहुचं ती ह,ै
िैसा दक जनधााररत प्रदक्रर्ाओं के अनुसार राष्टर ीर् सतत तयीर् प्रबंधन केन्द र (एनसीएससीएम) द्वारा सीमांदकत और जवजभन्द न
तयीर् राज्र् ों और संघ राज्र् क्षेत्रों क उपलब्ध करार्ा गर्ा ह;ै
(ख) उस ििा म,ें िहां का.आ. 114(अ), तारीख 19 फरवरी, 1991 द्वारा िारी अजधसूचना क तारीख स े पूवा संजनर्मात
बांध र्ा िलमागा जव्मान ह,ै एचयीएल, बांध र्ा िलमागा के समानांतर लंबी रेखा तक जनबजं धत ह गी, तथाजप ऐसी ििा
में बांध र्ा िलमागा स े परे खारे पानी के प्रवेि के कारण उद्भतू कच्छ वनस्ट् पजत के अधीन क्षत्रे , बांध र्ा िलमाग ा के परे क्षत्रे
के जवस्ट् तार पर ध् र्ान दिए जबना सीआरिडे -आईए के रूप म ें वगीकृत दकर्ा िाएगा और कच् छ वनस्ट् पजत के अधीन ऐसा क्षत्रे
संरजक्षत ह गा और दकन्द हीं जवकासात् मक दक्रर्ाकलापों के जलए जवपजथत नहीं दकर्ा िाएगा ।”
2. पैरा 2 के उपपरै ा 2.1.1 के खंड (क) के उपखंड (v) के स्ट् थान पर जनम्न जलजखत रखा िाएगा, अथाातत:-
“(v) सुन्द िरवन िैव मडं ल ररिवा क ििा के जसवार् िहां इस अजधसूचना के उपबंधों के अनरूु प सीआरिेड वगीकरण और
एचयीएल रेखांकन और सीआरिेड सीमांकन दकर्ा िाएगा, िैव मंडल ररिवों सजहत वन्दर् िीव (संरक्षण) अजधजनर्म,
1972 (1972 का 53), वन (संरक्षण) अजधजनर्म, 1980 (1980 का 69) र्ा पर्ाावरण (संरक्षण) अजधजनर्म, 1972
(1972 का 53) के उपबंधों के अधीन राष्टर ीर् उ्ान, समुरी पाका, अभ् र्ारण् र्, ररिवा वन, वन्द र्िीव पर्ाावास और अन्द र्
संरजक्षत क्षत्रे :
रयप्प ण:- सुन्द िरवन िैवमडं ल ररिवा के भीतर सीवीसीए रेखांकन, राज्र् सरकार द्वारा तैर्ार दकए गए और केन्दर ीर् सरकार
द्वारा अनुम दित एक कृत प्रबंधन र् िना के माध् र्म स ेप्रबंजधत दकर्ा िाएगा;”
3. पैरा 5 के उपपरै ा 5.1.2 म ेंउपखंड (xviii) के पश् चात तजनम्न जलजखत उपखंड अतं :स्ट् थाजपत दकर्ा िाएगा, अथाात:त-
“(xix) कुक्क ुय और पिु चारे के जलए परंपरागत समुिार्ों द्वारा मृत सीप के एकत्रण के जलए पूवा सीआरिडे अनुमजत
अपेजक्षत नहीं ह गी ।”
[फा.स.ं 19-112/2013-आईए III(पीयी)]
डॉ. सुिीत कुमार बािपेर्ी, संर्ुक् त सजचव
रयप्प ण: मलू अजधसूचना भारत के रािपत्र, असाधारण, भाग II, खंड 3, उप-खंड (ii) म ें सा.का.जन. स.ं 37(अ), तारीख 18
िनवरी, 2019 द्वारा प्रकाजित क गई थी ।[भाग II—खण् ड 3(ii)] भारत का रािपत्र : असाधारण 3
MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
NOTIFICATION
New Delhi, the 26th November, 2021
S.O. 4886(E).—WHEREAS by notification of the Government of India in the Ministry of
Environment, Forest and Climate Change, number G.S.R. 37(E), dated the 18th January, 2019 (hereinafter
referred to as the Coastal Regulation Zone Notification, 2019), the Central Government declared certain
coastal stretches as Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) and restrictions were imposed on the setting up and
expansion of industries, operations and processes in the said zone;
AND WHEREAS, the Central Government have received representations from the State
Governments for inclusion of those provisions in CRZ Notification 2019, which were already available in
the CRZ Notification, 2011 but have been missed out in the CRZ Notification 2019, with regard to
restricting demarcation of High Tide Line (HTL) in Khazan Land to the bund / sluice gate, collection of
dead shells by traditional communities in CRZ areas and delineation of HTL and CRZ categories in the
Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve;
AND WHEREAS, the provisions related to demarcation of High Tide Line (HTL) in Khazan Land
to the bund / sluice gate and delineation of HTL and CRZ categories in the Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve
were incorporated in the CRZ Notification 2011, through amendment vide notification number S.O. 1422
(E), dated the 1st May 2020, however, these provisions could not be incorporated in CRZ Notification 2019,
as it was notified on 18th January, 2019 i.e. before the above-said amendment dated the 1st May 2020;
AND WHEREAS, the provisions related to collection of dead shells by traditional communities in
CRZ areas was included in the CRZ Notification 2011 through notification number S.O. 19(E), dated the
6th January 2019, however, the same was erroneously left out in the subsequent amendment vide number
G.S.R. 1227(E), dated the 6th October 2017, and as such, the same could not be incorporated in the CRZ
Notification 2019;
AND WHEREAS, the National Coastal Zone Management Authority (NCZMA) in its 42nd meeting
held on the 23rd March, 2021 has recommended that the above-said provisions which were already
available in the CRZ Notification, 2011 and had been inadvertently or erroneously missed out in the CRZ
Notification, 2019, shall be included in the CRZ Notification, 2019;
AND WHEREAS, in view of the fact that the provisions already applicable vide CRZ Notification,
2011, are proposed to be included in the CRZ Notification, 2019, and as there is no fresh restriction or
prohibition being imposed vide proposed amendment notification, therefore, the requirement of notice
under clause (a) of sub-rule (3) of rule 5 of the Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986 is hereby dispensed
with in public interest;
NOW THEREFORE, in exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (1) and clause (v) of sub-
section (2) of section 3 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 (29 of 1986) read with sub-rule (4) of
rule 5 of the Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986, the Central Government hereby makes the following
amendments in the Coastal Regulation Zone Notification, 2019, namely: -
1. In the said notification, -
(i) in paragraph 1, in clause (i), for the Explanation, the following Explanation shall be substituted,
namely, -
“Explanation. - For the purposes of this notification,-
(a) the HTL means the line on the land upto which the highest water line reaches during the spring tide
as demarcated by the National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management (NCSCM) in accordance with
the laid down procedures and made available to various coastal States and Union territories;
(b) in case there exists a bund or a sluice gate constructed prior to the date of notification issued vide
S.O. 114(E) dated 19th February, 1991, the HTL shall be restricted up to the line long along the bund or the
sluice gate, however, in such a case, area under mangroves arising due to saline water ingress beyond the
bund or sluice gate shall be classified as CRZ-IA irrespective of the extent of the area beyond the bund or
sluice gate and such areas under mangroves shall be protected and shall not be diverted for any
developmental activities.”4 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA : EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—SEC. 3(ii)]
2. In paragraph 2, in sub-para 2.1.1, in clause (a), in sub-clause (v), the following sub-clause shall be
inserted after the words ‘Biosphere Reserves’, namely: -
“(v) ..except in the case of the Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve, wherein, the categorization of CRZ and
delineation of the HTL and CRZ boundaries shall be done in consonance with the provisions of this
Notification”.
Note: The CVCA delineated within the Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve shall be managed through the
Integrated Management Plan prepared by the State Government and approved by the Central
Government.”
3. In paragraph 5, in sub-para 5.1.2, after sub-clause (xviii), the following sub-clause shall be inserted,
namely: -
“(xix) Collection of dead shells by traditional communities for poultry and animal feed supplements and
shall not require prior CRZ clearance;”
[F.No.19-112/2013 -IA III (pt)]
Dr. SUJIT KUMAR BAJPAYEE, Jt. Secy.
Note: The principal notification was published in the Gazette of India, Extraordinary, Part II, Section 3,
Sub-section (ii), vide number G.S.R. 37(E), dated the 18th January, 2019.
Uploaded by Dte. of Printing at Government of India Press, Ring Road, Mayapuri, New Delhi-110064
and Published by the Controller of Publications, Delhi-110054.