## Policy Analysis Report: Andaman and Nicobar Coastal Zone Management Authority
**1. Executive Summary:**
This report analyzes a new policy notification from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India, dated June 9, 2025. The notification establishes the Andaman and Nicobar Coastal Zone Management Authority. The core purpose is to protect and improve the quality of the coastal environment and prevent, abate, and control environmental pollution in the Union territory of Andaman and Nicobar. Key findings include the establishment of the Authority's composition, responsibilities related to project appraisal, regulation of developmental activities, enforcement of environmental regulations, and the mandate for transparency through a dedicated website. The Authority is required to report its activities to the Central Government every six months.
**2. Introduction:**
This report provides an informative analysis of the notification concerning the establishment of the Andaman and Nicobar Coastal Zone Management Authority, based solely on the information provided in the policy text. This analysis aims to inform the affected industry about the structure, responsibilities, and operational guidelines of the newly established Authority.
**3. Policy Overview:**
This is a *New Policy* establishing an Authority.
* **Core Objective(s):** As inferred from the provided text, the core objectives of this policy are:
* Protecting and improving the quality of the coastal environment in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
* Preventing, abating, and controlling environmental pollution in the Union territory.
* Regulating developmental activities within the coastal zone.
**4. Background and Rationale:**
As this is a *New Policy*, the text suggests the policy addresses the need for a dedicated body to manage and regulate coastal zone activities in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The very existence of this Authority signals a perceived gap or inadequacy in existing environmental protection mechanisms within the region. The policy aims to ensure sustainable development practices and safeguard the coastal ecosystem.
**5. Key Provisions / Changes:**
As this is a *New Policy*, this section details the main provisions of the policy notification:
* **Establishment of the Authority:** The notification establishes the Andaman and Nicobar Coastal Zone Management Authority.
* **Composition:** The Authority consists of various ex-officio members from the Andaman and Nicobar Administration, scientists, representatives from academic institutions, and non-governmental organizations. The Chief Secretary of the Andaman and Nicobar Administration serves as the Chairperson.
* **Term:** The Authority is established for a period of three years from the date of the notification's publication.
* **Headquarters:** The headquarters of the Authority is located at Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar.
* **Quorum:** The quorum for meetings is one-third of the total number of members.
* **Allowances:** Members, other than ex-officio members, are eligible for allowances as determined by the Central Government.
* **Conflict of Interest:** The Chairman and members must recuse themselves from project appraisals where they have rendered consultancy services.
* **Functions and Responsibilities:** The Authority is responsible for:
* Examining project proposals for approval in accordance with the approved Island Coastal Regulation Zone Plan or Integrated Islands Management Plan.
* Regulating developmental activities in accordance with the approved plans.
* Issuing directions under section 5 of the Environment Protection Act, 1986.
* Exercising powers under section 10 of the Environment Protection Act, 1986.
* Filing complaints under section 19 of the Environment Protection Act, 1986.
* Examining proposals for changes or modifications in the Island Coastal Regulation Zone Plan or Integrated Islands Management Plan.
* Inquiring and reviewing cases of alleged violations of the Environment Protection Act or its rules.
* Inquiring and reviewing cases of violation or contravention of the notification, either suo moto or based on complaints.
* **Transparency:** The Authority is mandated to create a dedicated website to post information relating to its functions, including meeting agendas, minutes, decisions, recommendations, actions taken on violations, court matters, and the approved Island Coastal Regulation Zone Plan or Integrated Islands Management Plan.
* **Reporting:** The Authority is required to furnish a report of its activities to the Central Government every six months.
**6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:**
Based on the text, the primary target audience and stakeholders include:
* Project proponents and developers planning activities within the coastal zone of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
* The Andaman and Nicobar Administration.
* Residents of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
* Environmental organizations and researchers involved in coastal zone management.
**7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):**
* **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** The Andaman and Nicobar Coastal Zone Management Authority is the primary responsible body. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change oversees the Authority and receives its reports.
* **Timelines and Procedures:** The Authority is established for a period of three years. It must report its activities to the Central Government every six months. The Authority must follow procedures outlined in the Environment Protection Act, 1986, and related notifications, including S.O. 20 E dated the 6th January, 2011, S.O. 1242E, dated the 8th March, 2019 and S.O. 4650E, dated the 30th September, 2022.
**8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:**
The likely intended outcomes of this policy, based on its stated provisions, are:
* Improved protection and conservation of the coastal environment in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
* More effective regulation of developmental activities in the coastal zone.
* Increased transparency and accountability in coastal zone management.
* Enhanced enforcement of environmental regulations.
* Greater public awareness and participation in coastal zone management.
**9. Conclusion:**
The establishment of the Andaman and Nicobar Coastal Zone Management Authority represents a significant step towards strengthening coastal zone management in the region. The policy's emphasis on environmental protection, sustainable development, and transparency is crucial for safeguarding the unique coastal ecosystem of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Affected parties should familiarize themselves with the Authority's functions and responsibilities to ensure compliance with the new regulations.
Key Entities Referenced
REGD. No. D. L.3300499: Registration number of the document.
JUNE 9, 2025: Date of the notification.
JYAISTHA 19, 1947: Date in the Jyaistha month and year 1947.
THE GAZETTE OF INDIA: Name of the official government publication.
MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE: The Government Ministry issuing the notification.
New Delhi: Location of the Ministry issuing the notification.
S.O. 2512E: Notification number.
Environment Protection Act, 1986: Act under which powers are conferred.
29 of 1986: Act number and year.
Central Government: The governing body constituting the authority.
Andaman and Nicobar Coastal Zone Management Authority: Name of the constituted authority.
Official Gazette: The gazette in which the notification will be published.
Andaman and Nicobar Administration: The administration of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Chief Secretary: Designation of the Chairperson of the Andaman and Nicobar Coastal Zone Management Authority.
CommissionercumSecretary Revenue: Designation of a member of the Andaman and Nicobar Coastal Zone Management Authority.
Principal Secretary Revenue: Alternative designation of a member of the Andaman and Nicobar Coastal Zone Management Authority.
CommissionercumSecretary: Designation of a member of the Andaman and Nicobar Coastal Zone Management Authority.
Environment and Forests: Department associated with a member of the Andaman and Nicobar Coastal Zone Management Authority.
Principal Secretary Environment and Forests: Alternative designation of a member of the Andaman and Nicobar Coastal Zone Management Authority.
Secretary Urban Development: Designation of a member of the Andaman and Nicobar Coastal Zone Management Authority.
Secretary Fisheries: Designation of a member of the Andaman and Nicobar Coastal Zone Management Authority.
Dr. Lalji Singh: Name of a member of the Andaman and Nicobar Coastal Zone Management Authority.
Additional Director Scientist F and Head: Title of Dr. Lalji Singh.
Botanical Survey of India, Andaman and Nicobar Regional Centre, Sri Vijaya Puram: Organization and location associated with Dr. Lalji Singh.
Dr. Balaji S.: Name of a member of the Andaman and Nicobar Coastal Zone Management Authority.
Dept. of Coastal Disaster Management, Pondicherry University: Organization and location associated with Dr. Balaji S.
Head, Andaman and Nicobar Environment Team, Sri Vijaya Puram: Designation and location of a member of the Andaman and Nicobar Coastal Zone Management Authority from a NonGovernment Organisation.
Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests: Designation of a member of the Andaman and Nicobar Coastal Zone Management Authority.
Forest Clearance: Role of the Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests.
Coastal Regulation Zone, Department of Environment and Forests: Department of the Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests.
Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar: Headquarter of the Authority.
S. O. 20 E dated the 6th January, 2011: Notification number and date related to Island Coastal Regulation Zone Plan or Integrated Islands Management Plan.
S.O. 1242E, dated the 8th March, 2019: Notification number and date related to Island Coastal Regulation Zone Plan or Integrated Islands Management Plan.
section 5: Section of the said Act related to issuing directions.
S.O. 4650E, dated the 30th September, 2022: Notification number and date related to issuing directions under section 5.
section 10: Section of the said act related to exercising powers.
section 19: Section of the said Act related to file complaint.
Island Coastal Regulation Zone Plan: Plan for regulation of coastal zones in the islands.
Integrated Islands Management Plan: Management plan for the islands.
Union territory of Andaman and Nicobar Island: The Union Territory where the Island Coastal Regulation Zone Plan or Integrated Islands Management Plan is applicable.
F. No. 1252005IA.III Vol.IV: File number of the notification.
RAJAT AGARWAL: Name of the Joint Secretary.
Jt. Secy.: Designation of Rajat Agarwal.
Government of India Press, Ring Road, Mayapuri, New Delhi110064: Location of the printing press.
Controller of Publications, Delhi110054: Publisher of the document.
रजिस्ट्री स.ं डी.एल.- 33004/99 REGD. No. D. L.-33004/99
सी.जी.-डी.एल.-अ.-09062025-263681
CG-DxLx-xEG-I0D9H0x6x2x0 25-263681
xxxGIDExxx
असाधारण
EXTRAORDINARY
भाग II—खण्ड 3—उप-खण्ड (ii)
PART II—Section 3—Sub-section (ii)
प्राजधकार स ेप्रकाजित
PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY
स.ं 2453] नई दिल्ली, सोमवार, िनू 9, 2025/ज्र् ष्े ठ 19, 1947
No. 2453] NEW DELHI, MONDAY, JUNE 9, 2025/JYAISTHA 19, 1947
पर्ावा रण, वन और िलवार् ुपररवतना मत्रं ालर्
अजधसचू ना
नई दिल्ली, 9 िून, 2025
का.आ. 2512(अ).—केंद्रीर् सरकार, पर्ाावरण (सरं क्षण) अजधजनर्म, 1986 (1986 का 29) (जिसे इसम ें इसके
पश्चात ्उक्त अजधजनर्म कहा गर्ा ह)ै की धारा 3 की उपधारा (1) और उपधारा (3) द्वारा प्रित्त िजक्तर्ों का प्रर्ोग करत ेहुए,
रािपत्र म ें इस अजधसूचना के प्रकािन की तारीख स,े तीन वर् ा की अवजध के जलए, अंिमान और जनकोबार तटीर् िोन प्रबंध
प्राजधकरण का गठन करती ह,ै िो जनम्नजलजखत सिस्ट्र्ों स ेजमलकर बनेगा, अर्ाात ् :-
क्रं.स.ं सिस्ट्र् प्राजस्ट्र्जत
1. मुख्र् सजचव, अंिमान और जनकोबार प्रिासन अध्र्क्ष, पिेन
2. आर्ुक्त-सह-सजचव (रािस्ट्व) र्ा प्रधान सजचव (रािस्ट्व), सिस्ट्र्, पिेन
अंिमान और जनकोबार प्रिासन र्ा उनके नामजनिेजिती
3. आर्ुक्त-सह-सजचव (पर्ाावरण और वन) र्ा प्रधान सजचव (पर्ावा रण और वन), सिस्ट्र्, पिेन
अंिमान और जनकोबार प्रिासन र्ा उनके नामजनिेजिती
4. सजचव (िहरी जवकास), अंिमान और जनकोबार प्रिासन सिस्ट्र्, पिेन
3715 GI/2025 (1)2 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA : EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—SEC. 3(ii)]
5. सजचव (मत्सस्ट्र् पालन), अंिमान और जनकोबार प्रिासन सिस्ट्र्, पिेन
6. डॉ. लालिी ससंह, अपर जनिेिक (वैज्ञाजनक ‘एफ’) और प्रमुख, भारतीर् सिस्ट्र्
वनस्ट्पजत सवेक्षण, अंिमान और जनकोबार प्रािेजिक केंद्र, श्री जविर् पुरम
7. डॉ. बालािी एस., तटीर् आपिा प्रबंधन जवभाग, पाजण्डचेरी जवश्वजवद्यालर्। सिस्ट्र्
8 प्रमुख, अंिमान और जनकोबार पर्ाावरण टीम, श्री जविर् पुरम सिस्ट्र् (गैर-सरकारी
संगठन)
9 अपर प्रधान मुख्र् वन संरक्षक (वन मंिरू ी और तटीर् जवजनर्मन क्षेत्र), सिस्ट्र्-सजचव, पिेन ;
पर्ाावरण और वन जवभाग
2. प्राजधकरण का मख्ु र्ालर् पोट ा ब्लेर्र, अंिमान और जनकोबार म ें होगा ।
3. प्राजधकरण की बैठक के जलए गणपूर्त,ा प्राजधकरण की कुल सिस्ट्र् संख्र्ा के एक-जतहाई सिस्ट्र्ों स े होगी ।
4. दकसी पिेन सिस्ट्र् से जभन्न, दकसी सिस्ट्र् को, केन्द्द्रीर् सरकार द्वारा इस जनजमत्त जवजनजश्चत दकए गए जनबंधनों और
ितों के अनुसार भत्तों का संिार् दकर्ा िाएगा ।
5. जहत के दकसी टकराव स े बचने के जलए, अध्र्क्ष और सिस्ट्र्, दकसी ऐसी पररर्ोिना, जिसके जलए उन्द्होंन े परामि ा
कार् ा संबंधी सेवा िी ह,ै के मूल्र्ांकन की प्रदक्रर्ा म,ें प्राजधकरण की बैठक स े स्ट्वर् ं को िरू रखगें े ।
6. प्राजधकरण, अंिमान और जनकोबार संघ राज्र्क्षेत्र म ें तटीर् जवजनर्मन िोन क्षेत्रों म ें तटीर् पर्ाावरण की गुणवत्ता
की संरक्षा और उसका सुधार करने और पर्ाावरणीर् प्रिर्ू ण को रोकन,े उसका उपिमन करने तर्ा जनर्ंत्रण करन े के जलए
जनम्न जलजखत उपार् करेगा, अर्ाात् :-
(i) पररर्ोिना प्रस्ट् ताव के अनुमोिन के जलए पररर्ोिना प्रस्ट् तावक स े प्राप् त आवेिन की, भारत सरकार की
अजधसूचना संख् र्ा का. आ. 20(अ) तारीख 6 िनवरी, 2011 और अजधसूचना सख्ं र्ा का. आ. 1242(अ)
तारीख 8 माचा, 2019 के अधीन तैर्ार अनुमोदित तटीर् िोन प्रबंधन र्ोिना के अनुसार, िांच करेगा और
उक्त अजधसूचना म ें र्र्ाजवजनर्िष्ा ट संबद्ध प्राजधकरण को पररर्ोिना प्रस्ट्ताव के अनुमोिन के जलए जसफाररि
करना । उक्त अजधसूचना म ें र्र्ाजवजनर्िष्ा ट अनुमोदित द्वीप तटीर् जवजनर्मन क्षत्रे र्ोिना र्ा एकीकृत द्वीप
प्रबंधन र्ोिना के अनुसार अंिमान और जनकोबार द्वीप म ें सभी जवकासात्स मक दक्रर्ाकलापों को जवजनर्जमत
करना ;
(ii) भारत के रािपत्र म ेंप्रकाजित भारत सरकार के पर्ाावरण, वन और िलवार्ु पररवतना मंत्रालर् की अजधसूचना
स.ं 4650(अ), तारीख 30 जसतंबर, 2022 म ें र्र्ा जवजनर्िष्टा के अनुसार, उक्त अजधजनर्म की धारा 5 के
अधीन जनिेि िारी करना;
(iii) उक्त अजधजनर्म की धारा 10 के अधीन िजक्तर्ों का प्रर्ोग करना ;
(iv) उक्त अजधजनर्म की धारा 19 के अधीन पररवाि फाइल करना ;
(v) द्वीप तटीर् जवजनर्मन क्षत्रे र्ोिना र्ा एकीकृत द्वीप प्रबधं न र्ोिना म ेंपररवतना र्ा उपांतरण के जलए अंिमान
और जनकोबार संघ राज्र्क्षेत्र म ें सरकार स े प्राप्त प्रस्ट्तावों की सवं ीक्षा करेगा और उन पर केंद्रीर् सरकार को,
जवजनर्िष्टा जसफाररिें करना ;
(vi) उक्त अजधजनर्म र्ा उसके अधीन बनाए गए जनर्मों के उपबंधों के कजर्त उल्लघं न की िांच और पुनर्वालोकन
करना ;[भाग II—खण् ड 3(ii)] भारत का रािपत्र : असाधारण 3
(vii) उक्त अजधसूचना के अजतक्रमण र्ा उल्लघं न के मामलों की, स्ट् वप्रेरणा स े र्ा दकसी व्यजष्ट, जनकार् र्ा संगठन
द्वारा उसके समक्ष की गई जिकार्त के आधार पर, िांच और पनु र्वालोकन करना ।
7. प्राजधकरण, उक्त अजधसूचना के उपबंधों के कार्ाान्द्वर्न के प्रवतना और मानीटरी के जलए उत्तरिार्ी होगा ।
8. प्राजधकरण, अपने कार्ाकरण म,ें पारिर्िाता बनाए रखने के प्रर्ोिन के जलए एक समर्पात वेबसाइट तैर्ार करेगा,
अपन े कृत्सर्ों स े संबंजधत िानकारी इस पर डालेगा, जिसके अंतगात उसकी बैठक म ें कार्ासूची, बैठक का कार्ावृत्स त, बैठक म ें
दकए गए जवजनश् चर्, उक्त अजधसूचना के अजतक्रमण र्ा उल्लघं न पर मामलों के जलए जसफ़ाररिें और ऐसे उल् लघं न पर की गई
कारावाई, न्द्र्ार्ालर् मामल,े जिनमें न्द् र्ार्ालर्ों के आििे भी ह,ैं और अंिमान और जनकोबार संघ राज्र्क्षेत्र का अनुमोदित
द्वीप तटीर् जवजनर्मन क्षत्रे र्ोिना र्ा एकीकृत द्वीप प्रबंधन र्ोिना भी ह ै।
9. प्राजधकरण, केंद्रीर् सरकार को अपन े दक्रर्ाकलापों की ररपोट ाछह मास म ेंकम से कम एक बार प्रस्ट् तुत करेगा ।
[फा. स.ं 12-5/2005-आईए-III(भाग-IV)]
रित अग्रवाल, संर्ुक् त सजचव
MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
NOTIFICATION
New Delhi, the 9th June, 2025
S.O. 2512(E).— In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-sections (1) and (3) of section 3 of the Environment
(Protection) Act, 1986 (29 of 1986) (hereinafter referred to as the said Act), the Central Government hereby constitutes
the Andaman and Nicobar Coastal Zone Management Authority consisting of the following persons, for a period of
three years, with effect from the date of publication of this notification in the Official Gazette, namely:-
Sl.No Members Status
(1) (2) (3)
1. Chief Secretary Chairperson, ex-officio
Andaman and Nicobar Administration
2. Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Revenue) or Principal Secretary Member, ex-officio
(Revenue),
Andaman and Nicobar Administration or their nominee
3. Commissioner –cum-Secretary Member, ex-officio
(Environment and Forests) or Principal Secretary (Environment and
Forests), Andaman and Nicobar Administration or their nominee
4. Secretary (Urban Development), Andaman and Nicobar Member, ex-officio
Administration
5. Secretary (Fisheries) Member, ex-officio
Andaman and Nicobar Administration
6. Dr. Lalji Singh, Additional Director (Scientist ‘F’) and Head, Member
Botanical Survey of India, Andaman and Nicobar Regional Centre,
Sri Vijaya Puram
7. Dr. Balaji S., Dept. of Coastal Disaster Management, Pondicherry Member
University.
8. Head, Andaman and Nicobar Environment Team, Sri Vijaya Puram Member (Non-Government
Organisation)
9. Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Forest Clearance Member Secretary, ex-officio
and Coastal Regulation Zone), Department of Environment and
Forests4 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA : EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—SEC. 3(ii)]
2. The Headquarter of the Authority shall be at Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar.
3. The quorum for the meeting of the Authority shall be one-third of the total number of its Members of the Authority.
4. A Member, other than member ex officio, shall be paid allowances as per the terms and conditions decided by the
Central Government in this behalf.
5. In order to avoid any conflict of interest, the Chairman and Member shall recuse himself from the meeting of the
Authority, in the process of appraisal of any project, for which they have rendered consultancy service.
6. The Authority shall take following measures for protecting and improving the quality of the coastal environment and
preventing, abating and controlling environmental pollution in the Union territory of Andaman and Nicobar, namely: -
(i) examination of proposals received from the project proponent for approval of project proposal, in
accordance with the approved Island Coastal Regulation Zone Plan or Integrated Islands Management
Plan as applicable under the notifications of the Government of India number S. O. 20 (E) dated the 6th
January, 2011 and S.O. 1242(E), dated the 8th March, 2019 and make recommendations for approval of
project to the concerned authority, as specified in the said notifications. Regulate all developmental
activities in the Andaman and Nicobar island in accordance with approved Island Coastal Regulation
Zone Plan or Integrated Islands Management Plan as specified in the said notification;
(ii) issue directions under section 5 of the said Act as specified in the notification of the Government of India,
in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, published in the Gazette of India number
S.O. 4650(E), dated the 30th September, 2022;
(iii) exercise powers under section 10 of the said act;
(iv) file complaint under section 19 of the said Act;
(v) examination of proposals received from the Union territory of Andaman and Nicobar for changes or
modifications in the Island Coastal Regulation Zone Plan or Integrated Islands Management Plan and
make specific recommendations thereon, to the Central Government;
(vi) inquire and review the cases of alleged violation of the provisions of the said Act or the rules made
thereunder; and
(vii) inquire and review the cases of violation or contravention of the said notification suo-moto or on the
basis of a complaint made by any individual or body or organisation before it;
7. The Authority shall be responsible for enforcement and monitoring of the implementation of the provisions of the
said notification.
8. The Authority shall, for the purposes of maintaining transparency in its functioning, create a dedicated website,
post the information relating to its functions, including the agenda in its meeting, minutes of the meeting, decision taken
in the meeting, recommendation for matters on violation, contravention of the said notification, action taken on such
violation, court matter including the order of the court and the approved Island Coastal Regulation Zone Plan or
Integrated Islands Management Plan of the Union territory of Andaman and Nicobar Island.
9. The Authority shall furnish report of its activity once in six months to the Central Government.
[F. No. 12-5/2005-IA.III (Vol.IV)]
RAJAT AGARWAL, Jt. Secy.
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.