WHEREAS by notification of the Government of India in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change

## Policy Analysis Report: Amendment to Island Coastal Regulation Zone (ICRZ) Notification, 2019 **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes an amendment to the Island Coastal Regulation Zone (ICRZ) Notification, 2019, as published in the Gazette of India on June 10, 2021. The amendment specifically involves the inclusion of the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) alongside the Institute of Ocean Management (IOM), Chennai, for identifying sites for mining of sand under the provisions of the ICRZ Notification, 2019. The core purpose of this amendment is to broaden the scope of expertise available for identifying suitable sites for sand mining within the ICRZ. The key finding is that this amendment facilitates a potentially increased capacity for sand mining activities within the regulated zone by including NIOT's expertise in the assessment process. **2. Introduction:** This report aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the amendment to the Island Coastal Regulation Zone (ICRZ) Notification, 2019, based solely on the provided government policy text. It outlines the background, rationale, and key changes introduced by this amendment, along with potential implications for stakeholders. **3. Policy Overview:** * **Original Policy:** Island Coastal Regulation Zone (ICRZ) Notification, 2019 (S.O. 1242(E) dated March 8, 2019). * **Core Objective(s):** As inferred from the text, the original ICRZ Notification, 2019 aimed to regulate activities within coastal stretches, including restrictions on industries, operations, and processes. A specific aspect, based on this amendment's context, relates to the controlled management of sand mining activities. **4. Background and Rationale:** This amendment arises due to representations from the Andaman and Nicobar Administration advocating for the inclusion of the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) in the process of identifying sites for sand mining. The National Coastal Zone Management Authority also considered this inclusion necessary. The likely reason for this amendment is to enhance the expertise and capacity for identifying appropriate sites for sand mining within the ICRZ, potentially addressing a perceived limitation or gap in the original notification. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** * **Specific Part of Original Policy Changed:** Paragraph 4, in clause III (ICRZ1B), in subclause (xix), in the proviso. This section of the original policy likely deals with specific regulations within ICRZ1B areas, concerning the identification of suitable sites for sand mining. * **New Rule/Provision:** The amendment adds "or National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT)" after "Institute of Ocean Management (IOM), Chennai" within the specified clause. * **Difference/Effect of Change:** The effect of this change is to broaden the pool of qualified institutions authorized to identify sand mining sites within the ICRZ1B zone. This means that both IOM, Chennai, and now NIOT can be involved in this process, potentially leading to more identified sites, faster assessments, or a wider range of expertise being applied to the site selection process. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The target audience and stakeholders directly affected by this amendment include: * The National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT): As they are now explicitly authorized to participate in site identification. * The Andaman and Nicobar Administration: Who advocated for the inclusion of NIOT. * Sand mining operators: Who may benefit from potentially increased availability of identified sites. * The National Coastal Zone Management Authority: Who will now receive input from another expert body. * Environmental groups: Who may be concerned about the potential for increased sand mining activities. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible agency/bodies mentioned:** The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change is responsible for enacting the amendment. The National Coastal Zone Management Authority plays a role in considering the amendment. NIOT and IOM, Chennai are responsible for identifying sand mining sites. The Andaman and Nicobar Administration had requested the amendment. * **Timelines or procedures specified in the text:** The text does not specify any specific timelines or procedures, other than the amendment coming into effect upon publication. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The likely intended outcome of this amendment is to streamline or expedite the process of identifying suitable sites for sand mining within the ICRZ, specifically in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The potential impact of this change could include: * Increased availability of identified sand mining sites. * Potentially increased sand mining activity within the regulated zone. * Enhanced expertise in the site selection process due to the involvement of NIOT. * Potential environmental impacts associated with increased sand mining, requiring careful monitoring and mitigation measures. **9. Conclusion:** The amendment to the Island Coastal Regulation Zone (ICRZ) Notification, 2019, signifies a shift in the operational framework for sand mining site identification within the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. By including the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), the government aims to enhance the expertise and capacity available for this crucial activity. The long-term implications of this change will depend on the effective implementation of the amended notification and the diligent monitoring of potential environmental impacts.

Key Entities Referenced