New CRZ rules draft made public

By Staff Reporter

The Union Ministry of Environment and Forest has made new norms for CRZ public for opinions and objections. The draft uploaded on the ministry’s website on September 13 2010 would replace the coastal regulations of 1991.

The draft has classified Coastal land into four zones. CRZ I will comprise ecologically sensitive areas like mangroves and mudflats.
CRZ II will comprise developed areas.
CRZ III will consist of underdeveloped areas, not classified ecologically sensitive and
CRZ IV will comprise territorial waters from low tide line to 12 nautical miles into the sea.
Andaman and Nicobar island and Lakshwadeep island have been taken out of the purview of CRZ notification. A separate island protection notification was issued earlier this year for these islands.

In addition to the four zones, the draft has marked four areas for special consideration. The CRZ areas in Greater Mumbai region, Goa and Kerela (backwaters) and the Sunderbans. The draft also lists activities prohibited in each zone, especially CRZ I while making an exception for the Navi Mumbai airport. The department of atomic energy’s projects, information technology SEZs and service industry, deemed non-polluting, would also be allowed in CRZ I areas.