The Centre has approved new rules governing coastlines in which it has given impetus to promotion of tourism facilities such as shacks on beaches and stipulated a No Development Zone (NDZ) of 20 metres for all islands.

The Union Cabinet has approved the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification, 2018, in which powers to give clearances to projects falling in CRZ-II and III have been delegated at the state level with necessary guidance.

“The proposed CRZ Notification will lead to enhanced activities in coastal regions, thereby promoting economic growth while also respecting the conservation principles of coastal regions. It will not only result in significant employment generation, but also to better life and add value to the economy. The new notification is expected to rejuvenate the coastal areas while reducing their vulnerabilities,” said an official statement.

The CRZ notification was last reviewed and issued in 2011. The move comes in the backdrop of a series of representations received by the environment ministry from coastal states/UTs and other stakeholders.

“Temporary tourism facilities such as shacks, toilet blocks, change rooms, drinking water facilities have now been permitted on beaches. Such temporary facilities are now permissible in the NDZ of the CRZ-III areas. However, a minimum distance of 10 m from the high tide line (HTL) should be maintained for setting up of such facilities,” the statement said.

The notification also has streamlined the process of CRZ clearances and only projects located in the CRZ-I (ecologically sensitive areas) and CRZ IV (area covered between low tide line and 12 nautical miles seaward) will now be dealt by the environment ministry for clearance.

Under the new notification, an NDZ of 20 m has been stipulated for all islands.

All ecologically sensitive areas have been accorded special importance and specific guidelines related to their conservation and management plans have been drawn up.

“Pollution abatement has been accorded special focus. In order to address pollution in coastal areas, treatment facilities have been made permissible activities in CRZ-I B area subject to necessary safeguards. Defence and strategic projects have been accorded necessary dispensation,” the statement said.

Densely populated rural areas have been given greater opportunity for development and for CRZ-III (rural) areas, two separate categories have now been stipulated.

“CRZ-III A - densely populated rural areas with a population density of 2,161 per sq km as per 2011 Census. Such areas shall have a NDZ of 50 m from the HTL as against 200 m stipulated in the CRZ Notification, 2011. CRZ-III B - rural areas with population density of below 2,161 per sq km. Such areas shall continue to have an NDZ of 200 m from the HTL,” the statement said.

The new notification is expected to go a long way in meeting the aspirations of coastal communities, besides ensuring the welfare of poor and vulnerable populations, it added.