Government reviewing Coastal Regulation Zone policy

NEW DELHI: Government is reviewing the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) notification to benefit the people living along coastlines and safeguard the interests of marine life, Lok Sabha was informed today.

"We are reviewing the CRZ policy for the benefit of the coastal people and marine life," Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar said during Question Hour.

The Minister's response came after Congress MP from Kerala K C Venugopal said the poor people living along the coastlines faced tremendous hardship in constructing their houses due to the existing CRZ policy.

The 2011 CRZ notification provides for special dispensation to the local coastal community including permission for reconstruction and repair works of dwelling units in accordance with local town and country planning norms.

The notification also provides for ex-post facto approval to construction and repair activities of dwelling units of traditional coastal communities which were undertaken after 1991 without any approval.

The existing policy on coastal management as laid down in the CRZ notification and Island Protection Zone (IPZ) notification 2011 issued under the Environment (Protection) Act 1986 envisages ensuring livelihood security to the coastal communities, conserve and protect coastal stretches and marine areas and promote sustainable development on scientific principles taking into account the dangers of natural hazards in the coastal areas and sea level rise.