Coastal Zone Management Plan of Kerala: Impacts, Changes, and Implications

Coastal Zone Management Plan of Kerala: Impacts, Changes, and Implications

Sub : Env

Sec :Env legislation /Law

Why in News

The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) recently approved the Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP) for 10 coastal districts of Kerala. This approval marks a significant shift in regulations impacting development and environmental conservation in the state.

About Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP):

The CZMP aims to regulate development in coastal areas in accordance with the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification, 2019.

The plan encompasses the districts of Kasaragod, Kannur, Kozhikode, Malappuram, Thrissur, Ernakulam, Kottayam, Alappuzha, Kollam, and Thiruvananthapuram.

This approval enables Kerala to utilize relaxed CRZ rules for development, including construction on the seaward side.

Any applications for CRZ clearance post-approval will adhere to the CRZ Notification, 2019.

This step aligns with the government’s broader effort to conserve coastal environments, support local communities, and promote sustainable development, considering the risks of natural hazards and rising sea levels due to global warming.

About Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) 2019:

The Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification 2019 was issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) with the objective of balancing conservation and development along India’s coastal areas. Below are the important aspects and facts relevant to CRZ 2019:

Key Changes from CRZ 2011:

Reduced No Development Zone (NDZ):

For CRZ-III (A) areas (densely populated rural areas with a population density of more than 2,161 persons per sq. km as per the 2011 Census), the NDZ has been reduced from 200 meters to 50 meters from the High Tide Line (HTL).

For CRZ-III (B) areas (less densely populated), the NDZ remains at 200 meters.

CRZ 2019 simplifies the clearance processes for certain development activities, thereby making it easier for coastal states to implement development projects.

CRZ Categories:

CRZ-I: Ecologically sensitive areas like mangroves, coral reefs, and protected coastal ecosystems. Minimal activities are permitted here, such as defense and strategic infrastructure.

CRZ-II: Areas that are developed up to or close to the shoreline. Construction in this zone is permitted on the landward side of existing roads or authorized structures.

CRZ-III: Rural and relatively undeveloped coastal areas. The NDZ applies based on the population density classification:

CRZ-III (A): High population density areas with reduced NDZ.

CRZ-III (B): Low population density areas with an NDZ of 200 meters.

CRZ-IV: Water area up to 12 nautical miles into the sea and the area of the tide-influenced water bodies.

Provisions for Development:

Construction related to defence and strategic purposes is allowed in CRZ-I with proper clearances.

Temporary tourism facilities like shacks and eco-friendly hotels are allowed in CRZ-II and CRZ-III under regulated conditions.

Special provisions for housing and basic amenities for fishing and other coastal communities are included to ensure their welfare.

Mangroves and Their Importance in Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) 2019:

Mangroves are critical components of coastal ecosystems, playing a significant role in environmental stability and the livelihoods of coastal communities. The Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) 2019 Notification includes several provisions related to mangroves, impacting how they are managed and protected. Here is an in-depth look at the mangrove-related aspects of CRZ 2019:

About Mangroves:

Mangroves are the plant communities occurring in inter-tidal zones along the coasts of tropical and subtropical countries.

Mangrove forests perform multiple ecological functions such as production of woody trees; provision of habitat, food, and spawning grounds for fin-fish and shellfish; provision of habitat for birds and other valuable fauna; protection of coastlines and accretion of sediment to form new land.

Mangrove plants have several unique adaptations that allow them to survive in harsh environments. Mangroves are extremely important to the coastal ecosystems they inhabit.

CRZ 2019 Provisions for Mangroves:

The CRZ 2019 notification stipulates a 50-meter buffer zone for mangroves located on government land that is over 1,000 sq. meters in area. This zone must remain undisturbed to protect mangrove patches.

One of the most significant changes under CRZ 2019 is the removal of mandatory buffer zones for mangroves located on private land holdings. This contrasts with CRZ 2011, which imposed strict regulations to ensure mangrove protection regardless of ownership.