Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ): 5 Shocking Challenges in Great Nicobar Project

Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ):

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) is hearing a plea to exclude fragile coastal areas in Galathea Bay of the Great Nicobar Island (GNI) from a proposed mega infrastructure project worth Rs 81,000 crore.

• The concern is that the law does not permit activities in ecologically sensitive areas.

Project Details:

• The project includes:

• An international container transshipment terminal.
• Township and area development.
• A 450 MVA gas and solar-based power plant.
• A dual-use civilian and military airport.

Concerns Raised:

• Potential violation of environmental protection laws.
• Risk to fragile ecosystems and biodiversity in the Galathea Bay region.
• Balancing economic development with ecological sustainability remains a key challenge.

About Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ):

• Coastal Regulation Zones are governed by the CRZ Notification, 2019 under the Environment Protection Act, 1986.
• These rules aim to protect coastal ecosystems, including mangroves, coral reefs, sand dunes, and turtle nesting sites, while allowing sustainable development.
• They regulate activities such as construction, tourism, fishing, and port development along India’s 7,500 km coastline, including islands.

CRZ Categories for Mainland and Islands:

CRZ-I:

• Ecologically sensitive areas where no development is allowed.
• Includes mangroves, coral reefs, marine parks, turtle nesting grounds, national parks, sanctuaries, and wildlife habitats.
• Examples: Galathea Bay in Great Nicobar Island, Sundarbans in West Bengal.

CRZ-II:

• Developed urban areas close to the shoreline.
• Construction and redevelopment activities are allowed in accordance with town planning norms.
• Example: Coastal cities like Mumbai, Chennai.

CRZ-III:

• Relatively undisturbed rural areas and coastal villages.
• Limited construction allowed beyond 50 meters from the High Tide Line (HTL) on islands and 200 meters on the mainland.

CRZ-IV:

• The water area from Low Tide Line (LTL) to 12 nautical miles into the sea, including tidal water bodies.
• Strict regulation of activities like fishing and waste disposal to protect marine biodiversity.

Special Provisions for Islands (A&N and Lakshadweep):

• 50-meter no-development zone from the High Tide Line (HTL) for small islands.
• Priority to ecologically sustainable tourism and livelihood activities.
• No large-scale industrial activities in CRZ-I areas to preserve biodiversity and indigenous communities.

Relevance to Galathea Bay Issue:

• Galathea Bay in Great Nicobar falls under CRZ-I, making it a no-go area for major infrastructure projects.

The proposed  Rs 81,000 crore project may violate these CRZ norms, leading to the challenge before the National Green Tribunal (NGT).