The CRZ Notification 2019 classifies India’s coastline into zones with differentiated development restrictions. Clearance for activities within CRZ areas is required from the CZMA or MoEFCC depending on the zone and the nature of the project.
The CRZ Notification 2019, issued under the Environment (Protection) Act 1986, replaced the 2011 Notification and reclassified coastal areas into CRZ-I (ecologically sensitive), CRZ-II (built-up urban), CRZ-III (rural, with No Development Zones) and CRZ-IV (water area). The permissible activities, setback distances and construction restrictions vary by zone. The 2019 Notification reduced the NDZ from 200 metres to 50 metres in certain CRZ-III areas, widened the list of permissible activities in CRZ-II and introduced floor-space-index provisions for urban coastal areas.
CRZ clearance involves CRZ mapping, categorisation of the proposed activity, application to the State or National Coastal Zone Management Authority and, for certain projects, a recommendation from the MoEFCC. The classification of the project site — which zone it falls in, whether it is within the NDZ, and whether the activity is permissible — is the determinative legal question. AMLEGALS advises developers and infrastructure projects on CRZ mapping, clearance applications, conditions compliance and defence of challenges before the NGT.
Determining the CRZ zone, NDZ applicability and setback-distance requirements for the project site through CRZ mapping.
Preparing and filing CRZ clearance applications with the CZMA or MoEFCC with supporting documentation.
Analysing whether the proposed activity is permissible in the applicable zone under the 2019 Notification.
Monitoring and ensuring compliance with CRZ clearance conditions and periodic reporting requirements.
Defending CRZ clearances challenged before the National Green Tribunal.
Conducting CRZ compliance audits for real-estate, port, tourism and industrial acquisitions.
The CRZ Notification 2019 classifies coastal areas into four zones: CRZ-I (ecologically sensitive areas including mangroves, coral reefs, salt marshes and turtle nesting grounds — virtually no development permitted); CRZ-II (developed urban areas — construction permitted on the landward side subject to existing FSI/FAR norms); CRZ-III (rural areas with an NDZ of 50m from HTL in densely populated areas and 200m otherwise); and CRZ-IV (water area up to 12 nautical miles seaward and the territorial waters).
The NDZ is the area within which no construction is permitted. In CRZ-III, the NDZ is 50 metres from the High Tide Line (HTL) in areas with a population density of 2,161 per square kilometre or more, and 200 metres from the HTL in other areas. In CRZ-I, the entire area is effectively an NDZ. The 2019 Notification reduced the NDZ in densely populated CRZ-III areas from the earlier 200 metres.
For CRZ-I activities and projects above the prescribed thresholds, clearance is granted by the MoEFCC on the recommendation of the National CZMA. For other activities, clearance is granted by the State CZMA. The CZMP (Coastal Zone Management Plan) for each state, prepared under the 2019 Notification and approved by the MoEFCC, is the operative document for zone classification.
The permissible activities vary by zone and are listed in Annexures to the CRZ Notification 2019. CRZ-II permits reconstruction, repairs and construction on the landward side of the road or existing authorised structures. CRZ-III permits agriculture, horticulture, certain tourism facilities, and construction outside the NDZ. Activities in CRZ-I are highly restricted to eco-tourism, conservation and salt harvesting.
Yes. CRZ clearances can be challenged before the NGT under Section 16 of the NGT Act within 30 days. Common grounds include incorrect zone classification, construction within the NDZ, clearance for impermissible activities and procedural violations. The NGT has imposed demolition orders for construction in violation of CRZ norms.
No. No engagement is treated as accepted until conflicts, scope and terms are confirmed in writing.
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