MoEF introduced the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification 2011 on January 6, 2011, replacing the CRZ Notification, 1991, along with the Island Protection Zone (IPZ) Notification, 2011, which is the Combined Environmental Clearance. The Ministry provided guidelines for CRZ clearance through an Office Memorandum issued on January 19, 2015. To streamline the clearance process for projects at the State and Central levels, the Ministry has implemented the PARIVESH portal, a computerized system for application, appraisal, and approval. To eliminate redundancy and enhance clarity in the delegation of powers according to the CRZ Notification, 2011/IPZ Notification, 2011, a revised procedure will be followed, superseding the Ministry’s previous Office Memorandum from January 19, 2015, and other relevant documents pertaining to project appraisal and approval requiring CRZ or Combined EC and CRZ clearances.
Process of Combined EC
The process for obtaining Combined EC under the CRZ Notification, 2011 and IPZ Notification, 2011 is as follows:
- Project proponents must apply on the online portal, along with the following documents, to the respective State or Union Territory Coastal Zone Management Authority:
- Form-1.
- Rapid Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Report (excluding certain construction projects)
- Comprehensive EIA, including cumulative studies for projects in low and medium eroding zones as determined by the Ministry in consultation with the State Governments and Union Territory Administration.
- Disaster Management Report, Risk Assessment Report, and Management Plan.
- CRZ map showing High Tide Line (HTL) and Low Tide Line (LTL) demarcated by authorized agencies in a 1:4000 scale.
- The project layout is overlaid on the map.
- The CRZ map covers a 7 km radius around the project site. h. The CRZ map indicates CRZ-I, II, III, and IV areas, including other ecologically sensitive areas.
- NOC from the relevant State Pollution Control Boards or Union Territory Pollution Control Committees for projects involving effluent discharge, solid waste, sewage, etc.
- The State/Union Territory Coastal Zone Management Authority (CZMA) will review the submitted documents following the approved Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP) / Island Coastal Regulation Zone (ICRZ) Plans. It will make recommendations based on the provisions of the Combined EC, specifying the permissibility to the appropriate authority.
- The State/Union Territory CZMA will forward its recommendations on permissible activities per the Combined EC to the concerned authorities, clearly indicating the CRZ area, section/clause permitting the activity, and any associated conditions.
- If the CZMA wishes to consider an activity not explicitly mentioned or not permissible in the notification, detailed justification must be provided to the Ministry for further consideration.
- If the Coastal Zone Management Authorities (CZMA) are not operational, the responsibility of providing comments and recommendations on proposals following the notification lies with the Department of Environment in the State Government or Union Territory Administration[1].
- Category A projects requiring comments from the CRZ sector will be forwarded with all the statutory documents for review by the sectoral Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) before considering the project.
| S. No | As per CRZ Notification 2011 | Clearance | Approving Authority | Procedure |
| 1 | Projects requiring CRZ Clearance Construction of Roads in CRZ Area Construction of Sewage Treatment Plants in CRZ – I for treating Sewage of Greater Mumbai Development of Beach resorts and hotels. | Standalone CRZ | Ministry | Application by CZMA by PP (Project Proponent) Recommendation of CZMA Application in Ministry Recommendation of EAC (CRZ) Clearance by the Ministry |
| 2 | Construction projects with buildup area <20000 sq.ft located in CRZ II and CRZ III | Standalone CRZ | CZMA | Application by CZMA by PP Recommendation of CZMA Approval by the concerned state or UT’s Planning Authority |
| 3 | Any project located in CRZ Area that requires EC under Category A | Combined EC and CRZ | Ministry | 1. Application by CZMA by PP 2.Recommendation of CZMA 3. Application for EC+CRZ to the Ministry 4. Comments of CRZ Section in the Ministry 5. Recommendation of sectoral EAC+EC 6. Clearance by Ministry |
| 4 | Any project located in CRZ Area that requires EC under Category B | Combined EC and CRZ | SEIAA | 1. Application by CZMA by PP 2. Recommendation of CZMA 3. Application to the Ministry 4. Comments of CRZ Section in the Ministry 5. Recommendation of the Ministry on the project 6. Application in the concerned SEIAA 7. Recommendation of SEAC for EC+CRZ |
| 5 | Development of Beach Resorts and Hotels with build-up area >20,000 sq.mts | Combined EC and CRZ | SEIAA | 1. Application by CZMA by PP 2. Recommendation of CZMA 3. Application to the Ministry 4. Comments of CRZ Section in the Ministry 5. Recommendation of the Ministry on the project 6. Application in the concerned SEIAA 7. Recommendation of SEAC for EC+CRZ |
| 6 | Construction of Public Utilities and amenities required for traditional/local inhabitants | Standalone CRZ | CZMA | Application of CZMA by the PP and clearance by the CZMA |
| S.No | As per IPZ Notification 2011 | Clearance | Approving Authority | Procedure |
| 1 | Projects requiring only CRZ Clearance Construction projects with developmental area <20,000 sq.mts in ICRZ-III and ICRZ-II | Standalone CRZ | Ministry | Application by CZMA by PP Recommendation of CZMA Application in Ministry Recommendation of EAC (CRZ) Clearance by the Ministry |
| 2 | Any project located in CRZ Area that requires EC under Category A | Combined EC and CRZ | Ministry | 1. Application by CZMA by PP 2. Recommendation of CZMA 3. Application for EC+CRZ at the concerned sector 4. Recommendation of Sectoral EAC +CRZ 5. Clearance by Ministry |
| 3 | Any project located in CRZ Area that requires EC under Category B | Combined EC and CRZ | SEIAA | 1. Application by CZMA by PP 2. Recommendation of CZMA 3. Application in the concerned SEIAA 4. Comments of CRZ Section in the Ministry 5. Recommendation of the SEAC 6. Approval by SEIAA (EC & CRZ) |
| 4 | Development of Beach Resorts and Hotels with build-up area >20,000 sq.mts in CRZ-III and CRZ-II | Combined EC and CRZ | SEIAA | 1. Application by CZMA by PP 2. Recommendation of CZMA 3. Application to the Ministry 4. Comments of CRZ Section in the Ministry 5. Recommendation of the Ministry on the project 6. Application in the concerned SEIAA 7. Recommendation of SEAC for EC+CRZ |
| 5 | Construction of Public Utilities and amenities required for traditional/local inhabitants | Standalone CRZ | CZMA | Application of CZMA by the PP and clearance by the CZMA |
Conclusion
The procedure for obtaining Combined EC (EC) under the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2006, and Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification, 2011 involves submitting the necessary documents and recommendations to the relevant authorities. The State/Union Territory Coastal Zone Management Authority (CZMA) plays a crucial role in reviewing and forwarding recommendations for permissible activities. The involvement of CZMAs and sectoral Expert Appraisal Committees (EACs) ensures a comprehensive evaluation process. The competent authority has approved these guidelines. It is a must for projects to seek expert consultation to obtain such combined clearances which involves complex process and criteria.
FAQ
The combined clearance process enables a holistic evaluation of projects, considering their potential impacts on both the environment and coastal zones. It considers factors such as biodiversity conservation, marine ecosystems, and socio-economic aspects, ensuring a comprehensive assessment. By integrating it with the EIA process, projects in coastal areas undergo scrutiny to ensure compliance with CRZ regulations, preventing unauthorized development and preserving coastal ecosystems.
The procedure is as follows: • Application by CZMA by PP (Project Proponent) • Recommendation of CZMA • Application in Ministry • Recommendation of EAC (CRZ) Clearance by the Ministry
CRZ Clearance is valid for a period of five years from the date of issue of the clearance which have to be renewed afterwards.
The prohibited activities within the CRZ are • Setting up of new industries and expansion of existing industries. • Manufacture/handling or disposal of hazardous substances.
The CRZ applies only to the mainland coast of India, whereas the IPZ applies to the islands of Andaman and Nicobar and Lakshadweep.
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