Cabinet Approves Coastal Regulation Zone Notification 2018 With Relaxed Restrictions
Just a week back, the Environment Ministry told the Lok Sabha that sea levels across the Indian coast were likely to rise by 2.8 feet, putting millions of people at risk. On Friday, the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification, 2018, which, at the outset, does not seem to have factored in the problem of sea rise.
The emphasis of the new CRZ norms is on promotion of tourism facilities, quicker dispensation of defence and strategic projects and liberal licensing for the installation of treatment plants. Also, the Floor Space Index, which had been frozen as per the 1991 development control regulation (DCR) levels, has been relaxed.
The No Development Zone (NDZ) has been reduced from 200 metres to 50 metres from High Tide Line in area with a population density of 2161 per square kilometre as per 2011 census. For islands near the coast and backwater islands, the new notification has fixed NDZ of 20 metres from the coastline. Government has also decentralised the CRZ clearance procedure.
The new notification has done away with or diluted many stringent restrictions in place at coastal areas. The Cabinet decision has de-freezed parameters under the CRZ 2011 notification.
Crtsy: downtoearth.org.in / newindianexpress.com
