Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Clearance

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Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Clearance in Tamil Nadu

Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearance is a mandatory approval required for any developmental activities within 500 meters of the High Tide Line (HTL) along Tamil Nadu’s coastline. It is regulated by the Tamil Nadu State Coastal Zone Management Authority (TNSCZMA) under the Coastal Regulation Zone Notification, 2011, issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), Government of India.

Who Needs CRZ Clearance?

Industries, ports, harbors, and coastal infrastructure projects.
Hotels, resorts, and tourism-related activities near the coastline.
Real estate and construction projects in coastal areas.
Power plants, desalination plants, and other utilities.
Fishing harbors, jetties, and aquaculture farms.

Process for Obtaining CRZ Clearance

1. Application Submission

The project proponent must submit an application to the Tamil Nadu State Coastal Zone Management Authority (TNSCZMA).
The application includes project details, environmental impact assessment (EIA), and mitigation measures.

2. Coastal Zone Mapping & HTL Demarcation

The project area is mapped as per CRZ classification (CRZ-I, CRZ-II, CRZ-III, CRZ-IV) to determine permissible activities.

3. Public Consultation & Expert Committee Review

A public hearing may be conducted if the project has significant environmental impacts.
The TNSCZMA reviews the proposal and recommends approval or rejection.

4. Approval from MoEF & CC (if required)

Category A projects (large-scale infrastructure, ports, industries) require clearance from the MoEF & CC, Government of India.
Category B projects (smaller developments) are approved by the TNSCZMA.

CRZ Classification in Tamil Nadu

CRZ-I: Ecologically sensitive areas like mangroves, coral reefs, and turtle nesting grounds – strictly no construction allowed.
CRZ-II: Urbanized coastal areas – regulated construction allowed as per local building rules.
CRZ-III: Rural and undeveloped coastal zones – limited construction allowed beyond 200 meters from HTL.
CRZ-IV: Water areas (seas, estuaries, and backwaters) – regulated fishing and infrastructure projects allowed.

Key Regulations & Compliance

No new construction is allowed within 500m of the High Tide Line (except permissible activities).
Fishing and traditional livelihood activities are protected and allowed.
Industries and infrastructure projects must implement environmental safeguards.
Illegal construction in CRZ areas may face demolition orders and penalties.
By obtaining CRZ clearance, projects in Tamil Nadu can ensure environmental sustainability and legal compliance while protecting coastal ecosystems.

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