Lok Sabha Question No. 416 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2017-07-18
Subject: Policy on Coastal Management
Ministry: ENVIRONMENT,  FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Asked by: SANJAY SHAMRAO DHOTRE, SATYA PAL SINGH

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No.: 416

TO BE ANSWERED ON 18.07.2017

## Policy on Coastal Management

## 416. SHRI SANJAY DHOTRE: Dr. SATYAPAL SINGH:

Will  the  Minister  of  ENVIRONMENT,  FOREST  AND  CLIMATE  CHANGE  be  pleased  to state:

- (a) the  salient  features  of  the  policy  on  coastal  management  intended  to  ensure  livelihood security to coastal communities, conserve and protect  the coastal stretches and promote sustainable development taking into account the danger of natural hazards in the coastal areas;
- (b) whether the said policy has achieved the desired results so far across the country;
- (c)  if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefore along with the reaction of the Government thereto;
- (d) the salient features of the Integrated Coastal Zone Management Project along with its role in coastal management in the country;
- (e)  the present status of demarcation of hazard line in the coastal areas of the country along with the time by which such demarcation is likely to be completed; and
- (f)  the other steps taken /being by the Government in this direction?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE (DR. HARSH VARDHAN)

(a) The  Coastal  Regulation  Zone  Notification  issued  under  the  Environment  (Protection) Act, 1986, aims to regulate / restrict activities/ projects, setting up and expansion of industries, operations or processes and manufacture or handling/storing of hazardous substances etc.,  with a view to protecting the coastal and marine environment and ensuring livelihood security to coastal communities.

The Notification classifies the coastal areas into four categories viz., CRZ-I which includes Intertidal zone and Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESAs) such as Mangroves, coral reefs, marine parks, turtle nesting grounds, bird Nesting grounds etc.; CRZ-II which includes developed areas close to the shoreline; CRZ-III which includes relatively undisturbed areas, rural areas etc.; and

CRZ-IV which  includes  water  area  from  Low  Tide  Line  to  12  NM  on  seawards  side  &  tidal influenced water bodies.

Developmental activities are regulated in different categories of the CRZ as per laid-down norms. Besides, Critically Vulnerable Coastal Areas (CVCAs) have also been outlined. Specific provisions with respect to these areas seek to promote sustainable management practices.

(b)  &  (c)  Yes,  Sir.  The  provisions  in  the  policy  have  led  to  conservation/  growth  of  critical ecosystems such as mangrove plantations, corals, shelterbelt plantation, other flora & fauna and have  prevented  degradation  of  the  coasts,  controlled  pollution,  reduced  impacts  of  natural disasters and livelihood security to coastal communities, while promoting sustainable development. Besides, Coastal Zone Management Programme have been drawn up for each of the Coastal States and UTs, for comprehensive management of coastal environment.

(d)  Integrated Coastal Zone Management Project was launched with the purpose of protecting and  conserving  coastal  and  marine  environment  of  the  country.    The  project  has  a  National component  and  State  level  components  in  three  pilot  States  viz.,  Gujarat,  Odisha  and  West Bengal. Salient features of the project include demarcation of Hazard line, shoreline management,  demarcation  of  Ecologically  Sensitive  Areas,  setting  up  of  National  Centre  for Sustainable Coastal Management  (NCSCM),  capacity  building, sustainable coastal zone management   approaches  for  identified  stretches,  pollution  abatement,  coastal  erosion  control measures, socio-economic development of coastal communities, conservation of natural resources and disaster mitigation measures.

(e)  The demarcation of Hazard line has been completed for the Western coast of the Country. The  demarcation  of  hazard  line  for  Eastern  coast  is  underway.  Notification  of  Hazard  line  is subject to necessary clearances.

(f) Government has decided to implement a National Coastal Mission as a part of National Action  Plan  on  Climate  Change  for  Sustainable  Management  of  coastal  areas  and  livelihood security of coastal communities.

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