Fisheries Administration and Lagislation

Unit 8 - Coastal regulation zone notification

8.2. Coastal Zone Management Plans

• Another important aspect is the introduction of the Coastal Zone Management Plans, which in my opinion must be incorporated in the course structure. It seeks to achieve the following:
• In Greater Mumbai, the redevelopment of approximately 146 existing slums in CRZ areas has been permitted, provided that the stake of the state government or its agencies in these projects is not less than 51%. Redevelopment and reconstruction of old, dilapidated, and unsafe buildings in the CRZ-II area has also been permitted. Also, the floor space index (FSI) or floor area ratio (FAR) prevailing in the Town and Country Planning Regulations as on the date of the project being sanctioned, will apply. In order to ensure that the redevelopment of slums and dilapidated structures in Mumbai are done in the most transparent, accountable and democratic manner the Right to Information Act, 2005 will be applicable and auditing will be done by the office of the Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG) of India.
• The 2011 Notification also lists out certain measures that have to be taken to prevent pollution in the coastal areas/coastal waters.
• While the CRZ Notification 2011 has introduced several positive concepts seeking to protect the interest of the local traditional communities, it does have a few drawbacks namely:
• Although the no-development zone of 200 metres from the HTL is reduced to 100 metres, the pro¬vision has been made applicable to “traditional coastal communities, including fisher-folk”, thereby giving the chance for increased construction on the coast and higher pressure on coastal resources.
• Disallowing Special Economic Zone (“SEZ”) projects in the CRZ.
• There are no restrictions for expansion of housing for rural communities in CRZ III.