Question : CRZ NOTIFICATION

(a) whether the Union Government is not giving clearance for expansion of existing ports and initiation of new ports under Coastal Zone Regulation Notification and Environment Impact Assessment Notification;

(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;

(c) whether Hon’ble Chief Minister of Gujarat has requested the Union Government to revise its policy so that these development projects are not affected;

(d) if so, the details thereof; and

(e) the steps taken by the Government for early clearance to expansion of existing and initiation of new ports?

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS(SHRI JAIRAM RAMESH):

(a)&(b): No, Sir. The Ministry of Environment and Forests has issued a policy framework to regulate the ports and harbours development in the country based on the shoreline changes and eco-sensitivity of the coast.

(c)&(d) : A letter has been received from the Chief Minister, Government of Gujarat requesting for relaxing the policy on the ports and harbours and the stand of the Ministry has been clarified.

(e) : The Ministry of Environment and Forests has already got the shoreline change maps of Gujarat prepared on priority through Institute of Ocean Management, Anna University, Chennai. The development of port and harbours in the State of Gujarat will be permitted based on the shoreline change maps and in accordance with the norms laid down in the Environmental Impact Assessment Notification, 2006 and the Coastal Regulation Zone Notification, 1991.