Question : CRZ CLEARANCE IN EROSION STRETCHES

(a) whether the Government has made it mandatory to prepare comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report for obtaining Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearance in the low and medium erosion stretches in the country;

(b) if so, whether the Government has put such restriction based on any scientific study;

(c) if so, the details thereof ;

(d) whether some State Governments have requested the Union Government to consider the project for CRZ clearance based on rapid EIA instead of comprehensive EIA report in low and medium erosion areas; and

(e) if so, the details thereof and the steps taken by the Government in this regard?

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRIMATI JAYANTHI NATARAJAN)

(a) to (c) As per the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification, 2011, proposals for development projects in low and medium eroding stretches as well as stable coasts shall be accompanied by comprehensive Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Report. The Ministry of Environment and Forests had notified the CRZ Notification for main land and the Island Protection Zone (IPZ) Notification for islands in January, 2011, in supersession of the CRZ Notification, 1991 after detailed review through an Expert Committee headed by Prof. M.S. Swaminathan and extensive consultations with various stakeholders, including the State Governments. The opinion and suggestions from various stakeholders were taken into consideration while finalizing the CRZ Notification, 2011 and the IPZ Notification, 2011.

(d) & (e) The Government of Gujarat requested to consider projects for CRZ clearance in low and medium eroding coastal stretches based on rapid EIA instead of comprehensive EIA Report. As rapid EIA may not address all the environmental concerns, to conserve and protect coastal stretches and promote development through sustainable manner based on scientific principles, comprehensive EIA studies are essential before considering proposals in low and medium eroding stretches and stable coasts. The requirement of comprehensive EIA studies in such stretches is uniformly applicable throughout the country.