Question : Policy on Coastal Management

(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?

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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