MoEFCC Emphasizes Strict Monitoring of Coastal Regulation Zone Norms

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) reaffirms its commitment to monitoring Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms as per the CRZ Notification, 2019. Under this framework, development activities in CRZ-I and CRZ-IV areas require clearance from MoEFCC, while activities in CRZ-II and CRZ-III are handled by respective Coastal Zone Management Authorities (CZMAs). Sensitive ecological areas like mangroves and coral reefs remain under stringent protection. State and Union Territory CZMAs, supported by district-level committees, are tasked with enforcement, empowered by the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. Efforts to combat marine litter are underway, with several initiatives including amendments to the Plastic Waste Management Rules and the formulation of a National Marine Litter Policy being led by MoEFCC. These measures align with broader environmental programs aimed at sustaining clean and eco-friendly coastal regions.

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