CRZ Notification - Kerala - Frequently asked questions

Frequently asked questions on Coastal Regulation Zone Notification 

 1. Which CRZ Notification is currently in force in Kerala (2022 Jan) ?

CRZ Notification 2011 is in force in Kerala. 

2. Why the new CRZ Notification 2019 is not implemented in Kerala ?

The CZMP for CRZ Notification 2019 is not yet completed and approved. The CZMP can be officially published after public consultation, approval etc. It is specifically noted in the CRZ Notification 2019 (Para 6) that, All Coastal states shall revise or update their respective CZMP framed under 2011 Notification  at the earliest and all the project activities attracting the provisions of this notification shall be required to be appraised as per the updated CZMP under this notification and until and unless the CZMP is so revised or updated, provisions of this Notification shall not apply and the CZMP as per the provisions of CRZ 2011 shall continue to be followed for appraisal and CRZ clearance to such projects. 

3. What is the CRZ area for backwater islands as of now ? Is there any change in the 2019 Notification ?

The CRZ area for backwaters in Kerala is considered as 50 metres. Within 50 metres, dwelling units of local communities may be repaired or reconstructed. Beyond 50 metres, on the landward side of backwater islands, dwelling units of local communities may be constructed with prior permission of Grama Panchayath. (2011 Notification)

In 2019 Notification, the CRZ area for backwater islands is reduced to 20 metres. 

4. What is the difference between Municipal areas and Panchayath areas in CRZ categorisation and permissions ? (2011 Notification)

Generally developed area upto to close to the
shoreline is considered as CRZ II. Developed area is referred to as that area within the existing municipal limits or in other existing legally designated urban areas which are substantially built up and has been provided with drainage and approach roads and other infrastructural facilities such as water supply and sewerage mains. 

IN CRZ III, areas that are relatively undisturbed and those do not belong to either CRZ  I or II which include coastal zone in the rural areas and also areas within municipal limits or in other legally designated urban areas which are not substantially built up. 

In CRZ II area, buildings are permitted only on the landward side of the existing road, or on the landward side of the existing authorised structures. 

In CRZ III, area up to 200 from HTL on the landward side of seafront and 100 metres from the tidal influenced water bodies or width of the creek whichever is less is to be earmarked as No Development Zone. 

Updated by Adv Sherry J Thomas on 03-01-2022