The six-member panel constituted by the National Green Tribunal recently conducted a field-level investigation into the alleged violations of Coastal Regulatory Zone norms along the Andhra Pradesh’s East Godavari district. Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) It was notified by Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) under Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 with the mandate to take measures to protect and conserve our coastal environment . Fresh Rules were issued in 2018, which aimed to remove certain restrictions on building, streamlined the clearance process, and aimed to encourage tourism in coastal areas . Classifications of Coastal Zones : CRZ-I - Ecologically sensitive areas like mangroves, coral reefs, biosphere reserves etc. CRZ-II - Areas which are developed up to the shoreline and falling within the municipal limits which includes built-up area – villages and towns are that are already well established. CRZ-III - Areas that are relatively undisturbed and do not fall under either in Category I or II and also include rural and urban areas that are not substantially developed. CRZ-IV - The aquatic area from low tide line up to territorial limits is classified as CRZ-IV including the area of the tidal influenced waterbody. While the CRZ Rules are made by the Union environment ministry, implementation is to be ensured by state governments through their Coastal Zone Management Authorities .
