In 1991, the Ministry of Environment and Forests of the Central Goverment issued a Notification, enacted to protect sensitive coastal ecosystems from any unplanned human interference or development. Accordingly, the goverment declared coastal stretches of seas, bays, estuaries, creeks, rivers and backwaters which are influenced by tidal action (in the landward side) up to 500 metres from the High Tide Line (HTL) and the land between Low Tide Line (LTL) and HTL as Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ), and imposed restrictions and formulated guidelines for various coastal activities.
All constructions/developments located within 500 mts. of the High Tide Line (HTL) along the sea coast and within 100 mts. (or the width of the water body, whichever is less) of the HTL on the banks of rivers/ creeks/ backwaters’ influenced by tidal action require prior clearance under the CRZ Notification of 1991.
