Coastal Regulation Zones (CRZ)

What are Coastal Regulation Zones ?

The coastal stretches of seas, bays, estuaries, creeks, rivers and back waters which are influenced by tidal action are declared as Coastal Regulation Zone.
CRZ are divided in 4 Categories:
- CRZ (I-A):
  - Ecologically Sensitive Areas like Mangroves, Salt Marshes, coral reefs and wildlife nesting sites. No new construction is permitted here.
- CRZ (I-B):
  - Intertidal zone, i.e. area between High Tide Line and Low Tide Line.
- CRZ-II:
  - Built-up urban areas where construction is only allowed on the landward side.
- CRZ-III:
  - Land areas that are relatively undisturbed (viz. rural areas, etc.) and those which do not fall under CRZ-II.
  - No new construction is not permitted, except for repairs to existing buildings.
- CRZ-IV:
  - The water area up to 12 nautical miles from the territorial waters and tidal influenced water bodies.
  - Local communities can traditionally fish in this area, but untreated sewage and solid waste are not allowed.