Mains Practice Questions

Introduction

India’s coastal ecosystems—mangroves, coral reefs, estuaries, wetlands, and sand dunes—are crucial for biodiversity, climate resilience, and livelihoods.

• However, they are increasingly threatened by sea-level rise, erosion, saline intrusion, and unregulated development.
• To mitigate these challenges, the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) norms were introduced in 1991 under the Environment Protection Act, 1986, with amendments to balance conservation and economic growth.

Body

Effectiveness of CRZ Norms in Protecting Coastal Ecosystems:

• Successes of CRZ Norms
  • Protection of Ecologically Sensitive Areas: CRZ-I classification restricts activities in mangroves, coral reefs, and sand dunes, preventing large-scale destruction.
    • Example: Mangrove protection in Sundarbans and Maharashtra’s Konkan region has improved coastal resilience.
  • Regulation of Industrial and Infrastructure Development: Stringent environmental clearance norms prevent unchecked coastal urbanization and industrial encroachments.
    • Example: In Kerala, restrictions under CRZ helped control unregulated tourism-driven construction in Varkala.
  • Community-Centric Approach: CRZ 2019 recognized the livelihood needs of coastal communities, allowing sustainable fishing, aquaculture, and eco-tourism.
    • Example: Fishing communities in Tamil Nadu benefited from relaxed norms for traditional activities.
  • Legal and Institutional Mechanism: CRZ violations can be challenged in the National Green Tribunal (NGT), ensuring accountability.
• Challenges and Limitations:
  • Weak Enforcement and Violations: Large-scale violations, particularly in Mumbai, Goa, and Chennai, due to poor monitoring and political interference.
    • Example: Illegal coastal constructions in Goa despite CRZ restrictions.
  • Dilution of Protection Mechanisms: CRZ 2019 reduced the No-Development Zone (NDZ) from 200m to 50m in rural areas, increasing coastal vulnerability.
  • Conflict Between Development and Conservation: Expanding port infrastructure, tourism, and industrial corridors leads to ecosystem degradation.
    • Example: Vizhinjam Port (Kerala) has faced criticism for environmental damage.
  • Climate Change Threats Not Fully Addressed: CRZ norms focus more on spatial zoning rather than long-term climate resilience strategies.
    • Lack of integrated coastal zone management (ICZM) leads to ineffective adaptation against rising sea levels and storm surges.

Measures to Strengthen Coastal Protection:

• Strict Monitoring and Enforcement: Strengthen Coastal Zone Management Authorities (CZMAs) for better enforcement of CRZ norms.
  • Use GIS mapping and satellite surveillance to track violations.
• Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM): Promote sustainable tourism, climate-resilient infrastructure, and eco-sensitive development.
• Stronger Community Participation: Involve fishing communities, local stakeholders, and panchayats in decision-making.
  • Promote sustainable aquaculture and mangrove restoration programs.
• Climate-Resilient Coastal Planning: Implement natural barriers like mangrove afforestation and dune stabilization.
  • Strengthen disaster preparedness measures against cyclones and rising sea levels.
• Balancing Development with Conservation: Ensure Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) before approving ports, industries, and tourism projects.
  • Promote eco-friendly alternatives in construction and infrastructure projects.

Conclusion

The MISHTI Scheme (Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes) launched in Union Budget 2023-24 is a step in the right direction, focusing on mangrove afforestation and conservation. By integrating CRZ norms with climate-resilient initiatives like MISHTI, India can enhance coastal protection while ensuring sustainable development.