Island Coastal Regulation Zone Notification, 2019.

This notification declares the coastal stretches of the islands in Andaman and Nicobar, Lakshadweep and the water area up to territorial water limits of India as the Island Coastal Regulation Zone (ICRZ). The objective of this notification is to conserve and protect the environment of the coastal stretches and marine areas, ensure livelihood security to the fisher communities and promote sustainable development. It provides for classification of the ICRZ into environmentally most critical areas; developed land areas up to or close to the shoreline; and land areas that are relatively undisturbed (viz. rural areas etc.). A list of prohibited activities is provided that includes destruction of corals, mining of sand, land reclamation, discharge of untreated waste and effluents etc. The Notification regulates permissible activities in each zone of the ICRZ and requires the Andaman and Nicobar administration to revise or update their respective island coastal regulation zone plan. All permitted or regulated project activities must obtain ICRZ clearance prior to their commencement as per the procedure laid down.