Govt Streamlines CRZ Clearance for Blue Economy Projects, Safeguards Sensitive Ecosystems

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The Indian government has streamlined the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearance process for eligible Blue Economy projects, while ensuring the protection of sensitive habitats like mangroves and coral reefs. This move was announced by minister of state for environment Kirti Vardhan Singh in Rajya Sabha on Thursday. According to Singh, the CRZ clearance procedures prioritize the protection of ecologically sensitive areas, including mangroves, coral reefs, and other critical coastal ecosystems. Development activities in these areas are strictly prohibited, except for limited and regulated activities such as ecotourism facilities, public utility roads, and pipeline construction. The CRZ Notification 2019 allows the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) to deal with development activities or projects in CRZ-I and CRZ-IV areas, based on the recommendation of the concerned Coastal Zone Management Authority. For projects in CRZ-II and CRZ-III areas, the authority will consider clearance after assessing their impact on ecologically sensitive areas. To ensure the enforcement of CRZ norms, state authorities are empowered to act against violations. District-level Committees will be formed to monitor the implementation of the CRZ Notification, with representatives from local traditional coastal communities, including fisherfolk. The National Coastal Zone Management Authority (NCZMA) has also taken steps to address concerns about the environmental impact of projects like the Great Nicobar Holistic Development project. The project, which includes an international container transshipment terminal, an international airport, and a power plant, has been pending due to environmental concerns. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) directed the government to revisit the environmental clearance in 2022, citing the need to address deficiencies in the project's proposal. This move by the government aims to balance economic development with environmental protection, ensuring that Blue Economy projects do not harm sensitive ecosystems like mangroves and coral reefs.