Shailesh Nayak Committee

The committee was setup in 2014 with the objective of studying the irregularities in Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) notifications of 2011. It was headed by former secretary of government of India, Shailesh Nayak.

  • The committee submitted its report in 2015.

Important Observations and Recommendations

  • The coastal areas have fragile ecosystem and must be protected.Hence, the MoEFCC must formulate concrete proposals and initiate activities for the conservation and protection of these ecosystems.
  • Coastal ecosystems apart from rendering useful goods & services also attract tourism. Hence, it is important that the Government takes major initiatives in identifying, conserving and drawing up concrete framework based on certain successful models worldwide including that of IUCN for the conservation, protection and promotion of eco-tourism in such areas. These would provide alternative livelihood to local communities, thereby, reducing pressure on the fish and fisheries.
  • The Committee strongly opined that Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESAs) mapped under CRZ-1 should be identified based on scientific assessment, each of which shall be notified via states/UT’s aided by scientific authorized agencies.
  • There is a need to protect and regulate the activities that are detrimental to the integrity of the water bodies and their bed. These activities include indiscriminate mining and dredging, destroying the benthic flora and fauna.
  • To prevent the indiscriminate dumping of sewage, effluents and solid wastes, the State Pollution Control Boards should be entrusted to take up the Government’s initiative of “Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan” in the coastal and marine waters.

Controversy

Recommendation of easing coastal regulations (devolving powers to State/UTs) for constructing ports, bridges and other state installations linked to public interest have brought criticism from environmental experts on the grounds that this will lead to more environmental degradation.

CRZ Regulation Specific Recommendations

  • The regulations of the CRZ notification in category II and Ill areas, especially with regard to construction, had affected the housing, slum redevelopment, redevelopment of dilapidated structures and other dangerous buildings. Hence, concerned State Governments should be left to address the housing needs of the communities as per the State/UT Government norms.
  • Simplifying the terminology used in the regulation. Terms like High Tide Line (HTL), Low Tide Line (LTL), etc. needs to be defined in a simpler way.
  • The overlapping jurisdictions and provisions between CRZ and other laws must be addressed.
  • Government has brought several changes in the Coastal Regulation Zone, 2011 notification considering the above recommendations. The Coastal Regulation Zone Notification, 2018 was formed on the guidelines issued by Shailesh Nayak Committee.

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