Coastal Zone Management
Full Form of CZM
What is CZM?
Coastal Zone Management (CZM) in India refers to the regulatory framework and planning process aimed at sustainable development and conservation of coastal areas. Governed by the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) notifications issued under the Environment Protection Act, 1986, CZM involves demarcation of ecologically sensitive zones, regulation of construction and industrial activities, and promotion of livelihoods such as fisheries and tourism. It is implemented by state-level Coastal Zone Management Authorities (CZMAs) in coordination with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC). The concept originated from global concerns over coastal degradation and gained national significance after the 1991 CRZ notification. In practice, CZM is used during environmental impact assessments (EIA) for projects near coastlines, preparation of Coastal Zone Management Plans, and enforcement of setback norms. For competitive exams like UPSC and state civil services, CZM is a recurring topic under environment and ecology, especially in questions related to sustainable coastal development and climate adaptation. The approach balances economic growth with ecological integrity, addressing issues like sea-level rise, mangrove loss, and pollution. Recent amendments have introduced floor space index (FSI) relaxations for tourism, sparking debates on conservation versus development.
CZM का फुल फॉर्म
तटीय क्षेत्र प्रबंधन
Example
The state government submitted its revised CZM plan to the MoEFCC for approval, incorporating new hazard line data from the National Centre for Coastal Research.