Self-Evaluation Questions on Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ)
1. What is the difference between CRZ-III A and CRZ-III B?
• CRZ-III A: These are rural areas where the population density is
more than 2161 persons per square kilometre.
• CRZ-III B: These are rural areas where the population density is
less than 2161 persons per square kilometre.
In simple words, if more people live in a rural coastal area
(above 2161 persons/km²), it is CRZ-III A. If fewer people live
there (below 2161 persons/km²), it is CRZ-III B.
2. What is the significance of 2161 persons/km² in CRZ
categorisation?
• The number 2161 persons per square kilometre is used as a
cut-off value for deciding whether a rural coastal area will be
placed in CRZ-III A or CRZ-III B.
• It helps in making rules for development, because more
populated areas need stricter rules to protect the coast.
3. How is CRZ determined along tidal creeks?
• Along tidal creeks, CRZ is decided based on salinity of water.
• If the salinity is 5 parts per thousand (ppt) or more, then the
tidal creek is included in the CRZ.
• This is because salinity shows the influence of the sea on the
creek.
4. What is the importance of the driest month in determining CRZ
along tidal creeks?
• The driest month of the year is used to measure salinity in tidal
creeks.
• This month is important because at this time, freshwater flow
is very low.
• If the salinity is still ≥ 5 ppt in the driest month, it proves that
tidal effect of the sea is strong, so the creek must be included
under CRZ.
5. What is CRZ-I B?
• CRZ-I B is the intertidal zone.
• It is the area between the Low Tide Line (LTL) and the High Tide
Line (HTL).
• This zone is very sensitive because it is regularly covered and
uncovered by the sea water.
6. In CRZ, what is meant by NDZ?
• NDZ means No Development Zone.
• This is a strip of land along the coast where no construction,
industry or permanent development is allowed.
• NDZ is made to protect the natural coastal ecosystem and to
reduce the risk from hazards like erosion, cyclones and floods.
7. Name any five regions of India that require special consideration
in CRZ.
The following regions of India require special rules because of their
unique coastal ecosystem:
1. Gulf of Kachchh
2. Gulf of Khambhat
3. Malvan region of Maharashtra
4. Goa
5. Sundarbans of West Bengal
8. Which types of ecologically sensitive areas are protected under
CRZ?
The CRZ protects the following ecologically sensitive areas:
• Mangroves (coastal forests that protect against storms)
• Coral reefs (important for marine biodiversity)
• Sand dunes (act as natural barriers against sea waves)
• Salt marshes and wetlands (important for birds and water
storage)
• Biodiversity-rich areas (home to rare species)
9. What are the salient features of the guidelines for developing
resorts and hotels within CRZ-II (or CRZ-III)?
• Resorts and hotels can only be built on the landward side of
existing roads.
• A setback distance must be kept from the High Tide Line (HTL).
• Construction should use local style of architecture and eco-
friendly materials.
• The project must not disturb sand dunes, mangroves, or any
coastal ecosystem.
• The tourism project should also make arrangements for waste
management and sewage treatment.
10. What are the roles of NCSCM and IESWM in CRZ demarcation of
West Bengal?
• NCSCM (National Centre for Sustainable Coastal
Management): Provides scientific and technical support for
CRZ mapping. It develops the methodology and standards for
demarcation.
• IESWM (Institute of Environmental Studies and Wetland
Management): Works at the state level in West Bengal to carry
out actual field surveys, mapping and demarcation of CRZ
boundaries.
Together, NCSCM and IESWM ensure that CRZ boundaries in
West Bengal are scientifically accurate and legally valid.
