Draft notification: Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep Islands protection zone
Whereas the Central Government vide its notification number S.O.114(E), dated the 19th February, 1991, (hereinafter referred to as the said notification), declared Coastal Regulation Zone and imposed certain restrictions on the setting up and expansion of industries, operations and processes in the said Zones for its protection; And whereas, the said notification was amended, from time to time, based on recommendations of various committees, judicial pronouncements, representations from State Governments, Ministries and Departments of the Central Government, and the general public, consistent with the basic objective of the said notification;And whereas, perceiving the continuing difficulties posed by the said notification in its effective implementation for the sustainable development of coastal regions as well as conservation of coastal resources, the Central Government in the Ministry of Environment and Forests constituted an Expert Committee under the Chairmanship of Prof. M. S. Swaminathan, with experts in the areas of environmental law, marine biodiversity, marine geology, environmental economics, socio-economic, remote sensing, coastal engineering, urban planning and marine fisheries, to carry out a comprehensive review of the said notification (including all its amendments) in the light of findings and recommendations of previous committees, judicial pronouncements, representations of various stakeholders, and to suggest suitable amendments, if necessary, to make the coastal regulatory framework consistent with well established scientific principles of coastal zone management.