Q1. The primary objective of the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) notification is:
- Protect coastal zones and regulate development activities
- Facilitate industrial activities near coastlines
- Promote marine fishing
- Enhance beach tourism
Correct Option: 1. Protect coastal zones and regulate development activities
Explanation: The CRZ notification was issued to conserve ecologically sensitive coastal areas and regulate human activities that may lead to their degradation.
Q2. Which of the following is NOT classified under CRZ-I?
- Coral reefs
- Mangroves (above 1000 sq. m)
- Built-up urban coastal areas
- Sea grass beds
Correct Option: 3. Built-up urban coastal areas
Explanation: CRZ-I includes ecologically sensitive areas like mangroves, coral reefs, seagrass beds, etc. Built-up areas fall under CRZ-II.
Q3. CRZ-II areas are characterized by:
- Protected forest areas
- Rural and sparsely populated coastal areas
- Aquatic regions only
- Developed areas within municipal limits close to the shoreline
Correct Option: 4. Developed areas within municipal limits close to the shoreline
Explanation: CRZ-II refers to urbanized areas that are already developed close to the shoreline and fall within municipal boundaries.
Q4. Which of the following activities is not permitted in CRZ-I without approval?
- Salt harvesting
- Traditional fishing
- Oil exploration
- New construction (except certain exceptions)
Correct Option: 4. New construction (except certain exceptions)
Explanation:
• New construction is generally not allowed in CRZ-I except for very specific infrastructure (e.g., pipelines, radar, atomic energy projects).
• Oil and gas exploration is a permitted activity under CRZ-I with proper regulatory approvals. It is not freely allowed like salt harvesting or traditional fishing, but not outright prohibited either.
Q5. What is the extent of CRZ-IV as per the CRZ 2011 notification?
- Upto 100 meters from shoreline
- From High Tide Line to territorial waters (12 nautical miles)
- Only rural coastal areas
- Between Low Tide Line and High Tide Line
Correct Option: 2. From High Tide Line to territorial waters (12 nautical miles)
Explanation: CRZ-IV covers the aquatic area from the Low Tide Line (LTL) to 12 nautical miles seaward including estuaries and tidal water bodies.