Question 1

What is Karnataka CRZ and how does it apply to my plot?

Accepted Answer

Karnataka CRZ covers the entire 320 km coastline within 500 metres of HTL (High Tide Line), plus 50 metres along tidal water bodies. It is governed by CRZ Notification 2019 and the Karnataka CZMP approved by MoEFCC on 1 September 2022, applicable across Uttara Kannada, Udupi, and Dakshina Kannada districts. Karnataka's approved CZMP is under challenge in two cases before the NGT Southern Bench. If either challenge succeeds, the approved CRZ 2019 rules may be modified or reverted. Buyers in North Karnataka's coastal belt should track these proceedings.

Question 2

How do I check if my plot in coastal Karnataka falls under CRZ?

Accepted Answer

Match your survey number against the approved Karnataka CZMP map available from KSCZMA or the Department of Tourism head office. The classification will read CRZ-I A, CRZ-I B, CRZ-II, CRZ-III A, CRZ-III B, or CRZ-IV. Use 1acre's Premium map layer (https://1acre.in/subscribe) to overlay the MoEFCC-approved Karnataka CZMP boundary on your survey number before approaching KSCZMA for a CRZ clearance application.

Question 3

Can I build a house near Mangalore or Udupi beach?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but only beyond the NDZ in CRZ-III, on the landward side of existing roads in CRZ-II. KSCZMA clearance through Parivesh portal is mandatory regardless of MUDA, UDA, or panchayat approvals. CRZ-I parcels (mangroves, dunes, CVCA) cannot be built on.

Question 4

What is the No Development Zone for Karnataka CRZ-III?

Accepted Answer

Karnataka's 320 km coastline crosses Uttara Kannada, Udupi, and Dakshina Kannada districts, and most CRZ-III villages here fall in CRZ-III B (≤ 2,161 persons per sq km under Census 2011), which carries a 200 m No Development Zone from the High Tide Line. Densely-populated CRZ-III A pockets — including parts of Mangaluru, Udupi, Karwar, and Kundapur — get a relaxed 50 m NDZ. Along the Sharavati, Netravati, Kali, and other tidal water bodies in coastal Karnataka, the NDZ is 50 m or the creek width, whichever is less. Always pull the Karnataka CZMP 2019 zone for the parcel before relying on broker claims.

Question 5

Who gives CRZ clearance in Karnataka?

Accepted Answer

KSCZMA recommends clearance for CRZ-II and CRZ-III projects through the Parivesh portal under MoEFCC F.No. IA3-12/1/2022-IA.III dated 29.11.2022. CRZ-I and CRZ-IV proposals require MoEFCC clearance at the Centre. Local Self Government Institutes have limited delegated powers.

Question 6

Are Karwar and Coondapur listed as CVCAs?

Accepted Answer

Yes. CRZ Notification 2019 paragraph 3.1 lists Karwar (Uttara Kannada) and Coondapur (Udupi) as Critical Vulnerable Coastal Areas. Both are managed with fisher community involvement, classified as CRZ-I A, and no private construction is permitted within the notified buffer zones. NGT Southern Bench has ordered status quo on Karwar commercial port expansion — buyers near Baitkhol should verify current order status before any transaction.

Question 7

Is the Karnataka CZMP 2019 approved by MoEFCC?

Accepted Answer

Yes. NCZMA approved the Karnataka CZMP at its 45th meeting on 1 September 2022. Karnataka is among the first four states with an approved CZMP 2019, alongside Odisha, Maharashtra, and Kerala (Kerala's 10 districts approved October 2024). The Tourism Plan 92 beaches Karnataka annexure is part of this approved CZMP. Karnataka's approved CZMP is under challenge in two cases before the NGT Southern Bench. If either challenge succeeds, the approved CRZ 2019 rules may be modified or reverted. Buyers in North Karnataka's coastal belt should track these proceedings.

Question 8

Can NRIs buy plots in coastal Karnataka CRZ areas?

Accepted Answer

Yes for non-agricultural land, subject to FEMA rules and KSCZMA clearance for any construction. Agricultural land purchase by NRIs faces standard RBI restrictions. CRZ classification does not bar ownership but freezes development rights inside NDZ regardless of buyer category.

8 Verified lands & plots for sale falling under the Karnataka CRZ.