Question 1

What is CRZ in Tamil Nadu and how does it apply to my plot?

Accepted Answer

Tamil Nadu's CRZ is governed by the Coastal Zone Management Plan approved by MoEFCC on 24 October 2018, prepared under CRZ Notification 2011. A new CZMP under CRZ Notification 2019 is currently being prepared by NCSCM and has not yet received MoEFCC approval — CRZ 2011 rules remain operative. The zone covers land within 500 metres of the High Tide Line and 100 metres along tidal creeks, and applies to any plot in 14 coastal districts.

Question 2

How do I check if my plot is in CRZ?

Accepted Answer

Match your survey number against the approved CZMP map uploaded by the Tamil Nadu Department of Environment in 117 sheets. The plot's classification will read CRZ-I, II, III A, III B, or IV. Anything within 500 m from HTL is in CRZ. Use 1acre's Premium map layer (https://1acre.in/subscribe) to overlay the TNSCZMA-approved CZMP boundary on your survey number before approaching TNSCZMA for a clearance application.

Question 3

Can I build a house within 500 metres of the sea in Tamil Nadu?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but only beyond the NDZ. In CRZ-III A and CRZ-III B, that means 50 m or 200 m from HTL respectively. In CRZ-II urban areas, construction is allowed on the landward side of existing approved roads, with TNSCZMA clearance.

Question 4

Who gives CRZ clearance in Tamil Nadu?

Accepted Answer

The Tamil Nadu State Coastal Zone Management Authority (TNSCZMA) clears CRZ-II and CRZ-III projects. CRZ-I and CRZ-IV proposals go to MoEFCC at the Centre, on TNSCZMA recommendation. District authorities recommend at the first level. A CAG audit found that TNSCZMA approved 114 of 175 projects (2015–2022) without required MoEFCC or SEIAA review — CRZ clearances from this period may face retrospective challenge.

Question 5

What is the No Development Zone in CRZ-III?

Accepted Answer

NDZ in CRZ-III A is 50 metres from HTL, applied where rural population density exceeds 2,161 per sq km as per Census 2011. In CRZ-III B, NDZ is 200 metres. Inside NDZ, only repairs and traditional dwellings are allowed.

Question 6

Are ECR plots affected by CRZ?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Most ECR villages from Kottivakkam to Mamallapuram fall in CRZ-II or CRZ-III. The Madras HC has 440 pending appeals against ECR construction inside the 500-metre belt, set for disposal by 31 May 2026. Use 1acre's Premium map layer (https://1acre.in/subscribe) to overlay the CZMP boundary on your survey number and confirm whether it falls inside the 798-notice belt or NDZ before any transaction.

Question 7

What is the difference between CRZ-III A and CRZ-III B?

Accepted Answer

CRZ-III A and CRZ-III B split rural CRZ areas by 2011 Census density. CRZ-III A is densely populated rural with 50 m NDZ. CRZ-III B is sparsely populated rural with 200 m NDZ. The classification is fixed in the approved CZMP map Tamil Nadu**.

Question 8

Can old houses on the beach be repaired in CRZ?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Repair or reconstruction of existing authorised structures is allowed without expanding plinth area, FSI, or density. Traditional fishing community dwellings get specific protections. Anything beyond repair needs fresh TNSCZMA clearance.

18 Verified lands & plots for sale falling under the Tamil Nadu CRZ.