Vizag pushes for CRZ-II status to unlock coastal investments

Visakhapatnam: The Visakhapatnam district administration has recommended reclassifying the coastal stretch from Madhurawada boundary to Bheemili stretch from a rural/undisturbed category (coastal regulation zone-III) to an urban/developed category (CRZ-II). To justify the proposed shift from CRZ-III to CRZ-II, the local authorities have built their case on statutory definitions, empirical land-use data, and future economic development plans.The fundamental criterion for a CRZ-II classification under the coastal regulation zone (CRZ) notification, 2019, is that the land must fall within existing municipal limits or other legally designated urban areas. In 2019, the Andhra Pradesh government merged five local panchayats (K Nagarapalem, Kapuluppada, Chepaluppada, Nidigattu, and J.V. Agraharam) between Madhurawada and Bheemili into the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation limits, thereby bringing the area within an urban administrative framework.In addition to administrative status, the CRZ notification, 2019, stipulates that an area can qualify as CRZ-II only if it is “substantially built-up”, with the ratio of built-up plots to total plots exceeding 50 per cent. According to official data, out of a total extent of 498.68 hectares, the developed area stood at 319.59 hectares as of January 2026.This translates to a developed footprint of 64.09 per cent of the total land area, significantly surpassing the threshold prescribed for CRZ-II classification. Furthermore, the data indicates a clear trend of progressive urbanisation, with the undeveloped area shrinking from 81.42 hectares in 2019 to 64.05 hectares in 2026.The proposal for reclassification was formally deliberated upon during a coordination meeting convened by the Andhra Pradesh Coastal Zone Management Authority on May 5. The compiled findings and supporting data are expected to be submitted to the Union ministry of environment, forest and climate change for consideration while updating the final coastal zone management plan maps to reflect the proposed CRZ-II status.The district authorities have argued that retaining the area under the more restrictive CRZ-III norms could impede several high-value, state-backed economic projects. For instance, a six-lane coastal highway has been proposed between Visakhapatnam port and Bhogapuram airport along this coastal alignment under the master plan 2041. The nearly 50-km beach corridor is proposed to be developed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) with Union government funding and is expected to attract significant tourism activity and private investment to the region.The proposed reclassification also aligns with broader regional development objectives. Under the proposed Visakhapatnam Economic Region Plan, the Vizag bay city development project envisions the creation of a world-class urban and tourism hub along the coastal stretch between Kailasagiri and Bheemili. Similarly, several key other projects along the beachfront are in the pipeline.Another key requirement for CRZ-II classification is the availability of functional urban infrastructure, including drainage systems, approach roads, water supply networks, and sewerage facilities. In this regard, both the GVMC and the Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority have confirmed that the coastal stretch is adequately serviced by infrastructure. The area is connected by major road networks, including a highway, and is equipped with established drainage, water supply, and sewerage systems.CRZ Shift Gets Public SupportThe CRZ-II reclassification proposal has support from local residents and businesses.Public hearings on the draft CZMPs were held in July and December 2024.Authorities received numerous representations seeking a shift from CRZ-III to CRZ-II.The GVMC processed and responded to 93 objections and representations related to the coastal stretch.Landowners were among the key stakeholders advocating reclassification.Elected representatives have consistently backed the demand for CRZ-II status.Stakeholders argue that the CRZ-III designation imposes restrictive development norms through a 200-metre no-development zone.Supporters contend that these restrictions are unfair to landowners in rapidly urbanising municipal areas.