Centre Extends Validity of Island Project Approvals

Island Protection Zone Notification Extended for Island Projects: In a recent move, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has extended the validity of infrastructure projects approved under the Island Protection Zone (IPZ) 2011 notification. This decision impacts ongoing and proposed developments in the Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep island groups, ensuring continuity of projects while maintaining ecological safeguards.

Island Protection Zone

The IPZ notification, issued in 2011 under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, provides a regulatory framework for the conservation and management of island ecosystems. It is designed to protect the fragile biodiversity and coastal integrity of India’s island territories.

Static GK fact: The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 was enacted after the Bhopal Gas Tragedy to provide a comprehensive legal framework for environmental protection in India.

IPZ vs CRZ

While the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) applies to mainland coastal areas, the IPZ is specific to island territories. Both frameworks aim to regulate construction and development near coastlines, but IPZ accounts for the unique ecological and geographical features of islands.

Regulatory Components of IPZ

The IPZ framework includes two major regulatory tools:

• Island Coastal Regulation Zone (ICRZ): Applicable to larger islands such as North Andaman, Middle Andaman, South Andaman, and Little Andaman. It defines permissible activities and buffer zones to prevent ecological degradation.
• Integrated Island Management Plans (IIMPs): These are applicable to all other islands in the Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep archipelagos. IIMPs provide a holistic approach to development, balancing ecological preservation with infrastructure needs.

Static GK Tip: The Andaman and Nicobar Islands comprise over 570 islands, while Lakshadweep consists of 36 islands, making them highly sensitive to environmental changes.

Significance of the Extension

The extension of project validity under the IPZ 2011 notification ensures that approved infrastructure projects do not lapse due to procedural delays. It also reflects the government’s intent to balance development with environmental responsibility, especially in strategically and ecologically important island regions.

This move is expected to facilitate sustainable tourism, coastal infrastructure, and disaster-resilient development in India’s island territories.

Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table

Island Protection Zone Notification Extended for Island Projects: