Finding 4: CRZ 2019 Notification — Mumbai Coastal Regulation Framework (2026 Status)
Oracle Run: oracle-2026-04-23-regulatory
Date Compiled: 2026-04-23
Topic: CRZ / Mumbai Coastal Development
Source Tier: S (Primary — MoEFCC)
Date Tier: T3 — Base regulation from 2019 (still governing in 2026)
Summary
The Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification, 2019 (S.O. 36(E), January 18, 2019) issued by MoEFCC remains the governing framework for coastal development in Mumbai in 2026. No major amendment has superseded it. The Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP) under this notification is the key state-level instrument.
CRZ 2019 — Key Provisions for Mumbai
CRZ Categorization in Mumbai
| Category | Coverage | Key Rules |
|---|---|---|
| CRZ-I A | Ecologically sensitive areas (mangroves, corals) | No development |
| CRZ-I B | Intertidal zone | No development |
| CRZ-II | Built-up areas along the sea front (pre-existing settlements) | Redevelopment permissible up to existing FSI/FAR |
| CRZ-III A | Densely populated rural areas (population ≥2161/km²) | Development up to 50m from HTL |
| CRZ-III B | Other rural areas | Development up to 200m from HTL |
| CRZ-IV | Water areas (tidal influenced) | Restricted development |
Mumbai-specific: Most of the developed coastline (Bandra, Worli, Marine Drive, Mahim) falls under CRZ-II.
Key 2019 CRZ Changes from 2011 Notification
- No Development Zone (NDZ) reduction: NDZ for CRZ-III A reduced from 200m to 50m (significant for dense areas)
- Tourism facilities: Temporary tourist structures permitted up to 10m above HTL in CRZ-III areas
- Floor Space Index (FSI): FSI/FAR governed by DCR (Development Control Regulations), not CRZ — CRZ permits redevelopment but does not grant additional FSI beyond what DCR allows
- Slum redevelopment: Slum rehabilitation in CRZ areas permitted (important for Dharavi-adjacent projects)
- Relaxed requirements for port-proximate development
MCZMA (Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority)
The MCZMA (constituted under Environment Protection Act) is the State-level body that:
- Issues CRZ clearances for Maharashtra coastal projects
- Prepares and implements the Maharashtra CZMP
- Reviews project environmental compliance
Maharashtra CZMP Status (2026): Maharashtra CZMP was submitted to MoEFCC/National CZM Authority for review. As of available information, the plan has been through multiple rounds of revision under Supreme Court monitoring. The Supreme Court has been tracking all state CZMPs under CRZ 2019 compliance.
Key Mumbai Projects with CRZ Implications (2025-26)
- Dharavi Redevelopment: Portions adjoin CRZ-I/II zones near Mahim Creek
- Bandra-Versova Coastal Stretch: Multiple redevelopment projects in CRZ-II
- Worli Seaface: High-value CRZ-II zone with active luxury development
- Gorai/Manori: CRZ-III zone development for eco-tourism and residential
Source URLs
- CRZ Notification 2019 (MoEFCC): https://moef.gov.in/rules-regulations/coastal-regulation-zone/
- S.O. 36(E) dated January 18, 2019: https://moef.gov.in/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/SO-36E-dated-18.01.2019-CRZ-Notification-2019.pdf
- MCZMA: Contact Maharashtra state environment department (mpcb.gov.in)
- Supreme Court CZMP Orders: Available on SCI website
Runwal Relevance
- Critical: Runwal’s coastal/suburban Mumbai projects must comply with CRZ-II rules
- Redevelopment of older coastal Mumbai properties permissible but capped at existing FSI
- No CRZ clearance required for projects entirely within CRZ-II that do not extend toward HTL
- Projects near Mahim, Bandra, Versova need MCZMA pre-certification
- Risk: If Maharashtra CZMP is finally notified with stricter designations, some proposed projects could face reclassification