The central government notified the new coastal regulation zone (CRZ) regimen on Friday. While the new norms propose a reduction of no-development zone (NDZ) along tidal-influenced water bodies from 100m to 50m, a 20m CRZ for islands, among other changes, it makes no mention of Goa’s centuries-old ecological marvels, khazans linked with bunds that extend over 2,000km. The draft was first notified on April 18, 2018, for suggestions and objections from the public, which were to be submitted within 60 days. Thereafter, on December 28, 2018, the Union cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the CRZ notification with a few minor changes. While CRZ 2011 had a separate section for Goa, as also for some other states, and included provisions for protection of khazans from any development, declaration of fishing villages and other aspects, the same is missing in the new one. But a section on salt marshes sets out some terms for conservation and protection of salt marshes with permission for traditional fishing, temporary tourism facilities under norms to be laid down and some patches for salt pan activities. Activists are yet to study the new regime in detail, but considering the draft proposals, some said the consequences to the coastal environment and communities would be disastrous. Fundamentally, all environmental laws have been strengthened in view of global climate change, resource depletion and related challenges as well as threat to survival of humanity itself. In these circumstances, any dilution of environmental law is illegal and against the humanity’s interest, environmental activist Abhijit Prabhudesai said. The notification defreezes floor area ratio in CRZ II (urban), frozen in the 1991 notification. Densely populated rural areas (CRZ-III) will be split under two categories, one of which activists suspect may apply to Goa, though some disagree. Areas with a population density of 2,161 per sqkm as per 2011 will have the CRZ reduced from 200m to 50m. The new CRZ notification extends protection to turtle nesting grounds identified by government. At present, the land area from high tide line (HTL), which is yet to be finalised by the National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Zone Management (NCSCM) to 500m on the landward side, comprises NDZ of 200m. In benefits for local communities, fishermen have been allowed to reconstruct their old dwellings within 20m, but without altering the plinth. They can also offer home stay facilities to tourists, also without altering the plinth area or facade of existing houses.