HTL, LTL AND COASTAL REGULATION ZONE STATUS REPORT … · CRZ Report for Vizhinjam International...

Centre for Earth Science Studies Thiruvananthapuram 695 031, Kerala

April 2013

HTL, LTL AND COASTAL REGULATION ZONE STATUS REPORT FOR VIZHINJAM INTERNATIONAL CONTAINER TERMINAL AT

VIZHINJAM, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM

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HTL, LTL AND COASTAL REGULATION ZONE STATUS REPORT FOR

VIZHINJAM INTERNATIONAL CONTAINER TERMINAL AT


Prepared for

Vizhinjam International Seaport Limited,

Thiruvananthapuram

CENTRE FOR EARTH SCIENCE STUDIES

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM 695031

April, 2013

DOCUMENTATION PAGE

CENTRE FOR EARTH SCIENCE STUDIES

1.REPORT NUMBER CESS – CRZ – 07 – 2013

2. TYPE OF REPORT CRZ STATUS REPORT

3. TITLE C HTL, LTL AND COASTAL REGULATION ZONE STATUS

REPORT FOR VIZHINJAM INTERNATIONAL CONTAINER

TERMINAL AT VIZHINJAM, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM

4. AUTHORS

TECH. SUPPORT

PROJECT FELLOWS

K. V. THOMAS

D. RAJU

K.O. BADAREES

5. KEY WORDS

Vizhinjam-Azhimala, port, Coastal Regulation Zone, cadastral map, laterite cliffs, land use, Coastal Regulation Zone, High Tide Line (HTL), Low Tide Line (LTL), No Development Zone, CRZ IA, CRZ IB, CRZ III, CRZ IV

6. ABSTRACT

Vizhinjam International Seaport Limited, Thiruvananthapuram proposes to establish the Vizhinjam International Container Terminal at Vizhinjam, Thiruvananthapuram. The proposed site is covered in Map No. 2 and 3 of the Coastal Zone Management Plan of the State. Demarcation of CRZ for the site was done on cadastral maps. The HTL and LTL were identified based on field signatures and demarcated on a cadastral base map. The CRZ is 500 m landward of the HTL with a 200 No Development Zone in addition to the intertidal zone and the coastal waters upto 12 nm. The CRZ consists of CRZ IB, CRZ III and CRZ IV. Developed area in erstwhile Vizhinjam panchayat, categorised as CRZIII in the CZMP (1995) of the State, may get categorised as CRZ II when CRZ (2011) is implemented.

7.DISTRIBUTION

STATEMENT

NOT FOR CIRCULATION

8. INSTITUTION

VIZHINJAM INTERNATIONAL SEAPORT LIMITED,

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM

CONTENTS Page No

1.0 Introduction 1 2.0 Location 1

3.0 Objective 2 4.0 Approach & Data Source 2

4.1 Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) 2 4.2 Approach 4

4.3 Data Source 4 5.0 Tides 5

6.0 Identification of HTL and CRZ 5 7.0 Field investigation 6

7.1 Landuse 6 8.0 CRZ for the State of Kerala 6

9.0 Coastal Regulation Zone for the project site 7 9.1 HTL 7

9.2 CRZ categories 7 10. 0 SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS 8

REFERENCES

LIST OF FIGURES Fig. 1 Location map

Fig. 2 CRZ map

PLATES Plate 1. Vizhinjam fishing harbour and its south breakwater that forms the north

boundary of the site Plate 2. One of the pocket beaches along the Vizhinjam-Azhimala coastal stretch

Plate 3. Buildings constructed in the CRZ Plate 4. Eroding cliff

Plate 5. Seawalls along some sectors of sandy beach Plate 6. Wide beach with well defined berms

CRZ Report for Vizhinjam International Container Terminal, Vizhinjam Centre for Earth Science Studies, Thiruvananthapuram

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HTL, LTL AND COASTAL REGULATION ZONE STATUS REPORT FOR VIZHINJAM INTERNATIONAL CONTAINER TERMINAL AT


1.0 Introduction

The Vizhinjam International Seaport Ltd (VISL), Thiruvananthapuram,

Government of Kerala proposes to establish the Vizhinjam International

Container Terminal at Vizhinjam, Thiruvananthapuram which is about 4 km south

of Kovalam. The site is covered in Map No. 2 and 3 of the Coastal Zone

Management Plan of the State (CZMP, 1995). As per the project document major

part of the development is proposed in the sea. M/s Vizhinjam International

Seaport Limited requested Centre for Earth Science Studies (CESS),

Thiruvananthapuram to prepare a CRZ Status Report for the project site

demarcating the High Tide Line (HTL), Low Tide Line (LTL) and Coastal

Regulation Zone (CRZ) in cadastral scale. The report is prepared based on a field

investigations carried out during July 2004 and December 2011.

2.0 Location The project area is along the coast south of the headland at Vizhinjam and its

offshore (Fig.1). It is located between Lat 8° 22’ 38”, Long 76° 59’ 44” and Lat

8° 21’ 24”, Long 77° 00’ 41”. The berth line of the port is proposed to be 400 m

to 600 m away from the shoreline and the area between shoreline and berth is to

be reclaimed. The land adjacent to the site falls within the erstwhile Vizhinjam

panchayat (now part of Thiruvananthapuram Corporation) and Kottukal

panchayat in Thiruvananthapuram District. The site extends from Vizhinjam

fishing harbour in the north to Azhimala cliff (Azhimala Siva temple) in the

south. Laterite cliffs and hard rock promontories are seen throughout the coast

with pocket beaches in between. Seasonal sandy beaches exist seaward of laterite

cliffs in some locations.


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3.0 Objective The objective of the study is:

Delineation of the HTL and CRZ for the proposed site for Vizhinjam

International Container Terminal

4.0 Approach & Data Source

4.1 Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ)

All developmental activities in the CRZ are regulated through the CRZ Notification

(MoEF, 2011). The Government of India Notification [S.O.19 (E) dated 6.1.2011]

under Section 3(1) and Section 3(2)(v) of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and

Rule 5(3)(d) of Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986 has redefined the CRZ.

Accordingly the CRZ has been declared as ‘the coastal stretches of the country and

the water area up to its territorial water limit’ (MoEF, 2011). The CRZ consists of:

1. Land area from the High Tide Line (HTL) to 500 m on the landward side along

the sea front.

2. Land area between the HTL to 100 m or width of the creek whichever is less on

the landward side along the tidal influenced water bodies that are connected to the

sea and the distance up to which development along such tidal influenced water

bodies is to be regulated shall be governed by the distance up to which tidal

effects are experienced which is determined based on salinity concentration of 5

parts per thousand (ppt) measured during the driest period of the year and distance

upto which tidal effects are experienced should be clearly identified and

demarcated accordingly in the Coastal Zone Management Plans (CZMPs). Tidal

influenced water bodies mean the water bodies influenced by tidal effects from

sea, in the bays, estuaries, rivers, creeks, backwaters, lagoons, ponds connected to

the sea or creeks and the like.

3. Land area falling between the hazard line and 500 m from HTL on the landward

side, in case of seafront and between the hazard line and 100 m line in case of

tidal influenced water body. The word ‘hazard line’ denotes the line demarcated


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by Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) through the Survey of India

(SoI) taking into account tides, waves, sea level rise and shoreline changes.

4. Land area between HTL and Low Tide Line (LTL), which will be termed as the

inter-tidal zone.

5. Water and the bed area between the LTL to the territorial water limit (12 nm) in

case of sea and the water and the bed area between LTL at the bank to the LTL on

the opposite side of the bank, of tidal influenced water bodies.

The CRZ Notification (MoEF 2011) categorizes Coastal Regulation Zones as CRZ I,

CRZ II, CRZ III and CRZ IV based on whether the area is ecologically sensitive,

developed, undeveloped or waterbody and its bed. Ecologically sensitive and

important areas and the inter-tidal zone constitute CRZ I. The areas that have already

been developed upto or close to the shoreline are categorized as CRZ II. Areas that

are relatively undisturbed belong to CRZ III. The water area and the bed constitute

CRZ IV.

In view of the unique coastal systems of backwater and ‘backwater islands’ and space

constraints in the coastal stretches of Kerala, the CRZ (on the landward side) in the

islands within the backwaters in Kerala have been defined as 50 m from the High

Tide Line on the landward side (MoEF 2011). The CRZ Notification of 2011 has also

defined Critical Vulnerable Coastal Areas (CVCA), which include Sunderbans, and

other identified ecologically sensitive areas in which ‘Vembanad in Kerala’ is also

included.

The Ministry of Environment & Forests, Govt of India has issued the new CRZ

notification in January 2011 (CRZ 2011) in supersession of CRZ 1991 except as

respects things done or omitted to be done before such supersession. At the same time

the Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP) approved in 1996 remains valid for 2

years or till a new CZMP is prepared and got approved.


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4.2 Approach The coastal zone of the proposed area has been studied using toposheets and

satellite imageries for a preliminary appraisal of the landform and landuse of the

area. The CZMP (1995) of the State was referred to ascertain the probable sites

where the coastal regulations are applicable. Ground details were observed in the

field through a reconnoiter investigation. Cadastral maps in 1:5000 scale, giving

survey plot information, have been used as the base map on which the proposed

site has been superimposed. The HTL and LTL were located with respect to

survey plots. Being plotted in cadastral maps in 1:5000 scales, the HTL and CRZ

boundaries are locatable in the field with respect to survey plots with sufficient

accuracy.

The key elements of general approach followed in the study are:

To verify the CZMP of the State (CZMP, 1995) and identify CRZ areas.

To delineate HTL, LTL and CRZ based on the Coastal Regulation Zone notification (CRZ 2011; 1991)

To gather information on status of eco-systems (such as beaches, mangroves, tidal flats, etc.) in the proposed development site and its vicinity.

To observe and record physical signatures for identifying HTL and map the distance to HTL with respect to survey plots.

To prepare the CRZ map delineating the HTL, LTL in cadastral scale.

4.3 Data Source

Different sets of data were used for compilation of the final map and preparation

of the CRZ report. The principal data sources are listed below:

1. Survey of India Toposheets

2. Satellite imagery

3. Cadastral maps

4. CZMP maps

5. Field mapping


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5.0 Tides Thiruvananthapuram coast is micro-tidal having a maximum tidal range of 1m.

Tide data as provided in the hydrographic chart (NHO, 1968), with respect to

Chart Datum pertaining to Vizhinjam is given below:

Table 1. Tide at Vizhinjam

Tide at Vizhinjam

Height

(m)

Mean Higher High Water 0.84

Mean Lower High Water 0.66

Mean Higher Low Water 0.43

Mean Lower Low Water 0.26

6.0 Identification of HTL and CRZ

The MoEF guidelines (MoEF, 2011) stipulate that the HTL/LTL be identified based on

coastal geomorphologic signatures in the field/satellite imageries/aerial photographs.

Therefore, delineation of the HTL and LTL, and identification of Coastal Regulation

Zones for the site were carried out based on geomorphic and other signatures such as

berm crests, cliff base, seawalls, embankments and boundaries of inter tidal zones. A

detailed appraisal of the ecosystems and existing landuse in the project area was carried

out to help the categorisation of the regulation zones pertaining to sensitive and important

coastal ecosystems. Survey of India topographic maps and satellite imageries of the area

were also used for the same in addition to information available from previous studies.

Field investigations were carried out during February 2008 and May 2011 in which

geomorphic and other signatures have been used to identify the HTL and LTL. After

identifying the HTL/LTL, the distances to these were measured with respect to known

points such as survey plot boundaries and transferred to the base map. Existing land use


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and landform in the project area have been used for the identification of CRZ I

categories. The CRZ categories for Kerala, as approved by the Govt of India (CZMP,

1995; MoEF, 1996) have also been referred, in addition to the landuse and CRZ (2011),

to understand CRZ categorisation.

7.0 Field investigation

The entire coastal stretch from Vizhinjam to Azhimala was studied in detail to identify

the field signatures for locating the HTL. Field investigations were carried out during

February 2008 and May 2011. Local level cadastral maps of 1:5000 scale pertaining to

the project site were procured from the Revenue Department and the same were used as

base map. The configuration of HTL/LTL was plotted with respect to known points in the

base map. An appraisal of existing land use/landform in the project area was carried out

to identify any ecologically sensitive and important areas to be categorized as CRZ 1A.

The CZMP (1995) of the State was referred to in addition to the landuse for demarcating

the CRZ categories.

7.1 Landuse The coast here is generally rocky and lateritic. Pocket beaches with medium sand exist

between the headlands. The lateritic cliffs immediately north of the south breakwater of

Vizhinjam harbour show erosional trends. A small stretch of about 150 m of the sandy

beach has seawalls. The coastal area adjacent to the proposed site for Vizhinjam

International Container Terminal is covered with coconut plantations and is sparsely

populated. The area is exceptionally panoramic and is fast developing as a major tourism

destination. Already many tourist resorts exist along the coastal stretch south of

Vizhinjam harbour. Some of these are in violation of the provisions of CRZ. Ecosystems

such as mangroves are absent in the vicinity of the proposed site. Many buildings have

come up in the CRZ.

8.0 CRZ for the State of Kerala

Though the CRZ (2011) is effective since January 2011, the Coastal Zone Management

Plan (CZMP, 1995) approved in 1996 remains valid for 2 years or till a new CZMP is


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prepared based on CRZ (2011). As per the CZMP (1995), the Kerala coast consists of

CRZ I, CRZ II and CRZ III since the then CRZ IV (Andamans and Lakshadweep and

small islands) was absent in Kerala. The CRZ (2011) has now included the waterbody

and the bed also as part of CRZ and redefined CRZ IV as tidal influenced waterbody and

the bed.

As per CRZ (2011), the CRZ along the Kerala coast consists of CRZ I, CRZ II, CRZ III and CRZ IV categories. The major CRZ I categories include the seasonal beach, tidal flats and mangroves. The CRZ, except those categorized as CRZ I, in the corporations and municipal councils are CRZ II while those in gramapanchayats have been categorized as CRZ III. The CRZ III has a No Development Zone (NDZ), which extends upto 200 m landward of the HTL. The water body part including nearshore waters and the backwaters is CRZ IV. The CRZ on the landward side for backwater islands is limited to 50 m landward from the HTL for Kerala (CRZ 2011). Mangroves and other sensitive ecosystems are further categorized as CRZ IA and the area between the HTL and LTL (intertidal zone) as CRZ IB. The CZMP (1995) has only CRZ I, CRZ II and CRZ III for the coastal zone of Kerala.

9.0 Coastal Regulation Zone for the project site Being on the seacoast, the area has a CRZ of 500 m landward from the HTL in addition

to the area between the HTL and LTL, the river, the sea and the sea/river bed.

9.1 HTL

The line of the cliff base is taken as the HTL. Along the pocket beaches the LTL is

seaward of the seasonal beach. The details of the HTL and LTL are given in the CRZ

map attached (Fig. 2). The HTL and LTL will get modified once the proposed

reclamation for port development takes place.

9.2 CRZ categories

Landward part of the site proposed for port is located in the erstwhile Vizhinjam

panchayat (now Thiruvananthapuram Corporation) and Kottukal panchayat. Hence the

CRZ of the area as per CZMP (1995), except those belonging to CRZ I and CRZ IV, is

CRZ III (Map No. 81 in the CZMP of the State). The details are shown in the CRZ map


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(Fig.2). Intertidal zone comprising of seasonal sandy beach and rocky nearshore is

categorized as CRZ IB. The landward part of project area is located within the 500 m

CRZ from the seaside. The sea and the bed are CRZ IV. A major part of the port facilities

including berth line are proposed to be located in the coastal water which is CRZ IV.

Vizhinjam panchayat where the major part of the project area is located, has now become

part of Thiruvananthapuram Corporation. Hence developed areas in the erstwhile

Vizhinjam panchayat could be categorized as CRZ II when the CZMP (2011) is

implemented. At the same time, Vizhinjam was a panchayat in 1991 and accordingly the

CRZ landward of the HTL, except those belonging to CRZ I, is CRZ III as per CZMP,

1995 (Map No. 2 & 3). The waterbody and the bed are CRZ IV.

The sea side does not have any sensitive ecosystems such as mangroves, corals and sand

dunes eligible to be categorized as CRZ IA. The CZMP (1995) considers a few locations

in this stretch as belonging to Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It also categorises

lateritic cliffs and adjacent 50 m landward as CRZ IA (Fig. 2).

The proposed reclamation for port development and the possible coastal morphological

changes along the shoreline at the site and its vicinity could change the existing HTL and

CRZ scenario in the future.

The proposed construction of breakwaters and harbour development are permissible

activities subject to conditions as per the CRZ Notification (2011).

10. 0 SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS

HTL, LTL and CRZ maps are in cadastral scale of 1:4000

The HTL was demarcated by taking into consideration the position of berm crests,

cliffs and seawalls

The CRZ categories are identified based on the CZMP of the State, landuse,

landform and CRZ 2011.


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Port development is proposed in the sea offshore of Vizhinjam-Azhimala coast.

The berth line of the port is proposed to be 400 m to 600 m away from the

shoreline and the area between shoreline and berth is to be reclaimed.

The CRZ consists of the coastal area 500 m landward from the HTL, intertidal

zone between the HTL and LTL and the sea and the bed upto 12 nm.

The Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the 50 m zone adjoining the lateritic

cliff edge, categorized as CRZ I in CZMP (1995), is not relevant for CRZ (2011)

and has not been considered for CRZ I categorization

The project area does not have any sensitive ecosystems such as mangroves, sand

dunes, corals, etc eligible to be categorized as CRZ IA

As per the CZMP of the State the land part adjacent to the project site belongs to

CRZ I and CRZ III

Vizhinjam panchayat has now become part of Thiruvananthapuram Corporation.

Hence the developed areas in the erstwhile Vizhinjam panchayat may be

categorized as CRZ II when CZMP (2011) is implemented.

The HTL, LTL and CRZ would get modified due to possible changes in coastal

morphology once the proposed reclamation for port development takes place

Port development is a permissible activity in the CRZ except in CRZ IA. The site

proposed for port development does not have any CRZ IA area.


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REFERENCES

CZMP, 1995. Coastal Zone Management Plan of Kerala, 1995. Dept. of Science

Technology and Environment, Government of Kerala, 77p.

MoEF, 1991. Notification No.S.0114 dated 19th Feburary, 1991, Ministry of Environment

and Forest, Government of India, New Delhi.

MoEF, 1996. Letter No. J-17011/23/92-1A III dated 27th September 1996 to the Chief

Secretary, Govt. of Kerala. Ministry of Environment and Forest, Government of

India, New Delhi.

MoEF, 1999. Letter No.J.17011/8/92-1A III dated 4 January 1999 to the Chief

Secretary of Coastal States. Ministry of Environment and Forest,

Government of India, New Delhi.

NHO, 1968. Hydrographic chart No. 2032. Naval Hydrographic Office, Dehra Dun, 1968.


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PLATES

Plate 1. Vizhinjam fishing harbour and its south breakwater close to the north

boundary of the proposed port development site

Plate 2. One of the pocket beaches along the Vizhinjam-Azhimala coastal stretch

Plate 3. Buildings constructed in the CRZ

Plate 4. Eroding cliff in the project area

Plate 5. Seawalls along some sectors of

sandy beach

Plate 6. Wide beach with well defined

berms

Z

To M

ukko

la

Proposed site for Vizhinjam International Seaport

CRZ III

CRZ III

CRZ III

LAKSHADWEEP SEA

CRZ IB

CRZ IB

CRZ IB

Adimalathura

Azhimala

Vizhinjam

Kovalam

Thiruvananthapuram

To Poovar

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM

CRZ IV

Poovar

ChowaraKarichal

Pempukala

Uchakkada

Venganoor

Panathura

Karumkulam

Kulangaradesam

76°58'0"E

76°58'0"E

77°0'0"E

77°0'0"E

77°2'0"E

77°2'0"E

8°20'0"N 8°20'0"N

8°22'0"N 8°22'0"N

8°24'0"N 8°24'0"N

®0 1 20.5

Kilometers

1:75,000

CRZ Categories 7Km around the proposed Vizhinjam International Seaport at Vizhinjam

Centre for Earth Science Studies, Thiruvananthapuram

Legend

Road

200m CRZ line

500m CRZ Line

CRZ line for Backwater or River

Rocky Outcorp

Inter Tidal Zone - CRZ IB

Waterbody - CRZ IV

HTL, LTL AND COASTAL REGULATION ZONE STATUS REPORT … · CRZ Report for Vizhinjam International...

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