HRF condemns move by A.P. govt. on reclassification of CRZ

The Human Rights Forum (HRF) has condemned the move by the Andhra Pradesh government to seek the reclassification of stretches of the Visakhapatnam Beach Road from Coastal Regulation Zone III (CRZ-III) to CRZ-II under the coastal regulation framework.

Speaking to The Hindu, V.S. Krishna, HRF Andhra Pradesh and Telangana coordination committee member, alleged that the proposed reclassification, purportedly aimed at promoting tourism, is in effect an attempt to dilute existing regulatory safeguards governing ecologically sensitive coastal areas in order to enable intensified commercial expansion.

HRF members are of the opinion that the proposal constitutes a serious threat to coastal ecology, weakens disaster resilience, and undermines the rights and livelihoods of traditional coastal communities. “It is environmentally unsustainable, legally untenable, and socially unjust,” Mr. Krishna said.

According to the norms, CRZ-III areas comprise relatively undisturbed coastal stretches, including sand dunes, wetlands, and open coastal commons. These areas sustain traditional fishing communities whose livelihoods depend on ecological balance and unobstructed access to shared natural resources. Such landscapes function as critical ecological buffers, acting as natural shields against cyclones, tidal surges, shoreline erosion, and saline intrusion.

Y. Rajesh, HRF AP State General Secretary, said that the State’s coastline has repeatedly suffered severe cyclones such as Hudhud and Titli. In the context of an escalating climate crisis marked by intensifying extreme weather events, weakening these natural defences in the name of tourism amounts to irresponsible governance, he said.

Reclassifying these stretches from CRZ-III to CRZ-II would open currently protected areas to significantly higher levels of construction and commercial exploitation.

The HRF also recalled Tourism Minister K. Durgesh stating in the State Assembly in March last year that tourism development along the coast was being “hampered” by CRZ norms and that the government would seek relaxations to overcome these restrictions. Such a position reduces statutory environmental safeguards to mere administrative impediments rather than recognising them as essential protections.

HRF members demanded the immediate withdrawal of the reclassification proposal.