Environment ministry likely to allow storage of more petroleum products in coastal regulation zones

CHENNAI, TAMIL NADU, 20/07/13: A view of the Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited at Tondiarpet in Chennai on July 20, 2013

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The Environment Ministry is likely to allow the storage of linear alkyl benzene, n-paraffin, and carbon black feedstock in coastal regulation zones (CRZs), except in ecologically sensitive CRZ-IA areas.CRZ regulations are applicable to the entire Indian coastline, including the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep Islands. They cover coastal stretches such as seas, bays, estuaries, creeks, rivers, and backwaters influenced by tidal action up to a defined distance into the land from the high tide line (HTL).There are different classifications of CRZ, and CRZ-IA is one of them. According to the CRZ Notification, 2019, CRZ-IA refers to ecologically sensitive areas and geomorphological features such as coral reefs and mangroves that help maintain the integrity of the coast.The proposal to add the above-mentioned petroleum products was made after examination by sectoral Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC), the sectoral EAC for CRZ clearances and the National Coastal Zone Management Authority (NCZMA).“The NCZMA, after due deliberation and considering the comparatively lower hazardous chemical characteristics of these products in relation to those already permitted, unanimously recommended allowing the receipt and storage of Linear Alkyl Benzene (LAB), N-Paraffin, and Carbon Black Feedstock (CBFS) in CRZ areas, excluding CRZ-IA,” said the ministry’s draft notification published on Wednesday.Among the already permitted products that can be allowed in CRZ areas, except CRZ-IA, are crude oil, liquefied petroleum gas, and kerosene, among others.Published on May 28, 2026