Page 1 of 9

HIGH TIDE LINE, LOW TIDE LINE AND COASTAL REGULATION

ZONE FOR THE PROPOSED RADAR STATION INCLUDING THE
CONSTRUCTION OF BOUNDARY WALL AND ALLIED FACILITIES
AT THONDI, VATTANAM VILLAGE, TAMIL NADU

1.0 Introduction
Indian Coast Guard Station (ICGS), Mandapam, Ministry of Defence, Government of
India proposed to develop a Radar Station, Boundary Wall and Allied Facilities at
Thondi in Vattanam Village of Tamil Nadu State. In this regard, Indian Coast Guard
Station (ICGS), Mandapam, Govt. of India (project proponent) requested National
Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management (NCSCM), Ministry of Environment,
Forests & Climate Change, Government of India, Chennai to prepare project level CRZ
map by demarcating the High Tide Line (HTL), Low Tide Line (LTL) and Ecological
Sensitive Areas (ESAs) for the proposed project site, to obtain environmental
clearances. In this regard, NCSCM investigated for the proposed project site to
demarcate HTL and ESAs. Demarcation of the HTL, LTL, ESAs and identification of
Coastal Regulation Zones (CRZ) have been carried out in 1:4000 scale to provide
information on the CRZ categories with respect to the project site.

2.0 Objective
The objectives of the study are:
 Identification and demarcation of HTL and LTL for the project area
 Demarcation of Coastal Regulation Zones
 CRZ categorization as per CRZ Notification 2011

3.0 Location
The proposed Radar Station and Associated Facilities are located close to the Palk Bay
at Thondi, Vattanam Village, Ramanathapuram district, Tamil Nadu. The proposed
project site is located within the Lat. Long. of 9°46'54.309"N 79°3'37.42"E and
9°46'50.477"N 79°3'41.748"E (Fig.1).
HTL, LTL and CRZ for the Proposed Radar Station and Associated Facilities at Thondi, Vattanam Village, Tamil Nadu
National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management, Chennai – 25
Report No: NCSCM/ GEO/ CRZ/2020/11
 Page 2 of 9

Fig. 1: Location map of the project site

HTL, LTL and CRZ for the Proposed Radar Station and Associated Facilities at Thondi, Vattanam Village, Tamil Nadu
National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management, Chennai – 25
Report No: NCSCM/ GEO/ CRZ/2020/11
 Page 3 of 9

4.0 Approach & Methodology

The CRZ map is prepared on large scale base maps to facilitate the easy and accurate
implementation of CRZ in the field. Digitized Cadastral map is obtained from the
Department of Environment, Government of Tamil Nadu as the base map for the
present investigation. The HTL/LTL is identified following the guidelines issued by
MoEF, Govt. of India.

The key elements of the approach and methodology are:

 Demarcation of HTL based on the Aerial Photo of 2011.

 Identify the HTL based on the geomorphic signature and map the HTL and
control points.
 Transfer the HTL to the cadastral map with respect to control point mapped.
 Prepare the CRZ map delineating the HTL, LTL and the CRZ categories.

4.1 Extraction of HTL

Extraction of HTL was carried out using aerial photographs of 2011 at Survey of India,
Hyderabad/Bangalore and verified at the field. HTL was identified from Aerial photo
based on geomorphologic features and other features such as embankments,
landward boundaries of tidal flats (MoEF & CC, 2011). The line of monsoon berm crest
or boundary perennial vegetation/permanent vegetation forms the HTL along the
seacoast.

5.0 Data Source

In addition to the investigation, data from various sources were used for the
compilation of the final CRZ map and preparation of the CRZ report. The principal data
sources include:
 Hydrographic charts of National Hydrographic Office
 Survey of India Toposheets
 Aerial Photos
 Satellite image
HTL, LTL and CRZ for the Proposed Radar Station and Associated Facilities at Thondi, Vattanam Village, Tamil Nadu
National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management, Chennai – 25
Report No: NCSCM/ GEO/ CRZ/2020/11
 Page 4 of 9

6.0 Tides
Tide is an important parameter that influences the position of HTL. It is also important
in determining the landward extent of the reach of seawater into the land along rivers
and backwaters. Tidal range data with respect to Chart Datum pertaining to
Kottaippattanam (Lat. 9°59'N Long. 79°11'E) provided by the National Hydrographic
Office, Dehra Dun is given below in Table 1.

Table 1: Tidal range at Kottaippattanam (Tidal Levels referred to Datum of Sounding)

[(NHO Chart No. 315)(Palk Strait)]

Tide Condition Height (m)

Mean High Water Spring 0.6
Mean High Water Neap 0.5
Mean Low Water Neap 0.2
Mean Low Water Spring 0.1
Mean Sea Level 0.4

7.0 Field Investigation

Field investigations were carried out during December2019. HTL was identified from
Aerial photo and verified at field based on geomorphologic features and other features
such as embankments, landward boundaries of intertidal zone (MoEF & CC, 2011). HTL
was plotted with respect to reference points identified in the field as well as Aerial
photo and located in the cadastral map. An appraisal of existing land use/landform in
the project area was also carried out. The distance and positions of HTL to control
points which were extracted from the aerial photographs were verified in the field
using high precision Trimble GPS.

8.0 Landuse
The coastal area is occupied with settlements, agricultural land, industries and
infrastructural facilities. The major landuse/landcover is fisherman settlements, small
and large scale industries, sand dunes, saltpans and aquaculture pond, paddy fields,

HTL, LTL and CRZ for the Proposed Radar Station and Associated Facilities at Thondi, Vattanam Village, Tamil Nadu
National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management, Chennai – 25
Report No: NCSCM/ GEO/ CRZ/2020/11
 Page 5 of 9

mixed vegetation with coconut trees, barren land etc. The seaside has beach with
medium to fine-grained sand at some stretches.

9.0 Coastal Regulation Zone and HTL

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 declares 'the coastal stretches of the country
and the water area up to its territorial water limit as Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ)'
(MoEF & CC, 2011). All developmental activities in the CRZ are regulated through the
CRZ Notification (MoEF & CC, 2011).

The CRZ, as per CRZ Notification 2011, consists of the following:

1. Land area from High Tide Line (HTL) to 500 m on the landward side along the
seafront.
2. Land area from 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 are governed by the distance up to which the 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 up to which tidal effects are experienced would be clearly identified and
demarcated accordingly in the Coastal Zone Management Plans (CZMPs). The
tidally influenced water bodies mean the water bodies influenced by tidal effects
from the 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 the seafront and between the hazard line and 100 m line in case of
the tidally influenced water body. The word 'hazard line' denotes the line
demarcated by Ministry of Environment and Forests & Climate Change (MoEF

HTL, LTL and CRZ for the Proposed Radar Station and Associated Facilities at Thondi, Vattanam Village, Tamil Nadu
National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management, Chennai – 25
Report No: NCSCM/ GEO/ CRZ/2020/11
 Page 6 of 9

&CC) 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
intertidal zone.
5. The water and the bed area from the LTL to the territorial water limit (12 Nm) in
case of sea and the water and the bed area from LTL at the bank to the LTL on
the opposite side of the bank, of the tidal influenced water bodies.

According to the CRZ Notification 2011, the tidally influenced water body has been
defined as bays, estuaries, rivers, creeks, backwaters, lagoons and ponds connected to
the sea or creeks and the like. The distance from the HTL shall apply to both sides of
the tidally influenced water body. The CRZ Notification 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 water body and its bed. Ecologically sensitive
and important areas and the intertidal zone constitute CRZ I. Sensitive ecosystems
such as mangroves, corals, turtle nesting grounds, salt marshes, mudflats, etc., are
classified as CRZ IA. The Intertidal zone is CRZ IB. The areas that have already been
developed up to 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.

The CRZ Notification of 2011 has also defined Critical Vulnerable Coastal Areas (CVCA),
which includes Sunderbans, and other identified ecological important areas including
the Gulf of Khambhat and Gulf of Kachchh in Gujarat. It is to prepare Integrated
Management Plans (IMPs) for such CVCA keeping in view of the conservation and
management of mangroves, needs of local communities such as dispensaries, schools,
public rain shelter, community toilets, bridges, roads, jetties, water supply, drainage,
sewerage and the impact of sea level rise and other natural disasters. The IMPs will be
prepared as per the guidelines of the MoEF & CC.

HTL, LTL and CRZ for the Proposed Radar Station and Associated Facilities at Thondi, Vattanam Village, Tamil Nadu
National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management, Chennai – 25
Report No: NCSCM/ GEO/ CRZ/2020/11
 Page 7 of 9

The Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP) prepared based on CRZ Notification 2011
and approved in 2018 is valid for Tamil Nadu state for the approval CRZ projects.

10.0Status of the Proposed Radar Station and Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) categories
The proposed project site has CRZ on the Bay side (Palk Bay) and the proposed
constructions falls within 100m CRZ line from the HTL. The proposed Radar Station, the
proposed Boundary wall and Allied Facilities fall within the No Development Zone of
CRZ III category(Refer Fig. 2). The CRZ map has been prepared in accordance with the
approved CZMP maps prepared for CRZ Notifications 2011 for Tamil Nadu state. The
project site falls within the Sheet No. C 44 N 1/SW, Map No. TN 54 of approved CZMP
prepared as per CRZ Notification 2011.

The major CRZ categories along the coastal area are CRZ IA (Sea Grass Beds), CRZ IB
(Intertidal Zone, Saltpan and Aquaculture Pond), No Development Zone (CRZ III) and
CRZ IVA (Bay/sea). The land area between HTL and LTL is termed as the intertidal zone
(CRZ IB). Being an undeveloped or rural area, the area between High Tide Line to 100m
CRZ line classified under the CRZ III category for Bays. The water area and the bed
constitute CRZ IV. Mangroves, which are CRZ IA, are not present in the proposed
project area. The seasonal beach is CRZ I(B). A CRZ map covering about 7 Km radius of
the project site representing CRZ categories is given in figure 3.

11.0 SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS

 The HTL, LTL and CRZ categories are presented in 1:4000 scale maps.

 The HTL and LTL are demarcated from aerial photographs/satellite images by
taking into consideration different signatures such as boundaries of embankments,
vegetation and bunds as existed at the aerial photo/satellite image.

 The Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP) prepared based on CRZ Notification
2011 and approved in 2018 (F.No.12-8/2018-IA-III dt. 24.10.2018) is valid for
Tamil Nadu state for the approval of CRZ projects.

HTL, LTL and CRZ for the Proposed Radar Station and Associated Facilities at Thondi, Vattanam Village, Tamil Nadu
National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management, Chennai – 25
Report No: NCSCM/ GEO/ CRZ/2020/11
 Page 8 of 9

 The project site falls within the Sheet Number C 44 N 1/SW, Map Number TN 54
of approved CZMP prepared as per CRZ Notification 2011.

 Being an undeveloped or rural area, the area between High Tide Line to 100 m CRZ
line classified under the CRZ III category for Bays.

 The proposed project site has CRZ on the Bay side (Palk Bay) and the proposed
constructions falls within 100m CRZ line from the HTL.

 Mangroves, which are CRZ IA, are not present in the proposed project area.
Seagrass beds, which are CRZ IA are present in the seaward side of proposed site.

 The proposed Radar Station & Allied Facilities, proposed project boundary and
proposed boundary wall falls within the No Development Zone of CRZ III
category. However, construction of Weather Radar is permitted activity in No
Development Zone as per para 8.III.A.(iii) (i) of CRZ notification 2011 vide S.O.
19(E ) dated 6th January 2011.

REFERENCES

MoEF, 1991. Notification No.S.0114 dated 19th February, 1991, Ministry of Environment
and Forest, Government of India, New Delhi.
MoEF, 1996. Letter No. Letter No.J-17011/8/95-IA-111, dated 27-9-1996 dated 27 th
September 1996 to the Chief Secretary, Govt. of Maharashtra. Ministry of
Environment and Forest, Government of India, New Delhi.
MoEF, 2011. Notification No. S.O.19 (E) dated 6.1.2011, Ministry of Environment and
Forest, Government of India, New Delhi.
NHO, 2006. Hydrographic Chart no 315–Palk Strait. National Hydrographic Office, Dehra
Dun, 2006.

HTL, LTL and CRZ for the Proposed Radar Station and Associated Facilities at Thondi, Vattanam Village, Tamil Nadu
National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management, Chennai – 25
Report No: NCSCM/ GEO/ CRZ/2020/11
 Page 9 of 9

PLATES

Plate 1: Proposed project site for Radar Station and Associated Facilities

Plate 2: Intertidal zone along the coast

HTL, LTL and CRZ for the Proposed Radar Station and Associated Facilities at Thondi, Vattanam Village, Tamil Nadu
National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management, Chennai – 25
Report No: NCSCM/ GEO/ CRZ/2020/11