नेशनल बोर्ड फॉर वाइल्डलाइफ की स्टैंडिंग कमेटी की 36वीं बैठक के मिनट्स, 4 नवंबर 2015

Minutes of 36th Meeting of Standing Committee of NBWL held on 4th November 2015

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Minutes of the 36th Meeting of the Standing Committee of National Board for Wildlife held on 4th November, 2015

The 36th Meeting of the Standing Committee of National Board for Wildlife (SC-NBWL) was held on 4th November 2015 in the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC), under the chairmanship of Hon’ble Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Environment, Forests and Climate Change. List of participants is at Annexure-1. Hon’ble Chairman welcomed all participants to the 36th Meeting and invited the Member Secretary to initiate the discussions on the agenda. The IGF(WL) explained for information of all the members that the Hon’ble Supreme
Court vide its order dated 5th October 2015 in Writ Petition (c) 202/1995 has directed that all matters for grant of permission for implementation of projects in areas falling in National Parks/sanctuaries, including rationalization of boundaries, etc., will be considered by the Standing Committee of NBWL on its own merits and in conformity with the orders and directions passed by the Apex Court from time to time and other subsequent clarificatory orders /judgments passed by the Court including the Goa Foundation judgment. The Standing committee of NBWL would furnish a copy of the orders passed by it within 30 day’s time to the Central Empowered Committee (CEC). The CEC is at liberty, if, for any reason, they are aggrieved by the decision of the Standing committee of NBWL to approach the Hon’ble Supreme Court by filing an appropriate petition/application. In all those matters, where there is already decision of the Standing Committee of NBWL, the parties shall abide with all the conditions imposed therein. Hon’ble Chairman mentioned that the Statutory functions and duties of the NBWL have been upheld by the Hon’ble Apex Court and the Standing Committee would perform accordingly to bring in due justice to conservation. The agenda items were then taken up for discussion.

Agenda Item No. 1:

Confirmation of the minutes of the 35th Meeting of Standing Committee of National Board for Wildlife held on 18th August 2015.

The Member Secretary informed the Committee that the minutes of the 35th meeting of the Standing Committee of NBWL held on 18th August 2015, were circulated to all members of the Standing Committee on 19th August 2015. No comments were received. Therefore, the minutes of 35th meeting were confirmed. Agenda Item No. 2

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36.2.1 Proposals placed for consideration (Action taken on the decisions of the Standing Committee of NBWL taken in its Previous Meetings) 32.4.2(23). Proposal for collection of River Bed Material (RBM) from the river bed of river Rawasan River Part-1 (100.59 ha), district Haridwar, Uttarakhand. 32.4.2(24). Proposal for collection of River Bed Material (RBM) from the river bed of river Bishanpur (237.918 ha), district Haridwar, Uttarakhand. 32.4.2(25). Collection of River Bed Material (RBM) from the river bed of Ganga river Rawasan Part-2 (99.79 ha) district Haridwar, Uttarakhand.
32.4.2(26). Collection of River Bed Material (RBM) from the river bed of Ganga river at Shyampur (219.442 ha) district Haridwar, Uttarakhand.
32.4.2(27). Collection of River Bed Material (RBM) from the river bed of Ganga river at Pilli (131.31 ha) district Haridwar, Uttarakhand.
The Member Secretary briefed the Committee that the site inspection for the proposed activity site was conducted and while considering site inspection report in the 34th meeting of Standing Committee, the proposals were deferred as the status of Environmental and Forest Clearances of above noted proposals had not been furnished. Now, the Chief Wildlife Warden has furnished the information that all the proposals had been granted Stage-I approvals for Forest Clearance(FC)s and the process of Environmental Clearance(EC)s were under way. Public Hearings have been conducted. The recommendations were explained by Director WII. Member Secretary NTCA also concurred with the recommendations of the team. Considering the site inspection report of Wildlife Institute of India (WII), the Committee decided to recommend the proposals for collection of river bed material (RBM) from Ganga River, subject to necessary Environmental and Forest Clearances, as follows:

1. Pilli [32.4.2(27)] (131.31 ha): Not recommended in view of the observed extensive use of the area by the wildlife along the southern edge of the National Park.
2. Rawasan Part-I [32.4.2 (23)] (100.59 ha) and Rawasan Part-II [32.4.2 (25)] (99.79 ha): Recommended with the restriction on collection during summer from April to September as the wild animals visit these locations for water during this period.
3. Bishanpur [32.4.2 (24)] (237.918 ha) and Shyampur [32.4.2 (26)] (219.442 ha.): Recommended as proposed by the state government in view of no significant use of the area by wild life.
4. Watershed conservation and improvement of habitat with augmentation of fodder and water for usage of wildlife shall be undertaken in the Tiger Reserve.

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5. Removal of RBM from beneath the water and from larger islands formed in the river shall not be permitted.
6. Collection will be done only after scientific assessment of sustainable availability of RBM and formulation of site specific plans in accordance with the Guidelines of Central Soil and Water Conservation Research and Training Institute.
   The recommendations would be applicable for two years to be reviewed thereafter.
   34.4.2.(7). Establishment of a project for manufacture of currency note paper/Banknote paper of 12,000 TPA capacity at note Mudram Nagar, Mysore, Karnataka. The member secretary briefed the Committee on proposal and stated that the proposal was deferred in the 34th meeting due to non-submission of Eco-sensitive Zone (ESZ) proposal of Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary from State Government. He mentioned that the ESZ proposal of the bird sanctuary has been received in the Ministry and is under processing.
   Considering that the project is located within the notified Industrial area outside the proposed ESZ and its importance in the manufacturing of currency paper within India, the Standing Committee recommended the proposal.
   34.1.2.3 Indore- Gujarat border section of NH-59 (Item No.5.13 of the minutes of 31stmeeting of the Standing Committee)

The member secretary briefed the Committee on proposal and mentioned that the proposal was recommend by the Committee in its 34th meeting on the representation of NHAI that the proposal considered in the 31st meeting was for widening and not for strengthening and resurfacing only as recommended in the said meeting. A site visit by WII, State Forest Department and NHAI was recommended and report was to be placed before the SC NBWL. Among others, WII recommended chain link fence along the carriageway to some distance and acoustic barriers near florican lekking sites. Participatory management has been suggested with help from NHAI in management of the area.
NHAI agreed to the mitigation measures suggested by WII and local Forest Department in the report. Therefore the report was accepted by the Committee.
Accordingly the Committee agreed to recommend the proposal. 33.4.1(3). Proposal for rationalization of boundary of Maldhok Bird Sanctuary, Maharashtra.

The Member Secretary briefed the Committee on the proposal. Member Dr. H.S. Singh made a detailed presentation on the site inspection carried out by him, representative of WII and the official of the MoEF&CC. In his presentation, he mentioned that there were critical grassland habitats interspersed with human habitations within the notified Great Indian Bustard sanctuary. He also stated that considering the conservation needs of the birds, the site inspection team had recommended the proposal for rationalization of boundaries of the Sanctuary. He

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emphasized that the existing patches of forests interspersed with the government lands as grasslands etc. need to be consolidated for habitat of the bird. Thereafter, the Principal Secretary to Hon’ble Chief Minister, Maharashtra also explained the proposal and the need for its rationalization. He mentioned that the proposal is based on the report of the Collector nominated by the state government for considering the claims of the people under the sections 18 etc. In the report, the private areas under various personal land use of the people were proposed to be excluded. The local people were not in favour of enhancing the boundaries of the Sanctuary, as they were being deprived of the basic needs due to regulations within the Sanctuary. He also suggested that declaration of areas adjoining the habitat of GIB could be considered for declaration as Eco-Sensitive Zone. He also suggested that change in land use pattern should be discouraged as this may again lead to conflicting situations. The Committee was of the opinion that conservation of wildlife cannot be successful without the support of the people. Therefore, people should be taken along for making the Great Indian Bustard conservation programme a successful endeavour.
After detailed discussions, the Committee recommended the following: i. Rationalize the boundaries of the Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary to the core habitat of the bird in forest areas and government lands 366.26 sq.kms of pristine grassland which are Government lands. Private lands comprising primarily the grassland habitats, interspersed with the Government land, would be attempted to be acquired. The area interspersed will be declared as Eco-Sensitive Zone in consultation with the local people, for pursuing participatory conservation management for Great Indian Bustard and associated species. Eco sensitive Zone shall be approximately 400 sq km and there will be more consolidated patches for conservation like done in one place. ii. The State Government will add additional areas elsewhere in the state in lieu of the areas taken out from the Sanctuary. 34.1.2.5. Gwalior- Shivpuri section of NH-3 passing through Madhav National Park (Item No 4.2 (32) of the minutes of 31st meeting of Standing Committee)

The member secretary briefed the Committee on proposal and informed that the proposal was recommended by the Standing Committee in its 31st meeting of SC NBWL held during 12- 13th August 2014 along with the conditions stipulated by SBWL of Madhya Pradesh. However, NHAI submitted a representation seeking waiver of conditions laid down by the Madhya Pradesh State Board for Wildlife to construct 4 km elevated corridor within the National Park. The representation was considered by the Standing Committee in its 34th meeting held on 2nd June 2015. It advised WII, NTCA and NHAI to review the proposed elevated corridor and conduct site visit, if required and work out feasible measures such as elevated corridor of smaller lengths

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at identified points. Further, the outcome was to be placed before the Standing Committee in next meeting. He stated that the review report had been received and 9 underpasses and 8 culverts have been suggested by the group with height and length suitable for the habitat specific need of movement of animals. Provision of barriers along the NH for avoiding collision has also been provided. NHAI has agreed to comply with the mitigation measures as suggested by the WII.
After discussions, the Standing Committee recommended the proposal with the conditions as prescribed in the review report of WII which stands agreed to by the NHAI.

35.4.1.7. Proposal for widening of existing 4-lane to 6-lane divided carriageway of Aurangabad-Barwa Adda section on NH-2 in the states of Bihar and Jharkhand.

The member secretary briefed the Committee on the proposal and mentioned that this proposal was deferred in the 35th meeting suggesting Forest Department to furnish the information on the record of animal accidents and mitigation measures already taken up while constructing the 4 lane road. The representative of Forest Department informed that a few wild animals had died in the accidents on the highway. It was explained that it is a main highway connecting west to east and already 4 lane configuration. Work for 6 laning had commenced all along and not much animal movement was observed in the area.
Considering the status of the road, the Committee decided to recommend the proposal along with the conditions prescribed by the CWLW of Jharkhand.

35.4.5.1. Proposal for boundary alteration of Kolleru Wild Life Sanctuary, Andhra Pradesh. The member secretary briefed the Committee on the proposal and mentioned that this proposal was discussed in the 35th meeting and it was decided to have a site visit conducted by Dr.R.Sukumar, representatives of WII and Wildlife Division of this Ministry. Dr. R. Sukumar informed that site visit would be conducted in the next month.
The Committee requested Dr. R.Sukumar to expedite the visit and place the report in the next meeting.

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Agenda Item no.3 36.3.1 Agenda Items on Policy Matters for Discussion.
36.3.1.1 Matter pertaining to judgment of Hon’ble Supreme Court regarding inclusion of Red Sanders in Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 The member secretary briefed the Committee that based on a proposal of Andhra Pradesh and Honourable Supreme Court, matter of placing Red sanders in schedule VI of WLPA was entrusted to the Plants Committee, which recommended no need for this as the placement would disincentivise cultivation of red sanders by the people because for schedule VI species, a license would be required to cultivate.
IGF(WL) explained that the species listed in Schedule-VI is in relation to the provisions of Chapter III A of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 pertaining to “Protection of Specified Plants”. The Chapter provides for regulation in cultivation of specified plant, and their possession, sale, transportation. Both cultivation and trade of specified plants can only be carried out with prior permission of competent authority. In the meantime, the State Government of Andhra Pradesh vide their letter no. 4499/For.III/2009-3 dated 05.09.2012 requested the Government of India that Red Sanders need not be included in the Schedule VI of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, as about 10,000 ha. of land has Red Sander trees. Besides, the farmers were also growing the Red Sanders trees for their livelihood and inclusion in Schedule-VI would discourage the farmers thereby reducing the cultivation of more trees.

Considering the matter, Standing Committee took note of the matter and concurred with the findings. 36.3.1.2 Electrification of Railway track through Rajaji National Park between Haridwar and Dehradun in Uttarakhand regarding request for waiving of the conditions.

The member secretary briefed the Committee on the proposal and informed that the proposal was recommended in the 34th meeting of SC NBWL along with conditions as prescribed by WII in its site visit report. However, the user agency, Chief Electrical Engineer, Northern Railway has represented that out of eight conditions, only two conditions are agreeable for compliance and other six are not relevant to electrification project.

The Committee had detailed discussions on the matter and decided to reject the representation of the user agency, maintaining the conditions of fencing at identified track sections and clearing the debris underneath railway bridges.

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The original proposal of railways for electrification stands recommended with above two conditions. Further, the Standing Committee requested WII to prepare standard mitigation measures for railway lines passing through National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries in general.
36.3.1.3 Request for reconsideration of the proposal for diversion of 4.90 ha of forest land in Marine Sanctuary for maintaining and repairing of tugs & barges-M/s Hind Marine works, Jamnagar, Gujarat.

The member secretary briefed the Committee on the proposal and mentioned that the proposed area was being utilized by the user agency for repairing and maintenance of tugs and barges facility till 2011. Representative of CWLW, Gujarat stated that they have no objection to the proposal and that the area is forest area located in the Marine Sanctuary and was not a National Park.

After discussions, the Committee decided to recommend the proposal along with the conditions prescribed by the CWLW, Gujarat and asked the user agency to obtain the necessary Forest Clearance and CRZ clearances, as applicable.

36.3.1.4 Request for reconsideration of proposal for exchange of 19.503 hectares of forest land adjoining hospital with equal area of private land contiguous with forest boundary- Representation by Shree Raghavendra Sewashram Samiti.

The member secretary briefed the Committee on the proposal and mentioned that the representation of Shree Raghavendra Sewashram Samiti seeks to exchange 19.503 hectares of forest land adjoining its hospital with equal area of private land contiguous with forest land of Rajaji National Park. The proposal had been deliberated upon at least eight times in IBWL (2002) and NBWL. Site visits also had been conducted by two different teams. The area sought is segregated from Rajaji National Park by an elevated railway track (about 20-25meters height). The area offered by the applicant is an equal private land contiguous to southwestern boundary of Rajaji National Park. He stated that the Rajaji National Park has now become a Tiger Reserve.

The Committee decided that a site visit would be conducted by the WII, NTCA and CWLW of Uttarakhand and check the locational circumstances including the area proposed for inclusion in the National Park. The report will be placed in the next meeting for further consideration. 36.3.1.5 Proposal for Kotri-Chechat Limestone mine (M.L.No.24/93) of M/s Shiva Stones vill. Chechatteh. Ramganjmandi, Distt. Kota, Rajasthan. (within 10 kms of Mukandra NP/Dara Wildlife Sanctuary)-Reconsideration of recommendation of SC NBWL for waiving of the condition.

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The member secretary briefed the Committee on the proposal and mentioned that the proposal was recommended by Standing Committee of NBWL in its 31st meeting held during 12th -13th August 2014 along with the conditions prescribed by the SBWL. The mine is located at a distance of 6 km from Mukundra Hills National Park and 9 kms away from Darra Wildlife Sanctuary. M/s Shiva Stones, the user agency, has represented to waive of the condition to deposit an amount of Rs.30 lac with Rajasthan Protected Area Conservation Society, for undertaking soil and moisture conservation structure and construct boundary wall in the forest area.

The user agency has stated that against the Rs 2 Cr. working capital cost of the project, the amount of Rs.30 lacs is too steep and arbitrary.

The Committee decided that Forest Department of Rajasthan would furnish the basis of prescribing the said condition and referred the proposal back to state for reviewing the condition.

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Agenda Item no.4

36.4.1 Proposals for diversion of land within National Parks/ Wildlife Sanctuaries
36.4.1.1 Proposal for construction of Vontimitta Lift Irrigation Scheme in the Sri Penusula Narasimha Wildlife Sanctuary, Andhra Pradesh.

The member secretary briefed the Committee on the proposal. He stated that proposal involves construction of Vontimitta Lift Irrigation Scheme on foreshore of Somasila Reservoir near Kotapadu village in Vontimitta Mandal of YSR District for augmenting drinking water supply to 17 Nos of surrounding villages of Vontimitta & Siddout mandals.

After discussions, considering that this is a life support system for the communities and providing this would help in winning the participation of the people in conservation also, the Committee agreed to recommend the proposal. 36.4.1.2 Proposal for Improvement/upgradation of Papu-Yupia-Hoj-Potin Road from 0.00 km to 7.00 km under Prime Minister’s package.

The member secretary briefed the Committee on the proposal. He mentioned that the proposal is for improvement and upgradation of 7 km of Papu-Yupia-Hoj-Potin Road under Prime Minister’s package. 4.129 km of the road length is located within the Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary. The improvement and upgradation of the existing road ensure all weather connectivity and enhance the socio-economic condition of the State.

conditions prescribed by the CWLW, Arunachal Pradesh. 36.4.1.3 Construction of 400 KV Punatsangchu-I to Alipurduar line through Buxa Tiger Reserve by Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd., West Bengal

The member secretary briefed the Committee on the proposal. He stated that project involves construction of 400 KV Punatsangchu-I to Alipurduar transmission line passing through Buxa Tiger Reserve (16.39 ha), West Bengal by Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd. The project would facilitate evacuation of 1200 MW of power from Punatsangchu-I Project and transfer power through the main grid of Indian Power System for onward transfer to power deficit regions like NR&WR. The matter was recommended by NTCA and the state.

conditions prescribed by NTCA.

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36.4.1.4 Diversion of 0.1 ha of forest land within the Singalilla National Park under Darjeeling Wildlife Division in favour of the Bose Institute, Kolkatta for setting up of Observation Station and Bamboo Hut in connection with Scientific Research, West Bengal.

The member secretary briefed the Committee on the proposal. He mentioned that proposal involves setting up a small observation station for establishment of array of passive detectors at the altitude of 3000m to 4000m at Sandakphu for study of cosmic rays. The scientific importance of this study is of vital importance both in the national and international scientific scenario and has been strongly supported by the entire scientific community in India and abroad.

It is proposed to build a temporary pre-fabricated housing for keeping the data acquisition system and for overnight stay of scientists who would be visiting site for periodical servicing of passive detectors and to take readings of environmental parameters.

After discussions, the Committee considered the necessity and the fact that the data collection system would help the monitoring of the environmental conditions of the area, and decided to recommend the proposal along with the conditions prescribed by CWLW, West Bengal. 36.4.1.5 Diversion of 0.37 ha of forest land (in sub-mergence area of KPC’s upper Kaneri Dam Back Water) for construction of bridge & approach road at 6.08 Km near Gattav village on Kundal Ghat road in Joida Taluk Uttar Kannada District in Kumabaravada Wildlife Range coming under Dandeli-Anshi Tiger Reserve, Karnataka.

The member secretary briefed the Committee on the proposal. He stated that the proposal involves diversion of 0.37 ha of forest land (in sub-mergence area of KPCL’s upper Kaneri Dam Back Water) for construction of bridge & approach road at 6.08 Km near Gattav village on Kundal Ghat road in Joida Taluk Uttar Kannada District in Kumabarawada Wildlife Range coming under Dandeli-Anshi Tiger Reserve, Karnataka. The project would facilitate in connecting surrounding 7 villages.

conditions prescribed by CWLW, Karnataka and NTCA. 36.4.1.6 Diversion of 1.35 ha of forest land from Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary for up- gradation & widening of road from Amdoh to Surai-Dhaba of 3 Km. length in Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary, Madhya Pradesh.

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The member secretary briefed the Committee on the proposal. He stated that the proposal involves upgradation and widening of Amdoh-Suraidhaba 3 km road in Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary under Mukhya Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana. He further mentioned that NTCA has suggested an alternative alignment of the road. This would reduce road length to about 1.2 km along the Sanctuary boundary from main road to village Surai-Dhaba crossing over the tail end of water reservoir by RCC pier bridge. Further, the alternative alignment would not involve any felling of trees and there would be fewer disturbances to the habitat. The alternative alignment was agreed by the project proponents.

After discussions, the Committee decided to recommend the proposal with the following mitigation measures as advised by NTCA along with the conditions prescribed by CWLW, Madhya Pradesh. i. The road length may be reduced to about 1.2 km along the Sanctuary boundary from main road to village Surai-Dhaba crossing over the tail end of water reservoir by RCC pier bridge.
36.4.1.7 Proposal for Approval to bore drilling for survey and investigation at Deokhinpada-Kaman Tah. Wasai, Distt. Thane in Tungareshwar Sanctuary, Maharashtra.

The member secretary briefed the Committee on the proposal. He mentioned that the proposal is for survey and investigation for bore drilling at Deokhinpada-Kaman Tah. Wasai, Distt. Thane in Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary, Maharashtra.

After discussions, the Committee decided to recommend the proposal. It was clarified that this permission for survey would not be considered as any commitment for permission for undertaking the project. 36.4.1.8 Proposal for Water supply project in Radhanagari Sanctuary to supply water from Kalammawadi dam to Kolhapur city, Maharashtra.

The member secretary briefed the Committee on the proposal. He stated that the proposal is for laying out of pipeline, electric line (underground) and approach road for water supply project in Radhanagri Wildlife Sanctuary to supply water from Kalammawadi dam to Kolhapur City, Maharashtra. The dam is located within Wildlife Sanctuary and has been constructed for the irrigation purpose. Total area required from notified sanctuary for this project is 0.9828 ha.

After discussions, the Committee noted that the proposal is primarily for taking up underground pipeline, electric line and approach road for management, and therefore agreed to recommend the proposal along with the conditions prescribed by the CWLW, Maharashtra.

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36.4.1.9 Diversion of 0.5858 ha of Reserve Forest Land from Gangotri National Park for construction of Neelapani Check Post, Uttarakhand.
36.4.1.10 Proposal for survey and investigation for diversion of 0.576 ha of Reserve Forest Land from Gangotri National Park for construction of Barrack at Mendi post, Uttarakhand.
36.4.1.11 Diversion of 0.7392 ha of Reserve Forest Land from Gangotri National Park for construction of Jadung Choki (Post), Uttarakhand.
36.4.1.12 Proposal for investigation and survey in the Gangotri National Park Nelong post 12th BN ITBP for Nelong only 0.3900 Ha. Uttarakhand.

The member secretary briefed the Committee on the aforesaid four proposals. He stated that the proposals involve construction of I.T.B.P check post and barracks at said locations along international border in Gangotri National Park and is strategically important for safeguarding the nation.

conditions prescribed by the CWLW, Uttarakhand that quarrying stones and dumping the debris within the National Park will not be permitted. 36.4.1.13 Proposal for Nelong Micro Hydro Power Project (15 KW) for ITBP post, Uttarakhand.

The member secretary briefed the Committee on the proposal. He stated that the proposal is for construction of 15 KW HEP for supply of power to ITBP personnel deployed in remote location where laying of transmission lines is not possible. The mini project will save the need of a long transmission line.

conditions prescribed by the CWLW, Uttarakhand. 36.4.1.14 Proposal for survey and investigation for construction of Sela Urthing HEP (230 MW) on River Dhauliganga, District Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand.

The member secretary briefed the Committee on the proposal. He stated that the proposal of Uttarakhand Jal Vidyut Nigam Ltd. is for survey and investigation for construction of Sela Urthing HEP (230 MW) on River Dhauliganga, District Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand.

conditions prescribed by the CWLW, Uttarakhand. It was clarified that this permission for survey would not be considered as any commitment for permission for undertaking the project.

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36.4.1.15 Diversion of 0.224 ha of Reserved forest land from Govind Wildlife Sanctuary for construction of 42m span steel girder bridge over Rupin River at Dhaula , Uttarakhand.

The member secretary briefed the Committee on the proposal. He stated that the proposal involves construction of a steel girder Bridge and will connect Dhola-Bhari Van Geep Marg to Musai Satta Motor Road & Naitwar Pujeli Bhitri Sewa Motor Road and provide connectivity to local villagers and Forest Department.

conditions prescribed by the CWLW, Uttarakhand. 36.4.1.16 Diversion of 0.36 ha of forest land from Rajaji National Park for laying of underground Optical Fibre Cable to provide communication facilities to Indian Army from Haripur Kalan to Nepali Farm (Milestone 212 to 218) along the National Highway-58, Uttarakhand.

The member secretary briefed the Committee on the proposal. He mentioned that the proposal involves laying of underground Optical Fiber Cable along the National Highway No.58 passing through the Chilla-Motichur Wildlife corridor. The project has strategic importance for the defence network.

After discussions, as the cable is to be laid along the roadside, the Committee decided to recommend the proposal along with the conditions prescribed by the CWLW, Uttarakhand. 36.4.1.17 Diversion of 3.571 ha of reserve forest land falling in Sohelwa Wildlife Sanctuary for construction of Rapti Main Canal passing through Tulsipur Range, district Balrampur, Uttar Pradesh. 36.4.1.18 Proposal for Retail outlet (by Essar oil Ltd) on private land khasra no .248 at village kalai (within the boundary of Hastinapur Wild Life Sanctuary Area, Amroha forest Division), Tehsil-Dhanaura Uttar Pradesh. 36.4.1.19 Diversion of 7.3445 ha private land for construction of high level bridge and approach road across Kuwari River at Bithauli-Chaurela road near village Chaurela in district Etawah, Uttar Pradesh.

The member secretary briefed the Committee on the said three proposals. However, since the CWLW, Uttar Pradesh was not present in the meeting, the Committee decided to defer the aforesaid three proposals.

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36.4.1.20 Proposal for Wildlife Clearance for Construction of 400KV D/C Samba- Amargarh Transmission Line of NRRS XXIX Transmission Limited involving 77.51ha in Hirpora Wildlife Sanctuary in Shopian District, Jammu & Kashmir.

The member secretary briefed the Committee on the proposal. He mentioned that the proposal involves construction of an alternative transmission line to supply power from Jammu to Kashmir valley.

conditions prescribed by the CWLW, Jammu and Kashmir. 36.4.2 Proposals for taking up activities within 10 kms from the boundaries of National Parks/Wildlife Sanctuaries.
36.4.2.1 Setting up 5.25 MTPA-Development of Floating storage and Regassification Unit (FSRU) facilities for import of LNG within the existing deep water port at Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh. The proposed site is 2.5 kms away from the boundary limits of Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary.

The member secretary briefed the Committee on the proposal. He mentioned that the user agency has applied for extension of validity of Terms of Reference (TOR) on 13th October 2014 for seeking Environmental Clearance. According to TOR, impact on Marine Life would be assessed. Since the proposal is 2.0 kms from Corringa WLS, Impact Mitigation and Wildlife Conservation Plan for 10 years is required to be submitted.

After discussions, the committee decided to defer the proposal. 36.4.2.2 Expansion of Methanol plant (from 100 TPD to 600 TPD) and Formaldehyde Plant (100 TPD) and addition of Acetic Acid Plant (200 TPD) and Captive Power Plant (5 MW) at plot 4, Patta No.7, Dag No.60(kha), Plot-72B-03K-00LS of M/s Assam Petrochemicals Ltd. at village Namrup, Tehsil Naharkatia, District Dibugarh, Assam.

The member secretary briefed the Committee on the proposal. He mentioned that the proposal is to enhance the production of methanol and formaldehyde and add acetic acid plant by installing another production unit and add a new captive power plant within its existing premises. The APC Ltd owns 52 bighas of private land which is located at an aerial distance of 5 kms from the boundary of Dehing Patkai Wildlife Sanctuary

After discussions, the Committee decided to recommend the proposal subject to the condition that the user agency will pay the amount for implementation of Impact Mitigation and Wildlife conservation Plan as per the guidelines of MoEFCC. Besides this, strict air and water

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quality shall be monitored online on 24 ×7 basis continuously. Arrangement for that will be made by the Project proponent. 36.4.2.3 Construction of Kamlang Small HEP (24.9 MW) by M/s Krishnodaya Pvt. Ltd, in Lohit District of Arunachal Pradesh.

The member secretary briefed the Committee on the proposal and informed that the project is located 1.5 km away from Kamlang Wild Life Sanctuary. He mentioned that as the proposal involves construction of HEP of 24.9 MW, it does not require environment clearance (less than 25 MW).

Consequently the proposal should not have been sent to NBWL for consideration.
36.4.2.4 Proposal for setting up of Solid Waste Management Project at village Jhuriwala in Panchkula District, Haryana. The member secretary briefed the Committee on the proposal. He mentioned that the proposal is for setting up of Solid Waste Management Project at village Jhuriwala in Panchkula district, Haryana. The proposed site is 140 mtrs from the Khol-Hai-Raitan Wildlife Sanctuary. The user agency explained that the project involves composting and land filling. The Committee members suggested that the landfill site be located away from the current location as it will be a source of diseases for the human beings and wildlife.

After discussions, the Committee decided to defer the proposal. Project proponents may provide further information on how the negative impact of the landfill on the ground water and ambient environment will be mitigated. 36.4.2.5 Proposal for development/redevelopment of Chandigarh Railway Station on the Indian Railway network, Haryana.

The member secretary briefed the Committee on the proposal. He mentioned that proposal involves development of Chandigarh Railway Station to provide better facilities to passengers. The project site is located at 4.75 kms away from Khol-Hi-Raitan Wildlife Sanctuary.

conditions prescribed by the CWLW, Haryana. 36.4.2.6 Proposal for residential project on the plot bearing CTS No.1588/4, of sub-plot ‘C’ of village Dahisar, Taluka Borivali at Dahisar East, Mumbai.

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The member secretary briefed the Committee on the proposal. He stated that proposal involves construction of a residential project at a distance of 0.85 km from the boundary of the Sanjay Gandhi National Park. After discussions, the Committee considered the fact that the location of the project is already under several constructions and therefore there may not be significant incremental impact. Committee therefore decided to recommend the proposal along with the conditions prescribed by the CWLW, Maharashtra. 36.4.2.7 NOC for River Noon Lot No.8/1 Sand, Bajri & Boulder Mining project (Area 7.50 ha) falling at a distance about 7.5 km from the Mussoorie Wildlife Sanctuary, District-Dehradun, Uttarakhand, 36.4.2.8 Collection of Minor Minerals from Gulati river in the district Dehradun, to channelize the natural course and protect the river banks and adjoining forest area and habitat from flood. Uttarakhand.

36.4.2.9 NOC for Swarna Lot No.17/1 Sand Bajri & Boulder Mining Project, Area 51.463 ha falls about 8 km to the Mussoorie Wildlife Sanctuary, District- Dehradun, uttarakhand. 36.4.2.10 NOC for River Noon Lot No.8/2 Sand, Bajri & Boulder Mining project, (Area 7.60 ha) falling at a distance about 9 km from the Mussoorie Wildlife Sanctuary, District-Dehradun, Uttarakhand. 36.4.2.11 Collection of minor minerals from Ramgarh rau river (20 Ha) in the district Dehradun, Uttarakhand to channalise the natural course and project the river banks and adjoining forest area and habitat from flood. 36.4.2.12 Construction of Singoli-Bhatwari Hydroelectric Project 99 MW by M/s L&T Uttaranchal Hydropower Limited. The proposed site falls within 10 kms from the boundary of Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary. 36.4.2.13 Construction of 171 MW Lata Tapovan Hydro Power Project of NTPC Ltd, Uttarakhand. 36.4.2.14 Construction of 520 MW (4x130) Tapovan Vishnugad Hydroelectric Project of NTPC Ltd, Uttarakhand. The proposed site falls outside Nanda Devi National Park at a distance of 7.5 km. 36.4.2.15 Diversion of 1.610 ha Forest(Civil Land) for construction of Hapla-Guram-Nail motor road (5 km), Uttarakhand. The proposed site falls within 10 km aerial distance from the Kedarnath Musk Deer Wildlife Sanctuary.

The member secretary briefed the Committee on the above nine proposals. As the location of all these proposals are in the vicinity of the sanctuaries and national parks, status of

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the proposals of Ecologically Sensitive Zones was sought. Chief Wildlife Warden explained that the proposals are under process and will be considered by the state cabinet.

The Committee desired that the ESZ proposals may be submitted at the earliest and decided to defer the aforesaid nine proposals till ESZ proposals are submitted.

36.4.2.16 Proposal for Lime Stone Mines of M/s ACC Ltd. at Dunguri in Baragarh district, Odisha.

The member secretary briefed the Committee on the above proposal. He mentioned that the proposal was for renewal of an existing captive mine in operation since 1965 and that mine site is located at a distance of 3.5Km from the Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary.

The CWLW mentioned that the user agency was operating a railway line to transport the raw material and that the mitigation measures prescribed by the Forest Department were agreeable to the user agency.

conditions prescribed by the CWLW, Odisha including a rational speed for the loco on the private line. 36.4.2.17 Proposal for existing Gagal Lime Stone Mines and Gagal Cement Works Units (I&II) including the proposal for “Installation of Pet Coke Mill & Usage of pet coke in place of coal thereby conserving fossil fuel” in their plant at Gagal/Barmana, Dist. Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh by M/s ACC Ltd. Bandli Wildlife Sanctuary is at a distance of 4.1 km from limestone mine & 5.35 km from cement plant.

The member secretary briefed the Committee on the above proposal. He mentioned that the proposal involves the change of fuel from coal to Pet Coke for the existing Cement Plants and Lime Stone mines located at a distance of 5.35 km and 4.1 km respectively from the Bandli WLS. CWLW mentioned that the project has been recommended with mitigation measures.

conditions prescribed by the CWLW, Himachal Pradesh.

The meeting ended with vote of thanks to the chair.

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ANNEXURE-1

LIST OF PARTICIPANTS OF THE 36TH MEETING OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE OF NBWL HELD ON 4TH NOVEMBER 2015.

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1 Shri Prakash Javadekar Hon’ble Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Environment & Forests Chairman 2 Shri Ashok Lavasa, Secretary, Environment, Forests and Climate Change Invitee 3 Director General of Forests & Special Secretary Member 4 Shri Vinod Ranjan Addl. Director General of Forests (WL) Member- Secretary 5 Dr V.B. Mathur Director, Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun. Member 6 Professor Raman Sukumar. Member 7 Shri Bharat Pathak Director, GEER Foundation, Gujarat. Member 8 Dr H.S. Singh Member 9 Shri.Praveen Pardesi, IAS, Pr.Secretary to Hon’ble Chief Minister, Maharashtra Invitee
10 Shri P.Siva Sankar, IAS, Commissioner, Kolhapur Invitee 11 Shri Anil Kumar Addl. Director General of Forests (FC) Invitee 12 Shri A.K. Naik, Chief Conservator of Forests(WL), Andhra Pradesh Invitee 13 Shri P.K. Sharma, Pr.Chief Conservator of Forests, T.S., Hyderabad Invitee 14 Shri O.P. Pandey, PCCF(WL), Assam Invitee 15 Shri Deepak Khanna, Chief Wildlife Warden, Jammu & Kashmir Invitee 16 Dr J.A. Khan, Pr.Chief Conservator of Forests(WL), Gujarat Invitee 17 Shri S.S. Srivastava, Pr.Chief Conservator of Forests(WL) & Chief Wildlife Warden, Odisha Invitee 18 Shri Ravi Srivastava, Pr.Chief Conservator of Forests(WL) & Chief Wildlife Warden, Madhya Pradesh. Invitee 19 Shri Digvijay Singh Khati, Pr.Chief Conservator of Forests & Chief Wildlife Warden, Uttarakhand. Invitee 20 Mrs Amrinder Kaur, Pr.Chief Conservator of Forests(WL) cum Chief Wildlife Warden, Haryana. Invitee 21 Dr Vivek Saxena, OSD(Forest), Haryana
Invitee 22 Shri B.M. Parameswar, Chief Conservator of Forests, Mysore on behalf of PCCF(WL) & CWLW, Karnataka. Invitee

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23 Shri V.S. Bohra, Chief Conservator of Forests(WL) on behalf of Addl.PCCF(WL) & CWLW, Rajasthan. Invitee 24 Dr.B.R. Sharma, Addl.Pr.Chief Conservator of Forests(WL), West Bengal Invitee 25 Shri A.S. Rawat, CCF&FD, Jharkhand Invitee 26 Shri B.S. Bonal, Member Secretary, NTCA. Invitee 27 Dr S.K. Khanduri, Inspector General of Forests (WL). Invitee 28 Shri S.P. Vashishth, Deputy Inspector General of Forests(WL) Invitee 29 Shir Roy P. Thomas, Joint Director(WL) Invitee 30 Shri Rajasekhar Ratti, Deputy Director (WL) Invitee

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