IN FORCE undated

नेशनल बोर्ड फॉर वाइल्डलाइफ की स्टैंडिंग कमेटी की 45वीं बैठक के मिनट्स, 4 सितंबर 2017

Subject

Minutes of 45th Meeting of the Standing Committee of NBWL- reg.

Document text

Government of India Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (Wildlife Division) 6th Floor, Vayu Wing Indira Paryavaran Bhawan Jor Bag Road, Aliganj New Delhi 110 003 F.No. 6-175/2107 WL

       Date: 12 Sept 2017

To All Members Standing Committee of NBWL

Sub: Minutes of 45th Meeting of the Standing Committee of NBWL- reg. Sir/Madam, Kindly find enclosed copy of the Minutes of 45th Meeting of the Standing Committee of National Board for Wildlife held on 4th September 2017 at 5.00 PM in Teesta Conference Hall, I Floor, Vayu Block, Indira Paryavarn Bhavan, New Delhi under the chairmanship of Hon’ble Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

Yours faithfully,

(Dr. Pasupala Ravi) Scientist C E-mail: ddwlmef@gmail.com

Encl: As above
Distribution

(1) Secretary, MoEF&CC (2) DGF&SS, MoEF&CC (3) Member Secretary, NTCA (4) ADGF(FC), MoEF&CC (5) ADGF(WL), MoEF&CC (6) Director, WII, Dehradun (7) Director, GEER Foundation, Gandhinagar, Gujarat (8) Prof. R. Sukumar, Member, NBWL (9) Dr. H.S. Singh, Member, NBWL (10) Pr. Secretary (Forests), Govt. of Andhra Pradesh

Copy to (1) PS to Hon’ble MoEF&CC (2) PPS to DGF&SS, MoEF&CC (3) PPS to Addl.DGF(WL), Member Secretary, NBWL (4) PPS to IGF(WL)/PS to DIG(WL)/PS to JD(WL)

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MINUTES OF 45th MEETING OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE OF NATIONAL BOARD FOR WILDLIFE HELD ON 4th SEPTEMBER 2017

The 45th Meeting of the Standing Committee of National Board for Wildlife was held on 4th September 2017 in the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change under the chairmanship of Hon’ble Minister for Environment, Forest & Climate Change. List of participants is at ANNEXURE- I. Hon’ble Chairman welcomed all the participants to the 45th Meeting of the Standing Committee of National Board for Wildlife and asked the IGF(WL) to initiate the discussions on the Agenda Items.

AGENDA ITEM No. 1 Confirmation of the minutes of the 44th Meeting of the Standing Committee of National Board for Wildlife held on 29th July 2017 The IGF(WL) informed the Committee that the minutes of the 44th meeting of the Standing Committee of NBWL held on 29th July 2017 were circulated to all members of the Standing Committee on 16th August 2017. No comments/suggestions were received and accordingly the minutes of 44th meeting were confirmed.

AGENDA ITEM No. 2 ACTION TAKEN REPORT
36.4.2.1 Setting up 5.25 MTPA Development of Floating storage and Regasification Unit (FSRU) facilities for import of LNG within the existing deep water port at Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh. The proposed site is 2.5 km away from the boundary of Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary.

The IGF(WL) briefed the Committee about the proposal and informed that the proposal was discussed during the 40th Meeting of Standing Committee of NBWL. He also

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mentioned that as the project site was located 2.5 km away from Coringa WLS, Impact Mitigation and Wildlife Conservation Plan were required for consideration. The Impact Mitigation and Wildlife Conservation Plan were received from the project proponent on 4th August 2017. The Plan was shared with the Chief Wildlife Warden, Andhra Pradesh on 8th August 2017 for seeking comments. The comments on the same are awaited from the State Chief Wildlife Warden. Consequently the Standing Committee decided to defer the proposal pending receipt of the comments of the Chief Wildlife Warden, Andhra Pradesh.

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 km from the boundary of Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary 36.4.2.13.
Construction of 171 MW Lata Tapovan Hydropower Project of NTPC Ltd,

Uttarakhand 36.4.2.14.
Construction of 520 MW (4 X 130) Tapovan Vishnugad Hydroelectric Project of NTPC Ltd., Uttarakhand. The proposed site falls outside Nanda Devi National Park at a distance of 7.5 km

The IGF(WL) briefed the Committee on the above proposals and mentioned that the proposals were considered by the Standing Committee of NBWL in its 39th meeting held on 23rd August 2016. During the said meeting, it was decided by the Standing Committee to seek comments of the Ministry of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation (MoWRD&GR) on the proposed projects.

The IGF(WL) also mentioned that on 23rd September 2016, the matter was taken up with the MoWRD&GR. But, no response was received from them. He also mentioned that in the 42nd meeting of Standing Committee of NBWL, the Chair had suggested the CWLW, Uttarakhand to ask the State Government to take up the matter with the MoWRD&GR. However, no response was received from the State CWLW and MoWRD&GR. He informed that after the 44th Meeting of Standing Committee of NBWL, the DIG (WL) had spoken with the Joint Secretary, MoWRD&GR and requested to consider and share their comments on the said

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matter. The response was still awaited. Consequently the Standing Committee decided to defer the proposal.

34.4.2.11
Proposal of Ms Stone International Pvt. Ltd Chechat for expansion and renewal of Kotah Stone (Building) production in Mining lease no.22/92 situated in village Chechat in Tehsil Ramganj Mandi, District Kota which lies at about 6.4 km aerial distance from the Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary/ Mukundra Hills National Park 34.4.2.12
Proposal for renewal of existing lime stone mining lease no.24/87 in village Pipakhedi, Tehsil Ramganj Mandi District Kota near Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary, Rajasthan by M/s Zahoor Ahmed, Abdul Majid. The proposed mining lease 8.5 km away from Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary 34.4.2.13
Proposal of M/s Associated Stone Industries (Kota) limited for expansion and renewal of Kotah Stone production in mining lease No. 1/89 situated in Tehsil Ramganj mandi, District Kota, Rajasthan

The IGF(WL) briefed the Committee on the proposals and mentioned that in the 42nd meeting of Standing Committee of NBWL, the state Chief Wildlife Warden had informed that ESZ proposals of Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary would be finalized and submitted to the Ministry in one month. Revised ESZ proposal of the Mukundra Hills TR was also awaited from the State. Further, in the 43rd meeting of SC-NBWL held on 27th July 2017, the CWLW, Rajasthan sought time of two months to submit the revised ESZ proposals. The period of two months ended on 28th August 2017 but no response was received from the Chief Wildlife Warden, Rajasthan. During the 45th meeting of SC-NBWL, the State Chief Wildlife Warden again requested the time period of two months for submission of ESZ. The Chairman stated that since the matter was pending with the Chief Wildlife Warden, Rajasthan for a long period, only one month (up to 30th September 2017) be allowed to the State Chief Wildlife Warden for submission of revised ESZ proposals. The State Chief Wildlife Warden agreed to this. After discussions the Standing Committee decided to defer the proposal.

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39.4.2.5 Proposal for International Amusement & Infrastructures Ltd for Jaipur Mega Tourism City, a Recreational Project at village Daulatpura Kotra, Tehsil Amer District Jaipur, Rajasthan The IGF(WL) briefed the Committee on the proposal and mentioned that the proposal was considered by the Standing Committee of NBWL in its 39th meeting held on 23rd August 2016. During the meeting, the State Chief Wildlife Warden has mentioned that the Environment Clearance for the project was under consideration of SEIAA, Rajasthan. In the 42nd meeting of SC-NBWL, the State Chief Wildlife Warden had informed that the Environment Clearance (EC) of project shall be submitted in next 2-3 months. Further, in the 43rd meeting of SC-NBWL held on 27th July 2017, the State Chief Wildlife Warden, Rajasthan has sought time of another two months to submit the EC of project. The period of two months ended on 28th August 2017 but no response was received from the State Chief Wildlife Warden. During the 45th meeting of SC- NBWL, the State Chief Wildlife Warden again requested the time period of another two months for submission of EC of the project. The Chairman stated that since the matter was pending with the Chief Wildlife Warden, Rajasthan for a long period, only one month (up to 30th September 2017) would be allowed to the State Chief Wildlife Warden for submission of EC of the project. The State Chief Wildlife Warden agreed to this. Accordingly the Standing Committee decided to defer the proposal.

40.3.2.1 Diversion of 9.94 ha of forestland from Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary for construction
of New Railway Line Broad Gauge (BG) between Agartala to Sabroom, Tripura

The IGF(WL) briefed the Committee on the proposal and mentioned that in the 42nd meeting of Standing Committee of NBWL, the DGF&SS had suggested that a Committee comprising of the Chief Wildlife Warden of Tripura, Prof R Sukumar, Member NBWL, one representative of WII and one person from the Wildlife Division would visit the site and submit a report in a fortnight to the Ministry for further consideration. The IGF(WL) further informed that the site inspection has been conducted by the committee headed by Prof R Sukumar and the Site

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Inspection Report was received on 23rd August, 2017 which was circulated to members along with the agenda of the 45th meeting. Prof R Sukumar briefly informed that the Committee has recommended the proposal for the diversion of 9.94 ha of forestland from Trishna WLS for the construction of new railway line (BG) from Agartala to Sabroom with strict adherence to the following mitigation measures and conditions:

  1. Among the three alignments explored for the construction of railway line between Udaipur and Sabroom, the committee is convinced that Alignment-2 requiring 9.94 ha of sanctuary land is the most practical for the construction of railway line with least conservation impact and technical / economic / social viability.
  2. Fencing / funneling in vicinity of underpass on either side of the track passing through the forest should be done at least for 100 m distance. Any steep embankment on either side of the railway line needs to be made more gentle or flattened as these often trap wildlife on the railway track causing mortality by fast moving trains. The speed of the trains plying through the forest patches of the sanctuary need to be regulated to below 45 km per hour.
  3. Separate smaller passage ways for small mammals, reptiles and amphibians are required with herp-fences all along the railway track when passing the forest corridor patches. Design of these provided in Eco-friendly Measures to Mitigate Impacts of Linear Infrastructure on Wildlife (2016) compiled by the Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, shall be considered while according stage approval for this project. Precise locations of these passages can be decided by the Railways in consultation with the Tripura Forest Department.
  4. This committee deliberated at length the appropriate management category of the 13 sq.km Bhairavnagar Bison Conservation Area. Based on the field visit to this area, discussions with senior officials including PCCF of Tripura Forest Department, the presence of cultivation and settlement in this relatively-isolated small forest patch and its proximity to the Bangladesh border, the committee recommends that the Bhairavnagar Bison Conservation Area be managed as a Conservation Reserve under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. This would be the most appropriate and practical means of ensuring conservation of the forest and the wildlife.

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  1. About 30 sq. km of the Garjee Reserve Forest, close to Paratia FRH (Garjee beat) should also be established as a Conservation Reserve under the Wildlife Protection Act. After discussions the Standing Committee decided to recommend the proposal with the recommendations of the Site Inspection Committee.

32.4.2(19) Proposal for Lakheri Chamovali mining lease of M/s. ACC Limited, Lakheri Cement Works, Lakheri, Dist. Bundi (Rajasthan) for mining purpose of limestone, Rajasthan

The IGF(WL) briefed the Committee on the proposal and mentioned that a meeting was held on 1st June 2017 under the chairmanship of DGF&SS. After discussions, the Chief Wildlife Warden, Rajasthan was requested to furnish additional information clarifying the mistake of facts committed while notifying the area of 409.88 ha as buffer of Ranthambore Tiger Reserve in the year 2012. Response from the State Govt. was received dated 19.07.2017. During 44th meeting of SC-NBWL held on 29.07.2017, it was decided that the NTCA would examine the matter and submit the report in three weeks. The Member Secretary, NTCA informed that the NTCA has recommended the proposal in its meeting held today (04.09.2017). The minutes of the meeting of the NTCA was assured to be provided immediately. The user agency voluntarily agreed to provide an amount of Rs. 5 Cr. into the corpus of Ranthambore Tiger Conservation Foundation for carrying out the conservation activities. After discussions the Standing Committee decided to recommend the proposal for denotification of the buffer zone area of Ranthambore tiger reserve and renotify after rationalization excluding the lease area of M/s. ACC Limited from the buffer area along with the conditions imposed by the NTCA if any in the meeting of 4th September 2017.

40.3.2.2 Proposal for bauxite mining lease area 206.37 ha at village Talagaon in Taluka Radhanagari and village Baveli in Taluka Gaganbawada, Dist Kolhapur, Maharashtra

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The IGF(WL) briefed the Committee on the proposal and mentioned that the Standing Committee of NBWL in its 42nd meeting held on 15.05.2017 had decided that the Secretary, MoEF&CC would convene a meeting of project proponent, State Government and NTCA to take a decision on the proposal. A meeting in this regard was held on 2nd August 2017 under the Chairmanship of Secretary, MoEF&CC and the minutes of the said meeting were circulated with the agenda of 45th SC-NBWL. As per the decision, a committee comprising of DIG(NTCA), DIG(WL), representative from IA Division and a representative of Maharashtra Govt., in the presence of project proponent, would visit the site and submit a report within 15 days from the date of issue of letter from the Wildlife Division. After discussion the Standing Committee decided to defer the proposal till the submission of the report of the Site Inspection Committee.

41.4.2.1
Proposal for Construction of Central Armed Police Forces Institute of Medical Science (CAPFIMS) along with R&R Hospital and allied Institutes, New Delhi. The proposed site is 200 meters away from the Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary

The IGF(WL) briefed the Committee on the proposal and mentioned that Proposal was considered and recommended by the Standing Committee of NBWL in its 41st meeting held on 2nd Mar 2017. However, the user agency has requested to waive deposit of 5% of total project cost for undertaking soil-moisture conservation work as stipulated by the CWLW. The request to waive deposit of 5% of total cost was placed before the 43rd meeting of SC-NBWL held on 27th June 2017. The Standing Committee decided that the matter be examined by a Committee headed by Dr H S Singh, the State CWLW and a representative of Wildlife Division and a report submitted to it for further consideration. The IGF(WL) informed that the Committee has completed the site visit and submitted its report on 20th August 2017. The following are the recommendations of the Site Inspection Committee:

  1. The User Agency is required to deposit 2% of total cost of the project for the undertaking soil-moisture conservation and improvement of wildlife habitat in the Asola wildlife sanctuary in the larger interest of conservation of wildlife habitat as stipulated by the Chief Wildlife Warden.

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  1. No construction activity / soil / Badarpur excavation is permitted in the area of 17.5 acres of the geo-morphological ridge area contiguous to the project site. The natural character of the area should be restored to merge with the ridge forest and it should not be disconnected with the ridge forests.
  2. The boundary wall of 10 feet height should be designed and constructed such that no waste can be thrown over the wall into the sanctuary.
  3. Thick green belt of native plant species should be developed in the maximum available patch to buffer air / sound / water pollution inside the sanctuary. And the green belt should be declared as out-of-bound for the staff / public use.
  4. Exhaust fans, vents of air-conditioners should not be fixed towards the face of the sanctuary. The municipal solid/liquid waste generated during construction / after full-fledge functioning of hospital, medicos’/ or nurses’ hostel and residential colony should not be disposed in and around the sanctuary. The biomedical waste generated from the hospital should be disposed 5 km away from the boundary of the sanctuary. General recommendation The project is not specific to the capital city and it is for the personnel of the armed police force from different parts of the country. Delhi is already over populated and suffers from the increasing pollution load. Construction of such institute may result into visit of personnel of arm forces, their relatives. As a result, the traffic on Delhi roads, pollution in air and the waste on ground will further increase the existing pollution level. This will add to traffic and environmental burden to a highly polluted mega-city. Can’t authority think of constructing such institute in B-class city properly located in the country? In future such projects, which are specific to Delhi, should not be constructed in Delhi. The ridge forests and its surrounding areas should be preserved and improved as lung of the mega-city.
    After discussions the Standing Committee decided to recommend the proposal along with the recommendations of the Site Inspection Committee.

44.3.2. Diversion of 1136.0138 ha of forestland for the construction of Dr B R Ambedkar Pranahita Irrigation Canal falling in Tiger Corridor area linking Kawal Tiger

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Reserve in Telangana with Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve in Maharastra and Indravathi Tiger Reserve in Chhattisgarh

The IGF(WL) briefed the Committee on the proposal and stated that the proposal was considered in the 44th meeting of Standing Committee of NBWL held on 29th July 2017. The State CWLW has then requested the Standing Committee to reduce the number of 18 eco- friendly crossings across the Pranahita Irrigation Canal. The Standing Committee decided that a team of WII would visit the project site and submit a detailed report to this Ministry in a fortnight for further consideration of the proposal. The IGF(WL) further informed that a Committee from WII has visited the project site and submitted a detailed report on 1st Sept 2017. The Director, WII made a brief presentation and informed that the Site Inspection Committee has recommended the following suggestions: (i) Given the length of the forested areas within which the canal would be constructed, the dimensions (width of the eco-bridges) suggested by the Irrigation department are either too large (100 meters width) or too small (10 meters width) for facilitating animal passage. Further, the number of proposed structures appears to be much higher than required and also too close to each other (Table 1). Too closely spaced structures may negate their benefits because of impacts of clearing the vegetation, anthropogenic interventions and disturbance induced during construction phase of canal and these structures. It is, therefore, necessary to rationalize the numbers and locations of these structures so that they become more effective in maintaining the functional connectivity of Bejjur RF with Kadamba RF. (ii) After detailed discussions in the field with all concerned officials and examining the pros and cons of the proposed eco-bridges, the following eco-bridges are recommended for effective and long-term connectivity of the two RFs in question (Table 1).
(iii) Successive eco-bridges within Bejjur (Sl. No. 4, 5, 7, 9, 11 and 13) and Kadamba Extension RF (Sl. No. 14, 16 and 18) should be spaced apart by a minimum of 500 meters. (iv) WII will provide technical assistance in the preparation of design of an eco-bridge, which should be adopted for all eco bridges along the entire length of the canal. This would

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require more consultations / visits to the site. Expertise of civil engineers, irrigation and forest department officials and professional landscape architects will be sought for designing the model eco-bridges.
(v) Based on the suggested design by WII, one model eco-bridge should be initially built by the User Agency. Such a structure would require evaluation of its utility by an independent committee comprising of members of NTCA, WII and Telangana Forest Department. Constructions of other 8 eco-bridges should be permitted only after this committee’s approval.
(vi) Six to eight meter wide ramps (with a very gentle gradient, slope 25-30º) should be constructed at an interval of every 500 meters on both the sides along the stretches of the canal passing through the forest lands and wildlife crossing areas. This will enable even smaller forms of animals to have access to canal water for drinking purpose. (vii) As suggested by NTCA, a spoil bank composed of a pile of excavated debris and muck material while constructing canal will be formed by the User Agency. Approximately 300 m width of soil deposit should be piled up in the form of spoil bank all along the canal. The top soil is to be protected and used to cover the spoil bank. The afforestation activity is proposed on this spoil bank all along the canal falling in forest area. (viii) The Afforestation Plan needs to be prepared by the User Agency and should be got approved by the State Chief Wildlife Warden. This plan needs to be well formulated to avoid gradient / landscape alterations that may have a negative bearing on the use of natural habitat along the canal. Priority must be given to those native species which are likely to enhance nutritional carrying capacity for the wild ungulates and are useful for habitat restoration.
(ix) Openings of the eco-bridges on both the sides of the canal should be devoid of any modification resulting from physical alteration (spoil bank, inspection road) and be planted with native species to provide a smooth transition area to the nearest contiguous patches of forest on either side of the canal. (x) Landscape design of the eco-bridges should mimic adjacent habitats that the structure intends to connect. Dense shrubs should be planted on edges of bridges to provide cover and refuge for small- and medium-sized wildlife. The center sections of the crossings should be left open with low herbaceous vegetation. Piles of shrubs, large woody debris or rocks could be placed in stepping-stone fashion to provide refuge for small fauna.

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Afforestation plan with carefully selected species should also be prepared for top of the eco-bridges. (xi) Forest Department must monitor these eco-bridges with remotely activated camera traps to understand animal movements and detect and minimize illegal human activities, if any. (xii) It was observed that many illegal encroachments on either sides of Bejjur RF and Kadamba Extension RF are negatively influencing the functional connectivity. The areas demarcating these settlements and forest lands should be appropriately fenced out so as to arrest further spread of these.
(xiii) In agreement with the NTCA recommendations, WII recommends that the Telangana Forest Department must urgently initiate removal of these illegal encroachments and develop those areas into wildlife habitats so as to compensate for the forest land being lost owing to implementation of Pranahita project. (xiv) Telangana Forest Department must ensure that the NPV deposited for this project should be utilized for tiger centric conservation approach and recovery of Kawal Tiger Reserve and adjoining corridor landscapes. These may include resettlement of villages from core of Kawal TR as per State Government’s policy, augmentation of prey and tigers in Kawal TR, eco-development activities aiming at reduction of local communities’ dependence on forest resources, etc. (xv) One district road is passing through Bejjur RF which is already fragmenting this forested corridor. A portion of NPV amount must be invested in constructing appropriate animal crossing structures (over and under passes) and speed breakers on this road. Design of these structures should be in adherence to WII document Eco-friendly Measures to Mitigate Impacts of Linear Infrastructure, and their precise locations should be determined by local forest officials in consultation with WII.
(xvi) The corridor may become almost non-functional during the construction phase owing to high anthropogenic disturbances. This may halt tiger movement in the area and might escalate conflict with local human communities. The User Agency must, therefore, start construction of canal within forest areas only during the last phase of the project.

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(xvii) The work (canal excavation, eco-crossings construction, spoil bank preparation etc.) within forested areas of the landscape should be completed in the shortest possible span so that the area could be reclaimed soon after. Irrigation department must use pre- fabricated structures (built outside the forest area) for construction of these eco-bridges and assemble them in these areas so that the on-site disturbances could be minimized during the construction phase. (xviii) The same monitoring committee should oversee the implementation of the project at regular intervals to ensure that the mitigation measures suggested by State CWLW, NTCA and WII are being complied with.

Dr H S Singh, Member NBWL suggested to increase the width of the eco-bridges of Table 1 (Serial No. 5, 13, 14 & 18) from 15 m to 20 m for the large cause of the wildlife.

After discussions the Standing Committee decided to recommend proposal along with the conditions and mitigation measures prescribed by the WII, Dehradun and the suggestions made by Dr H S Singh and Prof R Sukumar, Members of NBWL.

43.1.24 Permission for investigation and survey for construction of National Highway (NH-3) bypass road in Son Chiriya Wildlife Sanctuary, Ghatigaon, Madhya Pradesh

The IGF(WL) briefed the Committee on the proposal and stated that the Proposal was considered by the Standing Committee of NBWL in its 43rd meeting held during 27th June 2017. The user agency has suggested three options of which the State Chief Wildlife Warden has recommended the Option 1 whereas the State Board for Wildlife has recommended the Option 3. It was decided by the Standing Committee in its 43rd meeting that a Committee comprising of one representative of WII and one person from Wildlife Division would visit the project site and submit a report to the Ministry within a fortnight for further consideration. The Site Inspection was conducted on 30th - 31st August 2017 and submitted a report was received on 1st Sept 2017.
The Director, WII informed that the Site Inspection Committee noticed discrepancy between the alignments shown in the map of proposal and the alignments shown by the User

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Agency on the ground during the field visit. The Site Inspection Committee has requested to carry out a joint resurvey by the User Agency and the State Forest Department and furnish information to this Ministry. The Chairman directed WII to carry out the joint survey and resubmit the report to the Ministry in a fortnight.

After discussions the Standing Committee decided to defer the proposal.

41.4.1.4
Proposal for establishment and operating Retail Outlet with required facilities in private land situated in village Mishirpur, Plot Khasra No.223M right side of Asifabad - Garh road (MDR), Meerut District

The IGF(WL) briefed the Committee on the proposal and stated that the proposal was considered by the Standing Committee of NBWL in its 41st meeting held on 2nd March 2017. Dr H S Singh, Member, NBWL observed that the Govt. land was also involved for the proposed project. He opined that the Govt. land should not be allowed to be used for setting up the facility. The Member has also suggested to seek the comments of the State Chief Wildlife Warden, Uttar Pradesh for further consideration. The comments of the State Chief Wildlife Warden were received on 6th Aug 2017 in which it was mentioned that there is no private land adjacent to the retail outlet available and therefore 0.0576286 ha of Govt. land is required for the entry and exists of vehicles from / to the retail outlet.

After discussions the Standing Committee decided to recommend the proposal.

44.1.6.
Proposal for construction of Attargoo Sagam Mudh Bhawa Road km 33/500 to 61/930 in Spiti Division, HPPWD Kaza and km 0/0 to 44/400 in Karcham Division, HPPWD at Bhabanagar in Kinnaur District

The IGF(WL) briefed the Committee on the proposal and stated that the proposal was considered by the Standing Committee of NBWL in its 44th meeting held during 29th July 2017. It was informed during the meeting that the proposal involved the diversion of 4.20 ha of forestland from the Rupi Bhaba Wildlife Sanctuary for the construction of Attargoo Sagam -

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Mudh Bhawa Road. However the DFO, Himachal Pradesh mentioned that the diversion of 43.70 ha of forestland was required for the laying of Attargoo Sagam - Mudh Bhawa road. The Standing Committee requested the State Government to submit the revised proposal.
The IGF(WL) also stated that the revised proposal has been submitted by the State Government of Himachal Pradesh. He mentioned further that the State PCCF in its letter dated 30.08.2017 requested to consider for the diversion of 39.50 ha for the construction of Attargoo Sagam Mudh Bhawa Road km 33/500 to 61/930 in Spiti Division and km 0/0 to 44/400 in Karcham Division, at Bhabanagar in Kinnaur District. He also mentioned that the State Chief Wildlife Warden has recommended the proposal without imposing conditions.
After discussion the Standing Committee decided to recommend the proposal.

43.1.19 Realignment of area of the buffer area of Indravati Tiger Reserve, Chhattisgarh The IGF(WL) briefed the Committee on the proposal and stated that the proposal was considered in the 43rd and 44th meetings of the Standing Committee of NBWL. Dr H S Singh, Member NBWL had suggested to seek the recommendations of the State Chief Wildlife Warden for the consideration. During the 44th meeting, the State Chief Wildlife Warden informed that the recommendations would be submitted in two weeks. The IGF(WL) also stated that the recommendations of the State Chief Wildlife Warden, Chhattisgarh have not been received as yet.
After discussion the Standing Committee decided to defer the proposal till the receipt of clarification from the State Government.

41.3 Change of status of forest land to revenue land when the former has been used to rehabilitate villages from core areas of National Parks / Wildlife Sanctuaries / Tiger Reserves forest land

The IGF(WL) briefed the Committee that this policy issue was considered by the Standing Committee of NBWL in its 41st meeting held during 2nd March 2017. It was decided that in all those cases where the reserve forest has been used to rehabilitate villages from core

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areas of National Parks / Wildlife Sanctuaries / Tiger Reserves, status of forestland would be changed to revenue land. The Government of Maharashtra has requested that in all those cases where the forestland has been used to rehabilitate villages from core areas of National Parks / Wildlife Sanctuaries / Tiger Reserves, status of forestland rather reserve forest would be changed to revenue land.
After discussion the Standing Committee decided to recommend that in all those cases where the forestland has been used to rehabilitate villages from core areas of National Parks / Wildlife sanctuaries / Tiger reserves, status of forestland would be changed to revenue land.

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AGENDA ITEM No. 3

45.3.1. Integrated Wildlife Management Plan for West Singhbhum District of Jharkhand State examined by Multidisciplinary Expert Committee (MDEC) The IGF (WL) informed that reference has been received from the FC division of Ministry on the constitution of Multidisciplinary Expert Committee (MDEC) chaired by Dr S S Bisht to review the Integrated Wildlife Management Plan (IWMP) for West Singhbhum District of Jharkhand. The recommendations of the MDEC on IWMP were placed before the Standing Committee Members of NBWL. It was also informed that IWMP was prepared by an expert committee which has been vetted by WII Dehradun and has approval of the State Government of Jharkhand. The members appreciated the appraisal of the MDEC on the IWMP.

45.3.2. Delegation of powers to the State Government for sanctioning proposal regarding drinking water pipeline in Protected Areas by the Chief Wildlife Warden

The IGF(WL) stated that the Government of Gujarat has sent a Policy Agenda for the delegation of powers for sanctioning drinking water pipeline proposals falling inside Protected Areas. He also mentioned that under the present procedure, any project proposal for laying of pipeline for supply of drinking water has to be recommended by the State Board for Wildlife and the Standing Committee of National Board for Wildlife. The projects like drinking water supply to the masses cannot be delayed as this is the basic need for sustenance of human life as well as livestock particularly water scarce areas.

The IGF(WL) stated that the State Govt. has suggested that if the power of taking an immediate decision for implementation of drinking water project is given to the Chief Wildlife Warden, then the immediate need of water supply during the water scarce seasons can be taken care of. In the last meeting of the State Board for Wildlife, it was decided that cases of drinking water projects may be sanctioned by the Chief Wildlife Warden of the State in anticipation of post facto approval by the State Board for Wildlife and the Standing Committee of NBWL.

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Dr H S Singh, Member of NBWL opined that in respect of proposals for laying of drinking water pipeline and optical fiber cables along the roads inside the national parks, sanctuaries and tiger reserves, the authority could be delegated to the State Board for Wildlife.
He also suggested that the details of clearances given to such proposals should be furnished to the NBWL.
After discussions the Standing Committee decided that henceforth State/ UT Chief Wildlife Wardens would sanction proposals for laying drinking water pipelines and Optical Fiber Cables for telecommunications inside the National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries and Tiger Reserves. However the CWLWs would have to furnish the details every month of all such sanctioned proposals to the Ministry for information of SC-NBWL.

45.3.3. Landscape Scale Conservation
The IGF(WL) stated that Prof R Sukumar, Member of NBWL has suggested a Policy Agenda wherein he desired to have a deliberation on landscape level conservation. Prof R Sukumar while briefing the Standing Committee on the Agenda suggested to have a sub- committee to discuss the matter in depth. The Director, WII Dehradun informed that the matter pertaining to landscape level plan was adequately considered in the National Wildlife Action Plan (2017-2031). Considering that the matter has already been covered under the National Wildlife Action Plan the Standing Committee decided that Prof R Sukumar would be a part of the Committee to frame Guidelines to implement Landscape Conservation.

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AGENDA ITEM No. 4 5.4.1
PROPOSALS WITHIN 10 KM FROM THE BOUNDARIES OF PROTECTED AREAS

45.4.1.1 Proposal for provision of ropeway facility in Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary

The IGF(WL) briefed the Committee on the proposal and stated that the proposal involves the diversion of 1.30 ha of forestland from the Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary for provision of ropeway facility at Rohtasgarh Fort. The project will help in the better communication of villages in the upper side of Kaimur plateau and also in promoting eco-tourism. He added that the CWLW has recommended the proposal with the following conditions:

  1. The operation of ropeway carriage/transit facility for tourism purpose shall be regulated under the directions of the Chief Wildlife Warden, Bihar coordinated as eco-tourism activities so that any adverse impact on wildlife interests are prevented or mitigated.
  2. Eco-friendly vehicles (battery operated) should be used for transport of tourists over 5 km of road distance from top landing site of Chaurasan Mandir to Rohtasgrah Fort.
  3. During the construction and installation of the ropeway facility in the sanctuary area, the practicable restrictions and precautionary measures as prescribed by the Chief Wildlife Warden, Bihar shall be compiled. After discussions the Standing Committee decided to recommend the proposal along with the conditions imposed by the State Chief Wildlife Warden.

44.4.1.2 Erection of 11 KV overhead line from CRPF camp Netanar to village Koleng on XLPE cable for 23.60 km in Kangar Valley National Park The IGF(WL) briefed the Committee on the proposal and stated that the proposal involves the diversion of 1.216 ha of forestland from the Kangar valley National Park for laying of 11 KV overhead line from CRPF camp, Netanar to Koleng village on XLPE cable for 23.60 km in the

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Kangar valley National Park. He also added that the State Chief Wildlife Warden has recommended the proposal without imposing conditions.
After discussions the Standing Committee decided to recommend the proposal.

45.4.1.3 Upgradation of forest road from Aktwar to Chule in Guru Ghasidas National Park The IGF(WL) briefed the Committee on the proposal and stated that the proposal was for upgradation of forest road with black topping which runs from Aktwar to Chule and covers distance of 5.97 km out of which 1.40 km comes under Guru Ghasidas National Park. The State Chief Wildlife Warden has recommended the proposal without imposing any conditions.
After discussions the Standing Committee decided to recommend the proposal.

45.4.1.4 Diversion of 2.393 ha of forestland to Superintendent of Police for establishment of CRPF camp compartment No.PF 184 of Chinnakodepal village under buffer zone of Indravati Tiger Reserve, Chhattisgarh The IGF (WL) briefed the Committee on the proposal and stated that the proposal involves the diversion of 2.393 ha of forestland from the buffer zone of Indravati Tiger Reserve to facilitate the movement of the armed forces engaged in antinaxal operations. The State Chief Wildlife Warden has recommended the proposal without imposing conditions. After discussions the Standing Committee decided to recommend the proposal.

45.4.1.5 Diversion of (i) 9.45 ha of forestland from the Kanger Ghati National Park for the construction of Nangur – Netanar – Koleng road, (ii) 13.50 ha of forestland from the Kanger Ghati National Park for the construction of Darbha – Koleng - Chandameta road, and (iii) 5.76 ha of forestland from the Kanger Valley National Park for the construction of G.K Road – R.D. road - Chamrupara road under the Prime Minister's Rural Roads Scheme in Jagdalpur of Bastar region in Chhattisgarh State

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The IGF(WL) briefed the Committee on the aforesaid three proposals and stated that the proposals involve the diversion of 9.45 ha, 13.50 ha, and 5.76 ha of forestland respectively from the Kanger Ghati National Park for construction of roads in the National Park under the Prime Minister's Rural Roads Scheme in Jagdalpur area of Bastar region in Chhattisgarh. The total area to be diverted from the National Park for the three stretches of roads is 28.71 ha. The proposals were for converting kachcha roads to pakka roads by black topping to provide smooth connectivity to the tribal villages. He also informed that the State Chief Wildlife Warden has recommended the proposals without imposing conditions. After discussions the Standing Committee decided to recommend the proposals.

45.4.1.6 Diversion of 27.355 ha of forestland for construction of proposed 132 KV Nagri- Indagaon transmission line

The IGF(WL) briefed the Committee on the proposal and stated that the proposal involves the diversion of a total area of 42.958 ha (27.355 ha of forestland + 16.603 ha of revenue land) for laying of a 132 KV transmission line in a distance of 15.911 km from Nagri to Indgaon falling from the Udanti Sitanadi Tiger Reserve. He also mentioned that the proposal involves the felling of 4303 trees. He also informed that the State Chief Wildlife Warden has recommended the proposal without imposing conditions. The IGF (WL) also mentioned that the NTCA has recommended the proposal with the following conditions and mitigation strategies: 1. In compliance with MoEF&CC guidelines, no clearance of vegetation shall be allowed for open areas with sparse vegetation (such as grasslands, wetlands, etc., 5.8 m vertical clearance above ground, 2.5 m vertical clearance from the vegetation and 1.2 m horizontal clearance from vegetation could be permitted in other areas of the transmission line. These dimensions are based on clearance requirements for power lines under Indian Electricity Rules, 1956 (as amended up to 25 November 2000)) and local forest officials should monitor strict implementation of this on ground.

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The user agency should design the power pole configuration in accordance with the guidelines provided in the Eco-friendly Measures to mitigate impacts of Linear Infrastructure on Wildlife documented by Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun in order to prevent the instances of collision of migratory birds with transmission lines. To minimize bird and bat collisions and electrocutions, the following preventive measures / safeguards need to be adopted by the user agency. Making of power lines wires and earth wires wit reflectors or other items that will prevent bird collisions and deaths needs to be adopted. Marker devices are available in several colours and are visible to birds from a long distance. Many types of marker devices are available such as spheres, swinging plates, spiral vibration dampers, strips, flight diverters, bird flappers, ribbons, tapes, flags, and crossed bands. 3. The user agency should adhere to the guidelines issued by Hon’ble National green Tribunal in its judgment in Janajagarithi Samiti vs. Union of India and others (Appeal No. 10 of 2102) related to transmission line passing through the forest in Western Ghats. 4. Forest Clearance Division of MoEF&CC in consultation with the Central electricity Authority had also issued guidelines pertaining to transmission line passing through the forests. The user agency should follow these guidelines while constructing the power lines. 5. No construction / maintenance work shall be permitted in between 6 PM to 7 AM. 6. Labour camps should be away from the boundaries of Protected Area / Reserve Forest / Protected Forest along the entire length of the proposed transmission line. 7. No construction materials (including soil, stones, etc) should be collected from the forest. The topsoil to a depth of 30 cm should be first gathered, piled aside and covered with a tarpaulin or suitable other material. The topsoil should be re-spread as early as possible over the distributed or excavated area after completion of work to a depth of 30 cm. 8. Construction debris should be dumped inside the forest areas and they should be transported by the user agency to suitable dumping sites outside the forest. 9. Movement of vehicles should be strictly restricted to existing roads and tracks and creation of new roads and tracks or off-roading shall be prohibited. All vehicles delivering loose constructions materials and any such material gathered at the site must be covered by appropriate material such as tarpaulins to prevent dust spreading, pollution or wastage.

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Movements of vehicles and use of heavy machinery along riverine areas and water courses along the entire length of the proposed transmission line should also be kept minimal. 11. The clear-felled area should be annually cleaned on the line of and coinciding with the schedule of fire line preparation. 12. The clear-felled area and transmission line should be jointly patrolled regularly by user agency and Forest Department.
13. Erection, repair and maintenance work will be carried out under intimation to Forest Department. Existing subsidiary electricity line providing electricity to the villages in core and buffer area will be insulated and realigned along the road to check possible electrocution. 14. The user agency may decommission other power lines and distribution facilities, preferably in the area or in other afforested pars of the State, which have become obsolete, defunct of damaged. Decommissioning activities may include demolition and removal of the installed infrastructure (e.g., transmission towers, substations, aboveground and underground utilities and access /approach road decommissioning) and reclamation of the project site, including ground stabilization and re-vegetation with native species typical to the natural vegetation of the area. conditions and mitigation measured imposed by the State Chief Wildlife Warden and the NTCA.

45.4.1.7 Proposal for change of surface of Jharvani-Mathasar road in 1.88 ha of land in Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary Gujarat

The IGF(WL) briefed the Committee on the proposal and stated that the proposal involves the diversion of 1.88 ha of forestland from the Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary. The proposal was for black topping (tarring) of WBM (kachcha) road to pakka road for smooth connectivity of tribal villages. He mentioned that the State Chief Wildlife Warden has recommended the proposal with following conditions:

  1. The user agency shall not violate any regulatory provisions under section 9, 17A, 27, 29, 30, 31 & 32 of Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

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  1. The user agency shall not harm or destroy wildlife habitat including fauna and flora of Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary.
  2. The user agency shall not use the area for the proposed work other than the area permitted.
  3. The user agency shall not establish any temporary or permanent labour camp in the Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary.
  4. The user agency or his contractor shall not create any fire places inside the Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary.
  5. All the material required for the work shall be prepared outside the sanctuary.
  6. The work in the sanctuary will be allowed only in the day time from 8 AM to 6 PM.
  7. Approval under Forest conservation Act, 1980, if required shall be obtained separately for use of forestland.
  8. The user agency shall deposit NPV for the use of land of protected area as per the existing rates.
  9. The user agency shall create a speed breaker at a distance of every 500 m. conditions imposed by the State Chief Wildlife Warden.

45.4.1.8 Proposal for change of surface of Dumkhal-Mathasar road in 2.04 ha of land in Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary Gujarat

The IGF(WL) briefed the Committee on the proposal and stated that the proposal involves the diversion of 2.04 ha of forestland from the Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary. The proposal was for black topping (tarring) of WBM (kachcha) road to pakka road for smooth connectivity of tribal villages. He mentioned that the State Chief Wildlife Warden has recommended the proposal with following conditions:

  1. The user agency shall not violate any regulatory provisions under section 9, 17A, 27, 29, 30, 31 & 32 of Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
  2. The user agency shall not harm or destroy wildlife habitat including fauna and flora of Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary.
  3. The user agency shall not use the area for the proposed work other than the area permitted.

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  1. The user agency shall not establish any temporary or permanent labour camp in the Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary.
  2. The user agency or his contractor shall not create any fire places inside the Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary.
  3. All the material required for the work shall be prepared outside the sanctuary.
  4. The work in the sanctuary will be allowed only in the day time from 8 AM to 6 PM.
  5. Approval under Forest conservation Act, 1980, if required shall be obtained separately for use of forestland.
  6. The user agency shall deposit NPV for the use of land of protected area as per the existing rates.
  7. The user agency shall create a speed breaker at a distance of every 500 meters.

The Chair accepted the recommendation of Dr H S Singh, Member NBWL in which he stated that the Chief Wildlife Warden of respective State should submit a compliance certificate on fulfillment of all the conditions contained in the recommendation of Standing Committee of National Board for Wildlife.
conditions imposed by the Chief Wildlife Warden.

45.4.1.9
Proposal for use of 0.549 ha land in Gir Wildlife Sanctuary for laying of optical fiber cable by Idea Cellular Ltd., Ahmadabad

The IGF(WL) briefed the Committee on the proposal and stated that the proposal involves the diversion of 0.549 ha of forestland from the Gir Wildlife Sanctuary for laying optical fiber. The State Chief Wildlife Warden has recommended the proposal with the following conditions:

  1. The user agency shall not violate any regulatory provisions under Section-9, 17A, 27, 29, 30, 31 and 32 of Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
  2. The user agency shall not destroy wildlife habitat including fauna and flora of the Gir Wildlife Sanctuary.

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  1. The user agency shall not use the area for the proposed work other than the area permitted.
  2. The user agency shall not establish any temporary or permanent labour camp in the Gir Wildlife Sanctuary.
  3. The user agency or his contractor shall not create any fire places inside the Gir Wildlife Sanctuary.
  4. All the materials required for the work shall be prepared outside the sanctuary.
  5. The work in the Sanctuary will be allowed only in the day time from 8 Am to 6 PM.
  6. Approval under Forest Conservation 1980, if required shall be obtained separately for use of forestland.
  7. The user agency shall deposit Net Present Value for the use of land of Protected Area as per the existing rates.
  8. The user agency shall restore the land in its original form after completion of the work.

After discussions the Standing Committee decided to recommend the proposal along with the conditions imposed by the State Chief Wildlife Warden.

45.4.1.10 Bulk water supply to IIT, NISER, INFOCITY II & other adjoining areas

The IGF(WL) briefed the Committee on the proposal and stated that the proposal for laying of additional pipeline in the area of 22.106 ha (4.31 ha forestland + 17.796 ha non- forestland) of Chandaka Dampara Wildlife Sanctuary for supply of drinking water to NISER, IIT, INFOCITY II and other adjoining areas. He also mentioned that the proposal would facilitate supply of drinking water to the protection camps in and around the sanctuary.

The State Chief Wildlife Warden has recommended the proposal with the condition that the Executive Engineer, PH Division III, Sahid Nagar, Bhubaneswar would facilitate supply of drinking water to protection camps in and around the sanctuary coming along the proposed pipeline. After discussions the Standing Committee decided to recommend the proposal along with the conditions imposed by the State Chief Wildlife Warden.

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45.4.1.11 Diversion of 0.3198 ha of forestland in Nagarjunasagar division for laying of underground Optical Fiber Cable for a length of 7106.44 m along RF at Puttichelama to Vijaypuri Road (134/200 to 136/200 km and 73/395 to 78/395 km) along the road

The IGF(WL) briefed the Committee on the proposal and stated that the proposal involves the diversion of 0.3198 ha of forestland from the Amrabad Tiger Reserve for laying of optical fiber cable for security purposes. The Chief Wildlife Warden has recommended the proposal without imposing conditions. He also mentioned that the NTCA has recommended the proposal with following conditions and mitigation measures:

  1. There shall be no construction work of the project between 6.00 PM to 6.00 AM.
  2. The signages shall be erected along the said alignment highlighting tiger and wildlife conservation at the cost of user agency.
  3. The concerned RFO shall depute a forest official to monitor the laying of OFC till the work is complete.
  4. The user agency shall offer facility of free data connection to the concerned tiger management authorities deputed in the said area for facilitation protection through surveillance.

After discussions, the Standing Committee decided to recommend the proposal along with the conditions imposed by the Chief Wildlife Warden.

45.4.2 PROPOSALS FOR TAKING UP ACTIVITIES WITHIN 10 KM FROM THE BOUNDARIES OF PROTECTED AREAS

45.4.2.1 INDMAX REVAMP of Guwahati Refinery The IGF(WL) briefed the Committee on the proposal and stated that the proposal was for augmentation of Indmax Unit from 0.1 MMTPA to 0.15 MMTPA in the existing Guwahati

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Refinery falls within 10 km distance from the boundary of Amchang Wildlife Sanctuary. The State Chief Wildlife Warden has recommended the proposal with the following condition: Periodic monitoring of pollution level by the State Pollution Control Board may be made mandatory in area close to Amchang Wildlife Sanctuary. Man-Animal Conflict Mitigation is emergent need of that area. Therefore it is pertinent that a fund may be provided by IOCL Guwahati Refinery, which will be utilized for Wildlife Conservation and mitigation of man- animal conflict.
After discussions the Standing Committee decided to recommend the proposal along with the conditions imposed by the Chief Wildlife Warden.

45.4.2.2 INDAdeptG project of Guwahati Refinery

The IGF(WL) briefed the Committee on the proposal and stated that the proposal was for installation of INDAdeptG project of Guwahati Refinery in Indian Oil Corporation Limited to reduce the sulfur content of existing MS(PETROL) for meeting the BS-IV MS specifications. He also state the project site is situated at 5 km away from the boundary of Amchang Wildlife Sanctuary. The State Chief Wildlife warden has recommended the proposal with the following conditions:

  1. Periodic monitoring of pollution level by the State Pollution Control Board may be made mandatory in area close to Amchang Wildlife Sanctuary.
  2. Man Animal Conflict Mitigation is emergent need of that area. Therefore it is pertinent that a fund may be provided by IOCL Guwahati Refinery, which will be utilized for Wildlife Conservation and mitigation of man-animal conflict. After discussions the Standing Committee decided to recommend the proposal along with the conditions imposed by the State Chief Wildlife Warden.

45.4.2.3 Upgrading (widening into 6 lane) of National Highway NH-2 through Gautam Buddha Wildlife Sanctuary in Gaya District

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The IGF(WL) briefed the Committee on the proposal and stated that the proposal involves the diversion of 0.5554 ha of forestland from the proposed ESZ of Gautam Buddha Wildlife Sanctuary for widening of NH-2 from existing 4-lane to 6-lane in between Madanpur and Dhanbad Districts of Bihar. A stretch of 10 km road in between Padumchak and Barwadih falls within the proposed ESZ of Gautam Buddha Wildlife Sanctuary. He also stated that the proposed project is a part of National Highways Development Project Programme Phase V. The State Chief Wildlife Warden has recommended the proposal with the following conditions:

  1. There is a need of providing wildlife land bridge also at suitable location to augment the connectivity for the wild animals. The Practice Manual brought out jointly by WII, MoEF&CC, NHAI and NTCA has prescribed such wildlife land bridge as structural mitigation measure for restoring/augmenting connectivity for landscapes intruded by highways.

No constructions of facility like toll plaza, fuel stations/ retail outlets, hotel and other traveler amenity shall be permitted in the 17.32 km stretch of highway in the sanctuary and its eco-sensitive zone. 3. During the construction works of the highway upgradation and strengthening, practicable restrictions and precautions as specified by the Chief Wildlife Warden, Bihar shall be compiled with. 4. Speed restrictions and other appropriate regulations may be imposed by the Chief Wildlife Warden, Bihar in the highway stretch within the sanctuary and the ESZ. The Director, WII Dehradun suggested to remove the fourth condition (Serial No. 4) imposed by the State Chief Wildlife Warden to restrict the speed of the vehicles in the highway stretch within the sanctuary and the ESZ.
conditions imposed by the State Chief Wildlife Warden and the suggestion made by the Director WII.

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45.4.2.4
Proposal for use of 4.00 ha land for mining activity within 10 km ESZ of Kutch Desert Sanctuary

The IGF(WL) mentioned that the proposal was for use of 4.00 ha land for ordinary morum mining in the revenue waste land of Ratadiya village. He also stated the proposed project falls in the proposed ESZ at distance of 6.80 km away from the boundary of Kutch Desert sanctuary. The State Chief Wildlife Warden has recommended the proposal with the following conditions:

  1. The user agency shall not destroy wildlife habitat including fauna and flora of the Kutch desert Sanctuary.
  2. The user agency shall not take up any activity/dumping material/construction/filling of land in any manner which obstructs the natural flow of water.
  3. The user agency shall make permanent arrangement so that no polluted water enters sanctuary or any solid/liquid waste enters sanctuary area.
  4. The user agency will have to create 10 meter wide green belt around mining area.
  5. The user agency shall prepare closure plan and ensure that the mining area is brought back to its original form on completion of mining activity.

conditions imposed by the State Chief Wildlife Warden.

45.4.2.5
Proposal for use of 4.90 ha land for mining activity within 10 km ESZ of Kutch Desert Sanctuary

The IGF(WL) mentioned that the proposal was for use of 4.90 ha land for ordinary morum mining in the revenue waste land of Ratadiya village. He also stated that the proposed project falls in the proposed ESZ at distance of 6.80 km away from the boundary of Kutch Desert sanctuary. The CWLW has recommended the proposal with the following conditions:

  1. The user agency shall not destroy wildlife habitat including fauna and flora of the Kutch desert Sanctuary.

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  1. The user agency shall not take up any activity/dumping material/construction/filling of land in any manner which obstructs the natural flow of water.
  2. The user agency shall make permanent arrangement so that no polluted water enters sanctuary or any solid/liquid waste enters sanctuary area.
  3. The user agency will have to create 10 meter wide green belt around mining area.
  4. The user agency shall prepare closure plan and ensure that the mining area is brought back to its original form on completion of mining activity. conditions imposed by the State Chief Wildlife Warden.

45.4.2.6
Proposal for use of 1.48 ha land for mining activity within 10 km ESZ of Kutch Desert Sanctuary

The IGF(WL) mentioned that the proposal was for use of 1.48 ha land for ordinary morum mining in the revenue waste land of Ratadiya village. He also stated that the proposed project falls in the proposed ESZ at distance of 6.90 km away from the boundary of Kutch Desert sanctuary. The CWLW has recommended the proposal with the following conditions:

  1. The user agency shall not destroy wildlife habitat including fauna and flora of the Kutch desert Sanctuary.
  2. The user agency shall not take up any activity / dumping material / construction / filling of land in any manner which obstructs the natural flow of water.
  3. The user agency shall make permanent arrangement so that no polluted water enters sanctuary or any solid/liquid waste enters sanctuary area.
  4. The user agency will have to create 10 m wide green belt around mining area.
  5. The user agency shall prepare closure plan and ensure that the mining area is brought back to its original form on completion of mining activity.
    conditions imposed by the State Chief Wildlife Warden.

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45.4.2.7
Development of residential and commercial project on Plot bearing CTS No. 827A/4A/1 at village Malad (E), Mumbai. Developer: Ferani Hotels Private Limited

The IGF(WL) mentioned that the proposal was for the development of residential and commercial project on the private land of Survey No 239/1 & related CTS No 827A/4A/1 adjacent to the boundary of Sanjay Gandhi National Park. He also stated that the State Chief Wildlife Warden has recommended the proposal with the following conditions:

  1. The construction will be allowed only to the extent of outside proposed ESZ area (i.e., 81.86%). No construction will be done inside the proposed ESZ (i.e., 18.14%). On this condition this proposal is recommended.
  2. The proponent assures and abides to comply with the conditions laid down by GoI, MoEF (IA.III) Division for environmental clearance.
  3. Natural growing trees which has may be earmarked for retention during EIA exercise of wildlife species like Wad, Pair, Mango, Karanj & other fruit bearing trees shall be retained from list of the trees enumerated in EIA report as submitted by project proponent.
  4. The project on the condition that excavated material at the time of construction will not be thrown in sea, bay of sea and natural drainage.
  5. The project is recommended subject to the condition of Natural Green Tribunal Order dated 03/12/2015.
  6. The project proponent will deposit an amount of 3% of the project cost with the Chief Conservator of forests & Director, Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Borivali for habitat development, protection and conservation of Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Borivali and Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary in accordance with the approved management plan.

The DGF&SS mentioned that the 18.14 % of project area is located on private land of the notified ESZ of Sanjay Gandhi National Park while the remaining portion lies outside the ESZ. Further it has been stipulated by the CWLW that there would be no construction on the portion of project area located inside the ESZ. It was felt that since the ESZ has been notified this matter need not be placed before the Standing Committee of National Board for Wildlife.

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After discussions the Standing Committee decided to send the proposal back to the State Government for taking necessary action as per recommendation of the Monitoring Committee of the ESZ concerned.

45.3. ADDITIONAL AGENDA

45.3.1 Alignment of NH-28B in border zone of Valmiki Tiger Reserve, District West Champaran The IGF(WL) briefed the Committee on the proposal and stated that the proposal involves the diversion of 13.27 ha of forestland from the Valmiki Tiger Reserve for construction of NH- 28B of 8 km stretch connecting the villages namely Ausani, Rampurva, Semralabedhaha, Mangalpur & Madanpur of Block Bagaha-2 of District West Champara. He also stated that the State Chief Wildlife Warden has recommended the proposal with the following conditions:

  1. In the construction of highway, the hydrological aspects shall be managed in such that the adverse impacts adjoining sanctuary area are prevented / mitigated.
  2. In the riverbank zone of the sanctuary practicable innovative provisions for seasonal movement of wild animals are incorporated in highway construction structures in consultation with the Wildlife Institution of India, Degradun.
  3. Any facility construction (Toll plaza, Fuel Stations / Retail Outlets, Hotel and other travelers facilities) shall not be permitted in this portion of NH-28 B.
  4. During the construction works of the highway, practicable restrictions and precautions as instructed by the Chief Wildlife warden, Bihar shall be complied with.
  5. Speed restrictions and other appropriate regulations may be imposed by the Chief Wildlife Warden, Bihar in the highway stretch under reference.
  6. The traffic-worthy maintenance of the earlier used access road segment (approximately 5 km) inside the sanctuary, for the interregnum till the construction of the alternative highway alignment shall be limited to the extent of 2 years from the grant of this permission and the same shall be subject to appropriate regulations as prescribed by the Chief Wildlife warden, Bihar and the Field Director, Valmiki Tiger Reserve.

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Dr H S Singh, Member NBWL and the Member Secretary, NTCA stated that the proposed project falls in the tiger reserve and requires the concurrence of the NTCA. Consequently the Standing Committee decided to defer the proposal.

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LIST OF PARTICIPANTS

1 Shri Harsh Vardhan
Hon’ble Minister for Environment, Forest & Climate Change

Chairman 2 Shri Ajay Narayan Jha, Secretary, MoEF&CC Member 3 Shri Siddhanta Das, DGF&SS, MoEF&CC Member 4 Dr V B Mathur, Director, WII, Dehradun Member 5 Prof R Sukumar, Member, NBWL Member 6 Dr H S Singh, Member, NBWL Member 7 Shri R D Kamboj, Director, GEER Foundation, Gujarat Member 8 Shri Debabrata Swain, ADGF & Member Secretary (NTCA) Invitee 9 Shri Nishant Verma, DIGF (NTCA) Invitee 10 Shri G V Reddy, Addl.Pr.CCF & CWLW, Rajasthan Invitee 11 Shri P K Jha, PCCF (HoFF) & CWLW, Telangana Invitee 12 Shri G K Sinha, PCCF, Gujarat Invitee 13 Shri S K Upadhyay, CWLW, Uttar Pradesh Invitee 14 Shri M K Rao, APCCF, Maharashtra Invitee 15 Shri Kunal Angrish, DFO(WL), Himachal Pradesh Invitee 16 Shri L K Verma, CF Meerut, Uttar Pradesh Invitee 17 Dr Kausik Banerjee, Project Scientist, WII Dehradun Invitee 18 Shri Soumitra Dasgupta, IGF(WL), MoEF&CC Invitee 19 Shri S.P. Vashishth, DIGF(WL), MoEF&CC Invitee 20 Dr Pasupala Ravi, Scientist (WL), MoEF&CC Invitee

ANNEXURE I

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