नेशनल बोर्ड फॉर वाइल्डलाइफ की स्टैंडिंग कमेटी की 52वीं बैठक के मिनट्स, 10 जनवरी 2019

Government of India Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (Wildlife Division) 6th Floor, Vayu Wing

Indira Paryavaran Bhawan Jor Bagh Road, Aliganj New Delhi 110 003

F.No.6-181/2018 WL

           Date: 22.01.2019 

To

All Members Standing Committee of NBWL

Sub: Minutes of 52nd Meeting of the Standing Committee of National Board for Wildlife- reg.

Sir / Madam, Kindly find enclosed copy of the Minutes of 52nd Meeting of the Standing Committee of National Board for Wildlife held on 10th January 2019 through Video Conference under the chairmanship of Hon’ble Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

Yours faithfully,

(Dr Pasupala Ravi) Scientist C 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 (Dept. of Envi., Forest, Science & Tech.), Govt. of Andhra Pradesh (11) Shri Noyal Thomas, IGF & Director (PE)

Copy to (1) PS to Hon’ble MoEF&CC (2) PPS to DGF&SS, MoEF&CC (3) PPS to Addl.DGF(WL), PPS to IGF(WL) (4) CWLW, Karnataka / CWLW, Jharkhand / CWLW, Rajasthan / CWLW, Uttarakhand / CWLW, Tripura, CWLW, Maharashtra

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MINUTES OF 52nd MEETING OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE OF NATIONAL BOARD FOR WILDLIFE WAS HELD ON 10th JANUARY 2019

The 52nd Meeting of the Standing Committee of National Board for Wildlife was held on 10th January 2019 through Video Conference under the chairmanship of Hon’ble Minister for Environment, Forest & Climate Change. List of participants is placed at ANNEXURE- I.
Hon’ble Chairman welcomed all the participants to the 52nd 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 51st Meeting of the Standing Committee of National Board for Wildlife held on 14th November 2018

The IGF(WL) mentioned that the minutes of the 51st Meeting of the Standing Committee of National Board for Wildlife held on 14th November 2018 were circulated among all the members of the Standing Committee on 30th November 2018. He stated that no comments / suggestions were received. Accordingly, the Standing Committee confirmed the minutes.

AGENDA ITEM No. 2

52.2.1
Order of the Hon’ble High Court of Madras dated 24.04.2017 in Writ Petition no. 7374 to 7375 of 2017 title T Vijay S Sudarsan vs. the Chairman, Standing Committee of NBWL & ors. regarding the NOC for the petitioners granite quarries located within 10 km of Vallanadu Black Buck sanctuary

The IGF(WL) briefed the Committee on the order of the Hon’ble High Court of Madras, Madurai bench and stated that the Hon’ble Court has directed the Standing Committee to pass suitable orders within a period of 4 weeks and intimate decision to the petitioners. He mentioned that proposal involves quarrying of granite from an area located

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within 10 km of Vallanadu Black Buck sanctuary and the online application of the petitioner for seeking wildlife recommendation is pending at the State level Dr H S Singh, Member stated that the project proponent may be directed to approach the State Government for forwarding the proposal for further consideration. The State Chief Wildlife Warden mentioned that the aforesaid proposal has been submitted by the project proponent and same would be placed in the forthcoming meeting of the State Board for Wildlife.
After discussions, the Standing Committee decided to request the State Government to forward the proposal as per the laid-down procedure for further consideration.

52.2.2 Monitoring of terms & conditions including mitigation measures

The Hon’ble Chairman was of considered view that there is a need to establish a robust mechanism of monitoring to confirm the compliance of terms & conditions including the mitigation measures stipulated while recommending the proposals. Stringent action needs to be taken against the project proponents who have not complied with the terms and conditions. Further, no new projects would be taken up from States where the terms and conditions are not complied. He mentioned that instead of 100% monitoring of all the projects, certain representative projects could be taken up, through a well-defined, criteria for monitoring to see the compliance of terms and conditions on ground.

Dr H S Singh, Member stated that during the field visits by different Committees constituted by the Standing Committee of National Board for Wildlife, it has been observed that many projects were implemented without implementing the conditions including mitigation measures. In other words, the interests of wildlife conservation were ignored sometimes intentionally. He mentioned that the conservationists are of the view that the Protected Areas (PAs) have suffered in recent times due to sanctioning of the developmental projects inside the PAs while the project proponents ignored the conditions specially mentioned for protection of wildlife while recommending the projects. It was also decided that monitoring of the mitigative measures will be a part of the management effectiveness evaluation process conducted by the WII.

After discussions, the Standing Committee decided that the Ministry would develop a mechanism to implement this decision.

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52.2.3 Processing of Eco-Sensitive Zone Proposals

The IGF(WL) mentioned that initial scrutiny of the eco-sensitive proposals is carried out in the Wildlife Division while all the processes for notifying the eco-sensitive zone are done by the ESZ Division. Further, the IGF(WL) stated that the processing of ESZ proposals by two Divisions have been delaying the notification of ESZs. He mentioned that the entire work be assigned to the Wildlife Division.

Dr H S Singh, Member stated that the interests of wildlife conservation have been ignored due to various developmental activities and all ESZs mandatorily must have a definite plan to accommodate the needs of wildlife.

After discussions, the Standing Committee decided that the entire responsibility of processing and the notification of ESZ would be assigned to the Wildlife Division. The Ministry would take necessary steps to implement the decision.

AGENDA ITEM NO.3

52.3.1
Proposal for Purnadih Graphite Mine over an area of 81.75 ha, District Palamau

The IGF(WL) briefed the Standing Committee on the proposal and stated that the proposal involves the use of 81.75 ha of non-forestland for the mining of graphite located at 5.5 km away from the Palamau Tiger Reserve. He added that the State Chief Wildlife Warden has recommended the proposal with the following conditions: (1) No blasting activity during the process of mining. (2) Mitigation measures will be taken as per the duly approved site specific wildlife management plan (3) The user agency shall assist the forest officials to prevent commission of any forest / wildlife offence.

Further, the IGF(WL) stated that the NTCA has recommended the proposal with the following conditions and mitigative measures:

(i) Mining should be carried out only during the day time. (ii) That the Ore being soft in nature, the miners will not use drilling and blasting method.

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(iii) The area will be levelled and restored back; plantation activity should be taken up along the periphery of the lease area as part of the reclamation work. (iv) The open pits should be fenced all around so as to avert any accident, however a gate may be open to access the water is needed. (v) The Mining Agency should assist the Forest officials in preventing of forest /Wildlife offence. (vi) Environment Management Plan as contained in Chapter XI of the proposal should be adhered to by the applicant.

After discussions, the Standing Committee decided to recommend the project subject to the following conditions: (a) The project proponent will comply with all the conditions imposed by the State Chief Wildlife Warden and the NTCA. (b) The annual compliance certificate on the stipulated conditions should be submitted by the project proponent to the State Chief Wildlife Warden and an annual compliance certificate shall be submitted by the State Chief Wildlife Warden to GoI.

52.3.2
Proposal for the construction of Bridge across Sharavathi backwater near Sigandur, Shimoga District

proposal involves the diversion of 9.888 ha of forestland from the Sharavathi Wildlife Sanctuary for the construction of bridge across Sharavathi backwater. He added that the State Chief Wildlife Warden has recommended the proposal with the condition that the jurisdictional forest officers would be present at the time of construction of the bridge to ensure that no significant damages are caused to the habitat. The State Chief Wildlife Warden stated that the aforesaid proposal has been considered and recommended by the State Board for Wildlife in its meeting held on 07.01.2019. to receipt of the recommendations of the State Board for Wildlife, and also Wildlife Warden.

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52.3.3 Proposal for drinking water facility to Georai city (Stage.2)

proposal involves the diversion of 1.45 ha of forestland from the Jaikwadi Bird Wildlife Sanctuary and 0.0575 ha of forestland from the eco-sensitive zone for laying of underground drinking water pipeline (400/450 mm diameter) from the Nathsagar reservoir of the protected area to Georai city. He added that the State Chief Wildlife Warden has recommended the proposal with the following conditions: (1) The influx of domestic sewage & other wastes be treated, before releasing it into dam water. (2) Ipomea weed be removed. (3) Bank restoration at the left and right edges of Reservoir be carried out urgently. (4) Pitching be carried out to protect natural sand bars and mudflats (They are very important). (5) Grassy patches at least 50m width be developed on the edge of the water. (6) While constructing the Jack Well, care be taken to prevent the damage to fish population by avoiding physical disturbance to the shoreline. (7) Only organic farming be allowed to the right holders of galpera in the water receding areas to prevent pesticide pollution to water. (8) Sewage be treated before releasing it in the reservoir to provide quality fish to the birds. (9) At least 13 TMC water be retained in the Reservoir for birds, so that water food will be available to the birds.
The FRL Quantity of water is 76.85 TMC(live Storage) The Dead water Storage Quantity of water is 26.12 TMC. (10) As decided in the 8th meeting of State Board of Wildlife held on 20th February 2014, the project proponent shall deposit 2% cost of the proposed project (56.42 Crore) which passes through Jaikwadi Wildlife sanctuary and its notified ESZ should be deposited with the Divisional Forest Officer, Aurangabad for the Habitat Improvement of the Jaikwadi Bird Sanctuary and adjoining forests.

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to the following conditions: Wildlife Warden.

52.3.4
Rehabilitation of existing cracked arch bridge No.150 of Kota – Nagda Section

proposal involves the diversion of 0.5 ha of forestland from the Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary for the rehabilitation and repair of existing cracked arch bridge along with the animal passage of an extra opening of 4 m x 4 m. He added that the State Chief Wildlife Warden has recommended the proposal with the following conditions: (1) 5% of proportionate cost of the project within the boundary of Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve will be deposited by the User Agency in the account of Rajasthan Protected Areas Conservation Society (RPACS) for wildlife conservation and mitigation works. (2) No work shall be done before sunrise and after sunset in the protected area. (3) No material of any kind should be extracted from the protected area. (4) No tree shall be cut during the work in the Protected Area. (5) There will be no labour camping within 500 m of the Protected Area boundary. (6) There will be no blasting within 500 m of the Protected Area boundary in the sanctuary area during the work. (7) The waste material generated should be disposed outside the protected area by the User Agency. (8) The User Agency and project personnel will comply with the provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

Further, the IGF(WL) stated that the NTCA also recommended the proposal with the following mitigative measures: (i) The authority of Indian railway should ensure that no existing drainage is blocked due to the construction related activities.

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(ii) Steps should be taken for enhancing the visibility for train drivers along part of railway line passing through the tiger reserve by clearing shrubs periodically in consultation with the officials of Forest Department. (iii) All efforts should be taken to discourage / stop throwing food waste / garbage along track which otherwise might attract animals to the track. Standardized signage should be erected at appropriate places along the track sensitizing rail passengers, pantry officials, drivers and guards. (iv) Construction work should be done during daytime (6 A.M – 6 P.M) and no night camp of laborers and contractor / user agency officials should be allowed within forest area. (v) User agency should also monitor that no labor gets involved in extraction of forest products. All works should be undertaken in close supervision of Deputy Director of the tiger reserve and forest staffs should pay regular and sudden visits to the construction sites for monitoring. (vi) Construction materials (including top soil) should be procured from outside the forest area.

to the following conditions: Wildlife Warden and the NTCA.

52.3.5
Construction of Babai (RRPVNL) – Bhiwani (PG) 400 kV D/C Transmission Line

proposal involves diversion of 7.452 ha of forestland from the Khetri Bansyal Conservation Reserve for the construction of 400 kV transmission line from Babai to Bhiwani. He added that the State Chief Wildlife Warden has recommended the proposal with the following conditions: (1) 5% of proportional project cost of the project falling within the ESZ of protected area should be deposited in the Rajasthan Protected Area Conservation Society by the user agency for development and protection measures in MHTR.

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(2) No work shall be done before sunrise and after sunset in the project area. (3) No material of any kind should be extracted from the protected area and eco-sensitive zone. (4) There will be no felling of trees and burning of fuel wood inside the protected area and eco-sensitive zone.
(5) The waste material generated should be disposed outside the protected area and eco- sensitive zone. (6) There will be no labor camp within 1 km from the boundary of protected area. (7) No blasting will be carried out within 1 km from the boundary of protected area during the work. (8) There shall be no high mast / beam / search lights high sounds within 1 km from the boundary of protected area. (9) Signages regarding information about the wild animals in the area control of the traffic volumes, speed, etc., should be erected in the project area. (10) Maintenance activity of any nature should be carried out only after seeking formal approval from competent authority of the protected area. (11) The user agency shall conform to the guidelines for laying transmission lines through forest areas given by MoEF&CC dated 24.10.2016. (12) The user agency and project personnel will comply with the provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. (13) For diversion of forestland the user agency will obtain permission / approval of the competent authority under provisions of Forest Conservation Act, 1980 as per order of dated 28.03.2008 and 3/2007 FC dated 05.02.2009

to the following conditions: (a) Permission for starting the work on the project shall be granted by the state government only when animal passage plan is prepared by the project proponent in consultation with the State Chief Wildlife Warden on the basis of WII guidelines named Eco-friendly Measures to Mitigate Impacts on Linear Infrastructures on Wildlife. (b) The project proponent will comply with all the conditions imposed by the State Chief Wildlife Warden. (c) The annual compliance certificate on the stipulated conditions should be submitted by

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52.3.6
Diversion of 2.6768 ha of forestland from Todgarh Raoli Wildlife Sanctuary
for construction of 11 kV S/C transmission line from Shivshakti stone crusher crossing point Jhinjhari to Bhabhan village end point

proposal involves the diversion of 2.6768 ha of forestland from the Todgarh Raoli Wildlife Sanctuary for the construction of 11 kV S/C transmission line from Jhinjhari to Bhabhan. He added that the State Chief Wildlife Warden has recommended the proposal with the following conditions:

(1) 5% of the project cost of works within the PA boundary of the sanctuary on prorate basis should be deposited in Rajasthan Protected Areas Conservation Society RPACS by the user agency for management and protection of wildlife in the State as a corpus. (2) No work shall be done before sunrise and after sunset in the project area. (3) No material of any kind should be extracted from the Protected Area and Eco- Sensitive Zone. (4) There will be no felling of trees and burning of fuel wood inside the Protected Area and Eco-Sensitive Zone. (5) The waste material generated should be disposed outside the Protected Area and Eco-Sensitive Zone. (6) There will be no labour camp within 1 km from the boundary of Protected Area. (7) No blasting will be carried out within I km from the boundary of Protected Area during the work. (8) The user agency and project personnel will comply with the provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. (9) There shall be no high mast/beam/search lights & high sounds within 1 km from the Protected Area boundary. (10) Signages regarding information about the wild animals in the area, control of the traffic volumes, speed etc should be erected in the project area. (11) Maintenance activity of any nature should be carried out only after seeking formal approval from competent authority of the protected area. (12) The user agency shall conform to guidelines for laying transmission lines through forest areas given by MoEF&CC dated 24.10.2016. (13) For forestland the user agency will obtain permission/approval under Forest Conservation Act, 1980 from the competent authority before start of project work as

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per order of Hon’ble Supreme Court order dated 28.03.2008 and 3/2007-FC dated 05.02.2009. (14) Where diversion of forest land is not requested, non forestry use of forest land and revenue lands NPV as per the order 05.02.2009.

After discussions, the Standing Committee decided to recommend the project subject to the following conditions: (a) Permission for starting the work on the project shall be granted by the state government only when animal passage plan is prepared by the project proponent in consultation with the State Chief Wildlife Warden on the basis of WII guidelines named Eco-friendly Measures to Mitigate Impacts on Linear Infrastructures on Wildlife. (b) The project proponent will comply with all the conditions imposed by the State Chief Wildlife Warden. (c) The annual compliance certificate on the stipulated conditions should be submitted by

52.3.7
Proposal for mining of millstone and masonry stone (minor mineral) including Khanda gitti and boulder with enhancement of production capacity from 1093 TPA (ROM) from ML.No./39/1990 of an area of 964.94 ha (proposed mining area: 455.33 ha) located at 1.3 km away from the boundary of Bandh Baretha Wildlife Sanctuary

proposal involves mining of millstone and masonry stone (Khanda gitti, boulder) with enhancement of production capacity from 1093 TPA (ROM) from ML.No./39/1990 on an area of 964.94 ha located at 1.3 km away from the boundary of Bandh Baretha Wildlife Sanctuary. He added that the State Chief Wildlife Warden has recommended the proposal with the following conditions:

(1) 2% of project cost of the area falling within the Eco Sensitive Zone of Bandh Baretha Sanctuary should be deposited in Rajasthan Protected Area Conservation Society by the user agency for management and protection of wildlife in the state as a corpus as per MoEF&CC letter no.F1-20/2014 WL (pt.) dated 28.10.2015. (2) No work shall be done before sunrise and after sunset in the project area. (3) There will be no felling of trees and burning of fuel wood inside the Protected Area and Eco-Sensitive Zone.

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(4) The waste material generated should be disposed outside the Eco-Sensitive Zone. (5) There will be no labour camp within 1 km from the boundary of Protected Area. (6) No blasting will be carried out within 1 km from the boundary of Protected Area during the work. (7) The user agency and project personnel will comply with the provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. (8) There shall be no high mast/beam/search lights 85 high sounds within 1 km from the protected area boundary. (9) Signages regarding information about the wild animals in the area, control of the traffic volumes, speed etc should be erected in the project area. (10) Maintenance activity of any nature should be carried out only after seeking formal approval from competent authority of the Protected Area. (11) Green belt should be carried by the User Agency on the periphery of the project area. (12) Water Harvesting Structure for recharging of water should be mandatory in the project area.

After discussions, the Standing Committee decided to recommend the project subject to the following conditions: Wildlife Warden.

52.3.8
Proposal for diversion of 11.9328 ha forestland from Gumti Wildlife Sanctuary and 2.6310 ha of non-forestland from the draft ESZ of Gumti Wildlife Sanctuary for construction of 133 kV single circuit transmission line from Ganganagar 33 kV sub-station to Barabari

proposal involves diversion of 11.9328 ha forestland from Gumti Wildlife Sanctuary and 2.6310 ha of non-forestland from the default eco-sensitive zone of Gumti Wildlife Sanctuary for construction of 133 kV single circuit transmission line from Ganganagar to Barabari. He added that the State Chief Wildlife Warden has recommended the proposal with the following conditions:

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(1) Construction of artificial water holes and salt licks for wild animals needs to be taken up for development of wildlife habitat. Fund for the purpose should be provided by user agency. (2) Alternative grazing land for wild animals i.e., plantation of Napier grass & fruit bearing species needs to be created for development of wildlife habitat. Funds for the purpose should be provided by user agency.

After discussions, the Standing Committee decided to recommend the proposal subject to the following conditions: (a) Permission for starting the work on the project shall be granted by the state government only when animal passage plan is prepared by the project proponent in consultation with State Chief Wildlife Warden on the basis of WII guidelines named Eco-friendly Measures to Mitigate Impacts on Linear Infrastructures on Wildlife. (b) The project proponent will comply with all the conditions imposed by the State Chief Wildlife Warden. (c) The annual compliance certificate on the stipulated conditions should be submitted by

52.3.9 Diversion of 0.646371 ha of forestland from Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary and 9.318984 ha forestland from the draft ESZ of Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary for collection and transportation of natural gas underground pipeline from Gojalia – GCS to OTPC – Palatana

proposal involves diversion of 0.646371 ha of forestland from the Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary and 9.318984 ha of forestland from the draft eco-sensitive zone of the Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary for collection and transportation of natural gas underground pipeline
from Gojalia to Palatana. He added that the State Chief Wildlife Warden has recommended the proposal with the following conditions:

(1) 1% of the cost of gas supply through Gojalia – GCS to OTPC – Palatana should be paid to the Wildlife Warden for following works & development of sanctuary on quarterly basis.

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(2) Construction of artificial water holes and salt licks for wild animals needs to be taken up for development of wildlife habitat. Fund for the purpose should be provided by the user agency. (3) Alternative grazing land for wild animals i.e., plantation of Napier grass & fruit bearing species needs to be created for development of wildlife habitat. Fund for the purpose should be provided by the user agency. (4) Construction of double chain link wire mesh fencing with RCC pillars (height 7 feet) along with RCC pillars embedding at bottom and 3 (three) strands of barbed wire on top around Sanctuary and the project site for restriction of entry of wild animals specially bison. (5) Development of alternative grazing area for Bison i.e., plantation of Congo signa grass, fruit bearing species, Kallai bamboo (Oxytenethera nigrociliata) needs to be created for development of wildlife habitat. Fund for the purpose should be provided by the user agency. (6) Tourist amenities i.e., vehicle parking place, purified drinking water facility, public toilets (gents & ladies), visitor shed and souvenir shop needs to be constructed at entry point of Bison Eden at Chillapathar, Joychandpur. (7) Construction of 4 feet width of walking trail with cement concrete all along inside the cahin link wire mesh fencing at Bison Eden at Chillapathar, Joychandpur. For promoting eco-tourism.
(8) Eco-friendly project operation with minimum noise level is required to be undertaken at work site and movement of vehicles needs to be restricted to avoid any adverse behavioral effect in wild animals specially bison.

After discussions, the Standing Committee decided to recommend the proposal tentatively subject to the conditions that (a) The State Government shall obtain legal opinion from the Advocate General on that extraction of natural gas / oil cannot be considered as mining in terms of Hon’ble Supreme Court order dated 4.8.2006 in IA-1000 in WPC-202/1995 (Godavarman vs. Union of India). The Ministry shall also seek the legal opinion from the Solicitor General of India on similar lines.
(b) The project proponent will comply with all the conditions imposed by the State Chief Wildlife Warden. (c) The annual compliance certificate on the stipulated conditions should be submitted by

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52.3.10 Diversion of 1.42 ha of forestland from Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary for construction of drill site, waste pit and approach road

proposal involves diversion of 1.42 ha of forestland from Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary for the construction of drill site, waste pit and approach road. He added that the State Chief Wildlife Warden has recommended the proposal with the following conditions: (1) Construction of double chain link wire mesh fencing with RCC pillars (height 7 feet) along with RCC embedding at bottom and 3 (three) strands of barbed wire on top around the drill site for restriction of entry of wild animals specially bison. (2) Alternative grazing land for bison i.e., plantation of Congo signa grass, fruit bearing species & Kallai bamboo (Oxytenethera nigrociliata) needs to be created for development of wildlife habitat. Fund for the purpose should be provided by user agency. (3) Eco-friendly drilling operation with minimum noise level is required to be undertaken at drilling site and movement of vehicles to the drilling locations needs to be restricted to avoid any adverse behavioral effect in wild animals specially bison. (4) Construction of artificial water holes and salt licks for wild animals needs to be taken up for development of wildlife habitat. Fund for the purpose should be provided by user agency.

After discussions the Standing Committee decided to recommend the project tentatively subject to the conditions that (a) The State Government shall obtain legal opinion from the Advocate General on that extraction of natural gas / oil cannot be considered as mining in terms of Hon’ble Supreme Court order dated 4.8.2006 in IA-1000 in WPC-202/1995 (Godavarman vs. Union of India). The Ministry shall also seek the legal opinion from the Solicitor General of India on similar lines.
(b) Wildlife Warden. (c) The annual compliance certificate on the stipulated conditions should be submitted by

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52.3.11 Diversion of 1.112 ha of forestland and 0.404 ha of non-forestland for construction of drill site, waste pit and approach road for the location TIDD project falling within Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary

proposal involves diversion of 1.112 ha of forestland and 0.404 ha of non-forestland from the Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary for construction of drill site, waste pit and approach road. He added that the State Chief Wildlife Warden has recommended the proposal with the following conditions: (1) Rs.60 lakhs should be paid to the Wildlife Warden for following works & development of Sanctuary. (2) Construction of artificial water holes and salt licks for wild animals needs to be development of wildlife habitat. (3) Alternative grazing land for wild animals i.e., plantation of Napier grass & fruit bearing species needs to be created for development of wildlife habitat. (4) Construction of double chain link wire mesh fencing with RCC pillars (height 7 feet) along with RCC embedding at bottom and 3 (three) strands of barbed wire on top around Sanctuary and the project site for restriction of entry of wild animals specially bison. (5) Alternative grazing land for bison i.e., plantation of Congo signa grass, fruit bearing species, Kallai bamboo (Oxytenethera nigrociliata) needs to be created for (6) Eco-tourism amenities and awareness activities in different locations. (7) Eco-friendly project operation with minimum noise level is required to be undertaken at work site and movement of vehicles needs to be restricted to avoid any adverse behavioral effect in wild animals specially bison.

After discussions the Standing Committee decided to recommend the project tentatively subject to the conditions that (a) The State Government shall obtain legal opinion from the Advocate General on that extraction of natural gas / oil cannot be considered as mining in terms of Hon’ble Supreme Court order dated 4.8.2006 in IA-1000 in WPC-202/1995 (Godavarman vs. Union of India). The Ministry shall also seek the legal opinion from the Solicitor General of India on similar lines.
(b) Wildlife Warden.

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(c) The annual compliance certificate on the stipulated conditions should be submitted by the project proponent to the State Chief Wildlife Warden and an annual compliance certificate shall be submitted by the State Chief Wildlife Warden to GoI.

52.3.12 Diversion of 1.367 ha of forestland from Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary for construction of drill site, waste pit and approach road

proposal involves diversion of 1.367 ha of forestland from Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary for construction of drill site, waste pit and approach road. He added that the State Chief Wildlife Warden has recommended the proposal with the following conditions: (1) Rs.70 lakhs should be paid to the Wildlife Warden for following works & development of Sanctuary. (2) Construction of artificial water holes and salt licks for wild animals needs to be (3) Alternative grazing area for wild animals i.e., plantation of Napier grass & fruit bearing species needs to be created for development of wildlife habitat. (4) Construction of double chain link wire mesh fencing with RCC pillars (height 7 feet) along with RCC pillars embedding at bottom and 3 (three) strands of barbed wire on top around Sanctuary and the project site for restriction of entry of wild animals specially bison. (5) Alternative grazing area for Bison i.e., plantation of Congo signa grass, fruit bearing species, Kallai bamboo (Oxytenethera nigrociliata) needs to be created for (6) Eco-tourism amenities and awareness activities in different locations. (7) Procurement of one battery operated mini bus for the tourist fully equipped with tranquilizing gun and other equipments. (8) Eco-friendly project operation with minimum noise level is required to be undertaken at work site and movement of vehicles needs to be restricted to avoid any adverse behavioral effect in wild animals specially bison.

After discussions, the Standing Committee decided to recommend the project tentatively subject to the conditions that (a) The State Government shall obtain legal opinion from the Advocate General on that extraction of natural gas / oil cannot be considered as mining in terms of Hon’ble Supreme Court order dated 4.8.2006 in IA-1000 in WPC-202/1995 (Godavarman vs.

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Union of India). The Ministry shall also seek the legal opinion from the Solicitor General of India on similar lines.
(b) Wildlife Warden. (c) The annual compliance certificate on the stipulated conditions should be submitted by the project proponent to the State Chief Wildlife Warden and an annual compliance certificate shall be submitted by the State Chief Wildlife Warden to GoI.

52.3.13 Diversion of 1.76 ha of forestland from Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary for construction of drill site, waste pit and approach road

proposal involves diversion of 1.76 ha of forestland from Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary for construction of drill site, waste pit and approach road. He added that the State Chief Wildlife Warden has recommended the proposal with the following conditions: (1) Rs.70 lakhs should be paid to the Wildlife Warden for following works & development of Sanctuary. (2) Construction of artificial water holes and salt licks for wild animals needs to be (3) Development of alternative grazing area for wild animals i.e., plantation of Napier grass & fruit bearing species needs to be created for development of wildlife habitat. (4) Construction of double chain link wire mesh fencing with RCC pillars (height 7 feet) along with RCC embedding at bottom and 3 (three) strands of barbed wire on top around Sanctuary and the project site for restriction of entry of wild animals specially bison. (5) Development of alternative grazing area for Bison i.e. plantation of Congo signa grass, fruit bearing species & Kallai bamboo (Oxytenethera nigrociliata) needs to be created for development of wildlife habitat. (6) Tourist amenities and awareness activities in different locations. (7) Procurement of one battery operated mini bus for the tourist fully equipped with tranquilizing gun and other equipments. (8) Eco-friendly project operation with minimum noise level is required to be undertaken at work site and movement of vehicles needs to be restricted to avoid any adverse behavioral effect in wild animals specially bison.

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After discussions the Standing Committee decided to recommend the project tentatively subject to the conditions that (a) The State Government shall obtain legal opinion from the Advocate General on that extraction of natural gas / oil cannot be considered as mining in terms of Hon’ble Supreme Court order dated 4.8.2006 in IA-1000 in WPC-202/1995 (Godavarman vs. Union of India). The Ministry shall also seek the legal opinion from the Solicitor General of India on similar lines.
(b) Wildlife Warden. (c) The annual compliance certificate on the stipulated conditions should be submitted by the project proponent to the State Chief Wildlife Warden and an annual compliance certificate shall be submitted by the State Chief Wildlife Warden to GoI.

52.3.14 Diversion of 1.96 ha of forestland for construction of drill site, waste pit and approach road for the location TIDF project falling within Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary

proposal involves diversion of 1.96 ha of forestland from the Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary for construction of drill site, waste pit and approach road. He added that the State Chief Wildlife Warden has recommended the proposal with the following conditions: (1) Rs.80 lakhs should be paid to the Wildlife Warden for following works & development of Sanctuary. (2) Construction of artificial water holes and salt licks for wild animals needs to be (3) Development of alternative grazing area for wild animals i.e., plantation of Napier grass & fruit bearing species needs to be created for development of wildlife habitat. (4) Construction of double chain link wire mesh fencing with RCC pillars (height 7 feet) along with RCC pillars embedding at bottom and 3 (three) strands of barbed wire on top around Sanctuary and the project site for restriction of entry of wild animals specially Bison. (5) Development of alternative grazing area for Bison i.e., plantation of Congo signa grass, fruit bearing species, Kallai bamboo (Oxytenethera nigrociliata) needs to be created for (6) Tourist amenities and awareness activities in different locations.

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(7) Procurement of one battery operated mini bus for the tourist fully equipped with tranquilizing gun and other equipments. (8) Eco-friendly project operation with minimum noise level is required to be undertaken at work site and movement of vehicles needs to be restricted to avoid any adverse behavioral effect in wild animals specially bison.

After discussions the Standing Committee decided to recommend the project tentatively subject to the conditions that (a) The State Government shall obtain legal opinion from the Advocate General on that extraction of natural gas / oil cannot be considered as mining in terms of Hon’ble Supreme Court order dated 4.8.2006 in IA-1000 in WPC-202/1995 (Godavarman vs. Union of India). The Ministry shall also seek the legal opinion from the Solicitor General of India on similar lines.
(b) Wildlife Warden. (c) The annual compliance certificate on the stipulated conditions should be submitted by the project proponent to the State Chief Wildlife Warden and an annual compliance certificate shall be submitted by the State Chief Wildlife Warden to GoI.

52.3.15 Diversion of 1.496 ha of forestland for construction of drill site, waste pit and approach road for the location TIDE project falling within Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary

proposal involves diversion of 1.496 ha of forestland from the Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary for construction of drill site, waste pit and approach road for TIDE project. He added that the State Chief Wildlife Warden has recommended the proposal with the following conditions: (1) Rs.60 lakhs should be paid to the Wildlife Warden for following works & development of Sanctuary. (2) Construction of artificial water holes and salt licks for wild animals needs to be (3) Development of alternative grazing area for wild animals i.e., plantation of Napier grass & fruit bearing species needs to be created for development of wildlife habitat. (4) Construction of double chain link wire mesh fencing with RCC pillars (height 7 feet) along with RCC pillars embedding at bottom and 3 (three) strands of barbed wire on

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top around Sanctuary and the project site for restriction of entry of wild animals specially Bison. (5) Development of alternative grazing area for Bison i.e., plantation of Congo signa grass, fruit bearing species, Kallai bamboo (Oxytenethera nigrociliata) needs to be created for (6) Tourist amenities and awareness activities in different locations. (7) Procurement of one battery operated mini bus for the tourist fully equipped with tranquilizing gun and other equipments. (8) Eco-friendly project operation with minimum noise level is required to be undertaken at work site and movement of vehicles needs to be restricted to avoid any adverse behavioral effect in wild animals specially bison.

After discussions the Standing Committee decided to recommend the project tentatively subject to the conditions that (a) The State Government shall obtain legal opinion from the Advocate General on that extraction of natural gas / oil cannot be considered as mining in terms of Hon’ble Supreme Court order dated 4.8.2006 in IA-1000 in WPC-202/1995 (Godavarman vs. Union of India). The Ministry shall also seek the legal opinion from the Solicitor General of India on similar lines.
(b) Wildlife Warden. (c) The annual compliance certificate on the stipulated conditions should be submitted by the project proponent to the State Chief Wildlife Warden and an annual compliance certificate shall be submitted by the State Chief Wildlife Warden to GoI.

52.3.16 Wildlife Clearance for Banjarewala sand, bajri and boulder mining project (Khasra No.121 Ma, 122 Ma and 124/1 Ma) over total area: 1.4473 ha from River Mohanrao located at Village Banjarewala Grunt, Parangana Bhagwanpur, Tehsil Roorkee, District Haridwar

proposal involves collection of sand, bajri and boulder from an area 1.4473 ha located in Yamuna riverbed at 1.40 km away from the Rajaji National Park. He added that the State Chief Wildlife Warden has recommended the proposal with the condition that only hand picking should be allowed.

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Further, the IGF(WL) stated that the NTCA has not recommended the project. The DIGF(NTCA) mentioned that the proposed mining project falls within 1 km from the boundary of Rajaji National Park and would be detrimental to the wildlife.

After discussions, the Standing Committee decided to reject the proposal.

52.3.17 Wildlife Clearance for river Chillawali sand, bajri and boulder mining project over total area 4.3584 ha from river Mohanrao located at Village Daulatpur Hazrapur Urf Budwashahid, Parangana Bhagwanpur, Tehsil Roorkee, District Haridwar

proposal involves collection of sand, bajri and boulder from the Chillawali riverbed on an area 4.3584 ha located at 1.4 km away from the Rajaji National Park. He added that the State Chief Wildlife Warden has recommended the proposal with the condition that only hand picking should be allowed.

Further, the IGF(WL) stated that the NTCA has recommended the proposed project with the following conditions:

(1) The sand and boulder mining shall be done only by hand picking method. (2) Use of heavy impact machinery in transportation is to be avoided. to the conditions that

Wildlife Warden and the NTCA.

52.3.18 Picking of Balu / Bajri / Boulder mine from an area of 1.7676 ha at Village Nawabgarh, Tehsil Vikasnagar, District, Dehradun

proposal involves collection of sand, bajri and boulder from the Yamuna riverbed on an

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area of 1.7676 ha located at 7.50 km away from the Aasan Wetland Conservation Reserve. He added that the State Chief Wildlife Warden has recommended the proposal without imposing any conditions. to the conditions that Wildlife Warden.

52.3.19 NOC for picking of balu / bajri / mine on Yamuna riverbed at Village Dhakrani, Tehsil Vikasnagar, District Dehradun of an area 2.6015 ha falls at a distance of 4.50 km away from the Asan Wetland Conservation Reserve

proposal involves collection of sand, bajri and boulder from the Yamuna riverbed on an area of 2.6015 ha located at 3.82 km away from the Aasan Wetland Conservation Reserve. He added that the State Chief Wildlife Warden has recommended the proposal with the condition that there should be no mining activity from October to March.

to the conditions that Wildlife Warden.

52.3.20 Proposal for construction of motor road in Janpath Pauri Garhwal from Malakot to Sirasu under Prime Minister Rural Roads Scheme

proposal involves construction of motor road from Malakot to Sirasu falling in the core area

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and default eco-sensitive zone of the Rajai National Park. He added that the State Chief Wildlife Warden has recommended the proposal without imposing conditions.

Further, the IGF(WL) stated that the NTCA has recommended the proposal with the following mitigative measures: (i) Legal status of the road passing through the Forest Land shall remain unchanged. (ii) No existing drainage system should be disrupted by the user agency for constructing the road. (iii) Construction work should be during daytime and no night camp of labours and contractor/user agency officials inside or within 2 km for forest land be allowed. User agency should also monitor that no labour gets involved in extraction of forest products. Local RFO and forest staff should pay regular and sudden visits to the construction sites for monitoring these. (iv) The materials for road work (including the top soil) should be procured from outside the forest area. The user agency should not use any fire hazardous materials, machinery, polythene bags etc. during the road work. (v) Once the road is constructed, traffic volume will inevitably increase and may cause wildlife mortality. Therefore, the user agency should put speed breakers and/or urmble strips at an interval of every 300 - 400 m along the entire stretch of the road. Exact placement of these structures should be on those areas where wildlife crossings are maximum and should be decided after consulting the Forest Department. (vi) Vehicular movement at nights and regular plying of heavy commercial vehicles not be permitted by the Forest Department. (vii) Signage and caution boards should be placed at regular intervals for spreading awareness messages. (viii) User agency should construct animal passage culverts with a dimension of at least 7 m height and 50 m width with a minimum openness ration of 1.2, as recommended by the Wildlife Institute of India. This dimension will allow species like tigers to cross the road without much hindrance. User agency should carry out a fresh survey with the Forest Department to ascertain the placement of these structures and shall try to ensure that at least 20% (i.e. about 3.0 km) of the total road length should be under these underpasses. (ix) Light and should barriers and vegetative camouflage should be created along the road as per WII's recommendations. (x) Tress which needs to be cut should be marked on ground before the construction works stats and local forest officials should strictly monitor cutting/felling of these trees.

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An area of 19.082 ha revenue land in Mala village has already been identified by the User Agency for compensatory afforestation which needs to be monitored by the local forest officials. (xi) NPV amount deposited under this project may be used to strengthen forest patrolling, eco-development and eliciting more public support for conservation. (xii) Eco-sensitive zone monitoring committee under the chairmanship of Commissioner, Garhwal has already been constituted by the Central Government under sub-section 3 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. The same committee needs to be mandated to oversee in implementation of the project suggested above.

to the conditions that (a) Permission for starting the work on the project shall be granted by the state government only when animal passage plan is prepared by the project proponent in consultation with the State Chief Wildlife Warden on the basis of WII guidelines named Eco-friendly Measures to Mitigate Impacts on Linear Infrastructures on Wildlife. (b) The project proponent will comply with all the conditions imposed by the NTCA. (c) The annual compliance certificate on the stipulated conditions should be submitted by the project proponent to the State Chief Wildlife Warden and an annual compliance certificate shall be submitted by the State Chief Wildlife Warden to GoI.

AGENDA ITEM No.4 (with the permission of the Chairman)

52.4.1
Diversion of 3.2756 ha of forestland from Creek Flamingo Wildlife Sanctuary and 97.5189 ha of land from deemed ESZ for the construction of Mumbai – Ahmadabad High Speed Rail Project

proposal involves diversion of 3.2756 ha of forestland from Creek Flamingo Wildlife Sanctuary and 97.5189 ha of land from the outside of the boundary of protected area for the construction of Mumbai – Ahmadabad High Speed Rail Project. He added that the State Chief Wildlife Warden has recommended the proposal with the following conditions:

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(1) Project personnel, engaged in the project work shall observe the provisions of all the existing legal provisions, especially the Environment Protection Act, 1986, Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and rules made there under & also take all precautionary measures for conservation & protection of flora, fauna in the vicinity of the project. (2) Provision of barricading the work site to avoid any human or wildlife mishap. (3) The normal flow of traffic should not be affected. (4) Norms of Noise, Air & water pollution to be strictly followed. Adoption of measures for reducing noise, dust & air pollution. (5) No dumping of debris on wet lands/mud flat and forest area will be done by project proponent. (6) The said project being in the areas classified in CRZ-I, wide variety of avi-faunal diversity is observed. Hence adoption of measures for conservation of habitat of the avi-fauna found in the region will be desirable. (7) The Project Agency should provide site and funds for penal plantation of at least 5 times the number of mangroves plants anticipated to be lost in this project. The Plan for the same should be submitted to the MCZMA and DCF-Thane/DFO-MMCU, Mumbai for its execution. (8) All the other mandatory permission from different statutory Authorities should be obtained prior to commencement of work. (9) The works of tunneling and its ancillary works should be carried out with utmost care so as to cause least impact on the wildlife in the notified ‘PA’ and ‘the deemed ‘ESZ’. (10) It shall be ensured that no damage or disturbance is caused to the Wildlife and its habitat. (11) The agency & the contractor will strictly follow the provisions under the Wildlife (Protection) Act. (12) The project authority would erect & display boards at places, to be decided by the ‘PA’ authorities, to caution the general public for the present of wildlife & its importance. (13) As decided in the 8th meeting of the State Board of Wildlife held on 20th February 2014, and the Standing Committee decided that it will stick to its decision taken in its 49th meeting and that all the project proponent shall deposit 2% cost of the (Rs.496.167 Crore) proposed project which passes through Wildlife Sanctuary its deemed ESZ should be deposited with the Thane Creek Flamingo Wildlife Sanctuary for the Habitat Improvement of the Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary and adjoining forests.

It was brought to the notice of the Committee that the State Board for Wildlife has recommended the proposal in its meeting held on 05.12.2018 along with the conditions

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and mitigative measures, if any by the committee chaired by Shri Praveen Pardeshi, ACS. Following are the mitigative measure of the committee:

1. Construction of a combined Overpass (over the existing Diva - Vasai railway line and proposed DFC line) and Underpass (under MAHSR, MMC and an elevated PWD road) System 1.

Further to the overpass proposed over the existing Diva-Vasai rail line and proposed DFC project as a condition under NBWL clearance of the latter, the same shall be relocated to a suitable location near 19.3264310 N and 72.9354120 E based on the topography and ease of movement of the wildlife. DFCCIL, shall be responsible for the design of the over/under passes in this section of the wildlife corridor. The suggested wildlife corridor2 to DFCCIL by Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) and subsequently accorded in its clearance by NBWL (BNHS, 2015)3 therefore needs to be amended in terms of location, length and width to accommodate the new projects. Thus, a three dimensional ground profiling study in this area, including cross section analysis of the project alignments will help determine the precise location of over and under passes.

The existing PWD road having a natural sag (around the location 19.3264310 N and 72.9354120 E) in this section (about 1.5 km) should be raised by at least six meters (keeping in mind the crossing of the MAHSR and MMC projects) so as to provide a clear under passage for the wildlife (large mammals such as leopard, Chittal, Sambar and Wild Boar).

Construction of the overpass over the existing Diva-Vasai rail line & proposed DFC; and the elevation of PWD road should be completed simultaneously.

The MMRDA shall be responsible for the design and construction of the elevated PWD road section and shall take adequate care to cause minimal impact to the wildlife movement during the elevation of the road as well as construction of the MMC project in this area. All construction activity (including temporary traffic diversion) shall be limited to within the RoW of the PWD road and shall not be taken through any adjoining forest land of the SGNP or TWLS. Any traffic diversion will have to be decided jointly with the Assistant Conservator of Forest (ACF), SGNP. The cost of the elevating the existing PWD road shall be worked out and shared jointly by the three projects (viz., MAHSR, DFC and MMC).

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On completion of the elevation plan of the PWD road, the existing PWD surface (on ground) should be removed and the area should be re-wilded along the restriction of access to ensure that local villagers and vehicles are not allowed to enter the underpass zone of the wildlife corridor.

The overpass section for movement of wildlife (over Diva-Vasai rail line and DFC) shall be determined by the three dimensional ground profiling study.

Widening and Enabling of a Wildlife Underpass System 2 Combined with the existing culvert (Nagale Underpass 1) under the Diva-Vasai rail line (19.3264310 N and 72.9354120 E), DFC shall build a similar culvert to enable creation of an underpass below its alignment. The existing culvert (Nagale existing Underpass 2) under the PWD road (19.3264310 N and 72.9354120 E) shall be widened/modified suitably to render it useful for movement of wildlife. The MMC and MAHSR viaducts in this area will allow continuity of the underpass to lead the wildlife towards TWLS. The quarry operated by a private entity shall be asked to discontinue and a natural storm-water drainage stream passing through the culvert system, be restored and kept free of any obstruction. The area presently occupied by the quarry shall be restored to its natural state (re-wilded) as soon as the extraction operation stops. For both the wildlife corridor systems described above, the following actions are to be followed. (a) The engineering design in terms of the locations of piers of the viaducts and open spans of all projects viaducts shall be suitable coordinated in advance among the project proponents so as to provide a clear and continuous passage for the wildlife in the overpass/underpass section. Variance in the different project timelines should be factored in this design. (b) A joint wildlife corridor expert team comprising SGNP and TWLS Wildlife department, BNHS, Wildlife Institute (WII), Satpuda Foundation, Wildlife Conservation Trust (WCT) will design and implement the technical requirements (re-wilding, guide fencing and ground preparation) related to the creation of effective wildlife corridors. (c) A comprehensive site management plan needs to be jointly developed by all proponents prior to the start of any construction. (d) During construction and operation of all projects due care shall be taken to prevent any disturbance to wildlife movement or other adverse environment impacts.

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(e) The project proponents and the above joint team shall monitor the progress and status of the project construction as well as the wildlife corridor development on a monthly basis and report to Government of Maharashtra and SBWL. (f) Mahatransco will be advised to suitably increase the height of their high tension transmission line in this area so as to accommodate the wildlife corridors underneath. (g) All alignments to install high quality noise barriers. (h) All debris created due to demolition of the existing PWD road and other activities leading up to the completion of the elevated sections shall be removed far away from the forest area. (i) A perpendicular (to the alignment of the road) guard wall shall be constructed along the length of the restored wildlife corridor. Also, two Protection Huts (anti-poaching camps), one each on either side of the elevated section shall be constructed to ensure requisite protection of the corridor. (j) Wherever necessary chain link fence of requisite dimension will be erected to funnel wildlife into the underpass/overpass. (k) The overpasses over the Diva-Vasai rail line and DFC shall be aptly landscaped so as to mimic the natural environment, encouraging unhindered movement of wildlife. The same will be constructed in such a way so as to eliminate movement of people or two/four wheelers. (l) The cost of guard wall, the two Protection Huts (anti-poaching camps) and the landscaping of the overpasses will also be borne by the project proponents. (m) In case of private land holding in the area of proposed underpasses, the same required to be acquired and handed over to forest department. Cost of the same to be shared by MAHSR, MMC and DFC.

After discussions, the Standing Committee decided to recommend the project subject to the conditions that (a) Permission for starting the work on the project shall be granted by the state government only when animal passage plan is prepared by the project proponent in consultation with the State Chief Wildlife Warden on the basis of WII guidelines named Eco-friendly Measures to Mitigate Impacts on Linear Infrastructures on Wildlife.
(b) Wildlife Warden and mitigative measures imposed by Committee constituted by the State Board for Wildlife.

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(c) The annual compliance certificate on the stipulated conditions should be submitted by

52.4.2
Diversion of 32.75 ha of forestland and 77.30 ha of non-forestland from Sanjay Gandhi National Park and from 0.6902 ha of forestland and 4.7567 ha of non-forestland from Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary and for the construction of Mumbai – Ahmadabad High Speed Rail Project

proposal involves diversion of 32.75 ha of forestland and 77.30 ha of non-forestland from Sanjay Gandhi National Park and from 0.6902 ha of forestland and 4.7567 ha of non- forestland from Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary and for the construction of Mumbai – Ahmadabad High Speed Rail Project. He added that the State Chief Wildlife Warden has recommended the proposal with following conditions.

(1) State Govt. vide letter No.WLP-1216/CR.400/F-1, date 10/04/2018 formed a Committee to study projects due to the implemented in Sanjay Gandhi National Park / or surrounding area. The mitigation measures suggested by the committee should be incorporated by the agency in their proposal and should be implemented. (2) The underpasses being formed by means of construction of bridges, culverts and the viaducts shall be maintained appropriately to perform the dual function of underpasses for wildlife besides the stated purpose of drainage system. (3) The sites where the viaduct tracks meets the ground for tunnels in the hilly sections shall be fenced appropriately and cleaned regularly in consultation with the State Forest Department to avoid accidents of wild animals. (4) The construction of the linear instructions should be in a manner (quick, with minimum disturbance) and with adequate design and technology to minimize the long-term impacts including by using prefabricated and special methods to reduce the time taken in the erection/construction of the intrusions. (5) All vehicles delivering loose construction material and any such material gathered at the site must be covered by appropriate material such as tarpaulins to prevent dust spreading, pollution, or wastage. (6) 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 in connection with alignment and maintenance roads in natural areas.

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(7) Along the alignment and maintenance road, natural ground, shrubby, or tree growth must be encouraged at periodic, designated points not less than 200 m apart, to provide for habitat cover and facilitate animal crossings in all the ESZ area as well as other habitats such as dry thorn forest and scrublands. (8) No material including earth should be used from the ESZ area. All construction materials should be brought from outside the ESZ area including earth, stones etc. (9) All outside material left over after construction or repair (including stones, sand, cement, packaging material, papers, cartons, oils, cans, bags, wires, metal objects, housing sheds, plastics and glass) should not be left on site, but should be carefully removed and carried away outside the natural area and safety disposed of or reused elsewhere. (10) Dumping of solids and any wastes, including waste water, oils, construction material and liquids shall be done outside the ESZ boundary of the SGNP and TWLS. (11) Cutting of vegetation leading to complete breakage of canopy cover in closed-canopy forests shall not be permitted. (12) Joint field verification should be conducted with the Forest Department to agree and mark trees to be cut. This will avoid uncontrolled and indiscriminate tree felling. (13) Route for movement of equipment & machineries to be decided in consultation with Forest Department and ‘PA’ authorities. (14) All equipment will have sound control devices no less effective than those provided on the original equipment. All equipments shall have muffled exhausts.  Crossing structures should be put in place where the service road intersects the wildlife corridor of the SGNP and TWLS. Regular monitoring in the ESZ area should be carried out on any mortality of wildlife and unusual behavior due to running of HSR.  Measures for reducing sound & dust pollution during the development phase and thereafter as well;  All hazardous situations arising during the construction phase shall be properly covered to avoid any wild animal’s accidents;  Scrupulous implementation of regulations listed in the Table at 4.10 to 4.30 of SGNP’s ESZ notification by Project Proponent with respect to various activities including construction works. (15) The agency shall make a muck disposal plan with the approval of Chief Wildlife Warden. (16) The agency proposed certain activities as a part of corporate Environmental Responsibility; they shall be conducted in consultation with Chief Wildlife Warden.

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(17) As decided in the 8th meeting of State Board of Wildlife held on 20th February 2014, and the Standing Committee decided that it will stick to its decision taken in its 49th meeting and that all the project proponent shall deposit 2% cost of the (Rs.1,08,000,00 Crore) proposed project which passes through Wildlife Sanctuary its deemed ESZ should be deposited with the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Borivali Division for the Habitat Improvement of the Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary and adjoining forests.

It was brought to the notice of the Committee that the State Board for Wildlife has recommended the proposal in its meeting held on 05.12.2018 along with the conditions and mitigative measures, if any by the committee chaired by Shri Praveen Pardeshi, ACS to the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Maharashtra. Following are the mitigative measures of the committee:

1. Construction of a combined Overpass (over the existing Diva - Vasai railway line and proposed DFC line) and Underpass (under MAHSR, MMC and an elevated PWD road) System 1.

Further to the overpass proposed over the existing Diva-Vasai rail line and proposed DFC project as a condition under NBWL clearance of the latter, the same shall be relocated to a suitable location near 19.3264310 N and 72.9354120 E based on the topography and ease of movement of the wildlife. DFCCIL, shall be responsible for the design of the over/under passes in this section of the wildlife corridor. The suggested wildlife corridor2 to DFCCIL by Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) and subsequently accorded in its clearance by NBWL (BNHS, 2015)3 therefore needs to be amended in terms of location, length and width to accommodate the new projects. Thus, a three dimensional ground profiling study in this area, including cross section analysis of the project alignments will help determine the precise location of over and under passes.

The existing PWD road having a natural sag (around the location 19.3264310 N and 72.9354120 E) in this section (about 1.5 km) should be raised by at least six meters (keeping in mind the crossing of the MAHSR and MMC projects) so as to provide a clear under passage for the wildlife (large mammals such as leopard, Chittal, Sambar and Wild Boar).

Construction of the overpass over the existing Diva-Vasai rail line & proposed DFC; and the elevation of PWD road should be completed simultaneously.

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The MMRDA shall be responsible for the design and construction of the elevated PWD road section and shall take adequate care to cause minimal impact to the wildlife movement during the elevation of the road as well as construction of the MMC project in this area. All construction activity (including temporary traffic diversion) shall be limited to within the RoW of the PWD road and shall not be taken through any adjoining forest land of the SGNP or TWLS. Any traffic diversion will have to be decided jointly with the Assistant Conservator of Forest (ACF), SGNP.

The cost of the elevating the existing PWD road shall be worked out and shared jointly by the three projects (viz. MAHSR, DFC and MMC).

On completion of the elevation plan of the PWD road, the existing PWD surface (on ground) should be removed and the area should be re-wilded along the restriction of access to ensure that local villagers and vehicles are not allowed to enter the underpass zone of the wildlife corridor.

The overpass section for movement of wildlife (over Diva-Vasai rail line and DFC) shall be determined by the three dimensional ground profiling study.

Widening and Enabling of a Wildlife Underpass System 2 Combined with the existing culvert (Nagale Underpass 1) under the Diva-Vasai rail line (19.3264310 N and 72.9354120 E), DFC shall build a similar culvert to enable creation of an underpass below its alignment. The existing culvert (Nagale existing Underpass 2) under the PWD road (19.3264310 N and 72.9354120 E) shall be widened/modified suitably to render it useful for movement of wildlife. The MMC and MAHSR viaducts in this area will allow continuity of the underpass to lead the wildlife towards TWLS. The quarry operated by a private entity shall be asked to discontinue and a natural storm-water drainage stream passing through the culvert system, be restored and kept free of any obstruction. The area presently occupied by the quarry shall be restored to its natural state (re-wilded) as soon as the extraction operation stops. For both the wildlife corridor systems described above, the following actions are to be followed. (a) The engineering design in terms of the locations of piers of the viaducts and open spans of all projects viaducts shall be suitable coordinated in advance among the project proponents so as to provide a clear and continuous passage for the wildlife in the

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overpass/underpass section. Variance in the different project timelines should be factored in this design. (b) A joint wildlife corridor expert team comprising SGNP and TWLS Wildlife department, BNHS, Wildlife Institute (WII), Satpuda Foundation, Wildlife Conservation Trust (WCT) will design and implement the technical requirements (re-wilding, guide fencing and ground preparation) related to the creation of effective wildlife corridors. (c) A comprehensive site management plan needs to be jointly developed by all proponents prior to the start of any construction. (d) During construction and operation of all projects due care shall be taken to prevent any disturbance to wildlife movement or other adverse environment impacts. (e) The project proponents and the above joint team shall monitor the progress and status of the project construction as well as the wildlife corridor development on a monthly basis and report to Government of Maharashtra and SBWL (f) Mahatransco will be advised to suitably increase the height of their high tension transmission line in this area so as to accommodate the wildlife corridors underneath. (g) All alignments to install high quality noise barriers. (h) All debris created due to demolition of the existing PWD road and other activities leading up to the completion of the elevated sections shall be removed far away from the forest area. (i) A perpendicular (to the alignment of the road) guard wall shall be constructed along the length of the restored wildlife corridor. Also, two Protection Huts (anti-poaching camps), one each on either side of the elevated section shall be constructed to ensure requisite protection of the corridor. (j) Wherever necessary chain link fence of requisite dimension will be erected to funnel wildlife into the underpass/overpass. (k) The overpasses over the Diva-Vasai rail line and DFC shall be aptly landscaped so as to mimic the natural environment, encouraging unhindered movement of wildlife. The same will be constructed in such a way so as to eliminate movement of people or two/four wheelers. (l) The cost of guard wall, the two Protection Huts (anti-poaching camps) and the landscaping of the overpasses will also be borne by the project proponents. (m) In case of private land holding in the area of proposed underpasses, the same required to be acquired and handed over to forest department. Cost of the same to be shared by MAHSR, MMC and DFC.

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After discussions the Standing Committee decided to recommend the project subject to the conditions that (a) Permission for starting the work on the project shall be granted by the state government only when animal passage plan is prepared by the project proponent in consultation with the State Chief Wildlife Warden on the basis of WII guidelines named Eco-friendly Measures to Mitigate Impacts on Linear Infrastructures on Wildlife.
(b) The project proponent will comply with all the conditions imposed by the State Chief Wildlife Warden and mitigative measures suggested by Committee constituted by the State Board for Wildlife. (c) The annual compliance certificate on the stipulated conditions should be submitted by the project proponent to the State Chief Wildlife Warden and an annual compliance

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LIST OF PARTICIPANTS 1 Dr Harsh Vardhan, Hon’ble Minister of Envi. Forest & Climate Change
Chairman 2 Shri Siddanta Das, Special Secretary & DGF, MoEF&CC Member 3 Dr H S Singh, Member, NBWL Member 4 Shri R D Kamboj, Member, NBWL Member 5 Dr V B Mathur, Director, WII Dehradun Member 6 Shri P K Verma, CWLW, Jharkhand Invitee 7 Shri G V Reddy, CWLW, Rajasthan Invitee 8 Shri Jayaram, CWLW, Karnataka Invitee 9 Shri Surendra Mehra, CCF, Uttarakhand Invitee 10 Shri M K Rao, APCCF, Maharshtra Invitee 11 Shri Raghunath, CWLW, Tamil Nadu Invitee 12 Shri D K Sharma, CWLW, Tripura Invitee 13 Shri Soumitra Dasgupta, IGF(WL), MoEF&CC Invitee 14 Dr. Amit Mallick, IGF, NTCA Invitee 15 Shri Nishant Verma, DIGF, NTCA Invitee 16 Shri Satya Prakash Vashisht, DIGF(WL), MoEF&CC Invitee 17 Shri P Ravi, Scientist, MoEF&CC Invitee

ANNEXURE I