37वीं विशेषज्ञ समिति की minutes

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MINUTES OF 37th ESZ EXPERT COMMITTEE MEETING FOR THE DECLARATION OF ECO-SENSITIVE ZONE (ESZ) AROUND PROTECTED AREAS (WILDLIFE SANCTUARIES/NATIONAL PARKS/TIGER RESERVES) HELD ON 30th SEPTEMBER 2019 IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST & CLIMATE CHANGE The 37th meeting of Expert Committee on Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) was held under the Chairmanship of Shri Ravi Agrawal, Additional Secretary on 30th September, 2019 in the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Indira Paryavaran Bhawan, New Delhi. List of participants is annexed as Annexure A. 2.
At the outset, the Chairman welcomed the members and the participants from the States of Assam, Jammu and Kashmir, Mizoram, Maharashtra, Odisha, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal. Discussions on each of agenda item were taken up ad-seriatim. 3. Following 22 proposals for Eco-Sensitive Zones listed in the agenda were taken up for consideration. The representatives of respective State Government presented their proposals for the consideration of the Expert Committee:

S. No. State Protected Area Status 1.
Jammu & Kashmir Jasrota Wildlife Sanctuary Jammu & Kashmir Pending information after draft Notification 2.
Jammu & Kashmir Ramnagar Wildlife Sanctuary Jammu & Kashmir Pending information after republication of draft Notification 3.
Madhya Pradesh National Chambal Sanctuary, Madhya Pradesh Published draft Notification 4.
Madhya Pradesh Pench Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh Published draft Notification 5.
Maharashtra Great Indian Bustard, Wildlife Sanctuary Maharashtra Published draft Notification 6.
Odisha Simlipal Tiger Reserve & Hadagarh Sanctuary Odisha Pending information after draft Notification 7.
Odisha Nandankanan Sanctuary, Odisha Pending information after draft Notification 8.
Tamil Nadu Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve, Tamil Nadu Published draft Notification 9.
Tamil Nadu Cauvery North Wildlife Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu Published draft Notification 10.
Tamil Nadu Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary (Block – A) Tamil Nadu Published draft Notification

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S. No. State Protected Area Status 11.
Maharashtra Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary, Maharashtra Published draft Notification 12.
West Bengal Buxa Tiger Reserve, West Bengal Published draft Notification 13.
Rajasthan Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary Rajasthan Republished draft Notification 14.
Rajasthan Jaisamand Wildlife Sanctuary Rajasthan Republished draft Notification 15.
Mizoram Khawanglung Wildlife Sanctuary Mizoram Pending information after draft Notification 16.
Assam Dehing Patkai Wildlife Sanctuary Assam Published draft Notification 17.
Assam Dibru -Saikhowa National Park Assam Discussion on the issue requested by the earlier Committee 18.
Assam Bherjan Borajan Wildlife Sanctuary Assam Request made by the
State Government for the view of Committee 19.
Arunachal Pradesh Kamlang WLS Arunachal Pradesh Pending information after draft Notification 20.
Meghalaya Nokrek National Park Meghalaya Pending information after draft Notification 21.
Uttar Pradesh Mahavir Swami Sanctuary Uttar Pradesh Published draft Notification 22.
Uttar Pradesh National Chambal Sanctuary, Uttar Pradesh Published draft Notification

Discussion on the ESZ Proposals 4.1
Jasrota Wildlife Sanctuary, Jammu & Kashmir
The chronology and status of the ESZ notification for Jasrota Wildlife Sanctuary, Jammu & Kashmir was briefed to the committee by the concerned Additional Director, ESZ Division of the Ministry. The draft notification was published on 06.11.2017 and was considered previously during 30th meeting of Expert Committee held on 26.06.2018, wherein the committee recommended that (i) as informed by the State the mistakes in the number of villages in the published draft notification need to be amended to four instead of five; and (ii) to include the list of additional plant species found in the PA. Amended draft has not been yet received from the State Government and the draft is expiring on 05.11.2019. The State Government representative, Shri Tahir Shawl, Regional Wildlife Warden, Department of Wildlife Protection, Govt. of Jammu & Kashmir made a brief

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presentation on the proposal sharing the salient features of the draft Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) as elucidated follows: Area of PA : 10.04 sq km

Proposed ESZ area : Not mentioned
Proposed Extent : zero (0) to 2.022 km

He stated that the required information sought during the 30th ECM has been forwarded to the Ministry through PCCF, J&K. However, since there is no record of submission of such proposal in the Ministry, he agreed to resubmit it again to the Ministry within a week.
The Chairman of the committee raised the issue of zero (0) minimum extent of the ESZ and asked for its justification. The State Government representative justified that the adjoining boundary area of the PA with 0 extent is under permanent habitation since past many generations and inclusion of said area in the ESZ may hinder the routine agriculture and other allied activities, thereby affecting the livelihood of the local people. It was also informed that no comments/objections were received from the stakeholders/public and Wildlife Institute of India (WII) has also recommended the proposal with 0 extent. The matter was deliberated in detail and it was observed that as per the extant guidelines for ESZ, habitations and the associated activities viz agriculture, horticulture doesn’t fall under the prohibited activities and accordingly, cannot be accepted as valid justification for zero (0) extent.
The State Govt representative agreed to revise the proposal by extending the extent further from zero (0) and submit the revise proposal by 10th October 2019 to ensure its notification before its expiry.

The Committee recommended for the finalization of draft Notification by the Ministry subject to submission of revised draft by the State Govt incorporating the amendment in the number of villages, additional plant specifies and revision of the zero (0) extent.

4.2. Ramnagar Wildlife Sanctuary Jammu & Kashmir
The status of the proposal was briefed by the concerned Additional Director who informed that the draft notification was published on 21.03.2016. The proposal was deliberated during two meetings of Expert Committee held on 4th July 2019 (19th meeting) and 11th Oct 2019 (27th meeting). During 19th meeting State was asked to revise the proposal by incorporating river Tawi as part of ESZ and during 27th meeting, it was recommended for finalization subject to submission of revised map by including two green patches and response of State on public consultation along with the dates of consultation process. The draft expired on 26.04.2018 due to non- submission of additional information by State.

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The new draft proposal is received from the state on 29.5.2019. The new proposal indicates inclusion of river Tawi in the ESZ. However, the recommendation of 27th ECM did not find mention in either the response or the draft notification.
State Government was asked to clarify on the issues during the meeting to take decision regarding the re-notification of the draft.

Shri Tahir Shawl, Regional Wildlife Warden, Department of Wildlife Protection, Govt. Jammu & Kashmir apprised the committee about the status of the proposal. It was informed that the River Tawi in the East now form part of ESZ area. Two green patches have been incorporated in the NW and SE side of Protected Area. With reference to Public Consultation, it was informed that with the prevailing situation in J&K it is not feasible to conduct public consultation.
The salient features of the draft Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) are as follows: Area of PA : 12.75 sq Km

Proposed ESZ area : 10.73 sq Km Proposed Extent : 0 Km to 1.85 km The State representative informed that the revised map has been submitted to the Ministry as part of the new draft proposal and no comments/objections were received from the stakeholders/public during the consultation period of the previous draft. The extent of ESZ ranges from minimum of zero (0) kilometers at South, South- West and West side to the maximum of 1.850 km at Northern side. The zero (0) extent is due to the existing Jammu city municipal area existing since generation at S, SW and W side. It was also informed that the total area of ESZ comprised of two parts viz, Part I having area of 5.73 sq. km towards northern boundary; while Part-II comprising of 5.00 sq. km in the southeastern boundary. He further emphasized that the draft notification shows inclusion of Western side in the ESZ area, which is not feasible due to existing Jammu city on that side. After detailed discussion, the Committee recommended for re-notification of the Draft proposal on the above line.

4.3
National Chambal Sanctuary, Madhya Pradesh Shri P.D. Gabrial, D.F.O, Forest Department Madhya Pradesh, Government of Madhya Pradesh apprised the Committee about the proposal. It was informed that the draft ESZ Notification of National Chambal Sanctuary was published on 11th June, 2019. The salient features of the draft Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) are as follows: Area of PA : 435.00 sq km Proposed ESZ area : 870 .00 sq km Proposed Extent : 0 (zero) to 2 km

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It was mentioned that National Chambal Sanctuary is the first and only tri-state riverine protected area in India for breeding population of Gharial. Zero extent of ESZ was proposed towards interstate boundary with Uttar Pradesh.
The Committee suggested adding justification of zero ESZ extent while processing the final Notification. After detailed discussions, the Committee recommended for the finalization of the draft Notification.

4.4
Pench Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh Shri Vikram Singh Parihar, CCF&FD Pench Tigher Reserve, Forest Department Government of Madhya Pradesh made a presentation and apprised the Committee about the proposal. He deliberated the history and chronology of Pench Tiger Reserve. Pench Tiger Reserve was declared as Pench Wildlife Sanctuary during 1977 and subsequently include in the Tiger Project during 1992. Draft Notification for Eco-Sensitive Zone around Pench Tiger Reserve was declared in 21.05.2018. The salient features of the draft Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) are as follows: Area of PA : 1179.63 sq km Proposed ESZ area : 1180.63 sq km Proposed Extent : 0 (zero) to 27 km

Member of the Committee explained that the proposal was previously considered during the 31st meeting of the Expert Committee on ESZ held on 13.09.2018. During that meeting, Committee recommended for the finalization of draft Notification subject to submission of map demarcating the core and buffer area and updating the ESZ area along with the list of villages. The additional information was received in the Ministry on 18.09.2019. While considering the submitted information, it was found that the previous map is again submitted. Therefore, the proposal was included in the agenda for further consideration.

The representative of the State informed that some mistake has been appeared in the ESZ draft Notification. He elucidated that total area of the Tiger Reserve is 1179.632 sq. km. of which 411.330 sq. km. as core area and 768.302 sq. km. buffer area. The total proposed ESZ area for the protected area is 771.537 sq km including the buffer zone of the Tiger Reserve. Zero extent of ESZ was proposed towards southern boundary of the Tiger Reserve where another protected area for Madhya Pradesh is adjoined.

The Chairman of the Committee enquired any incident of man-wildlife conflict in the surrounding of Tiger Reserve and their causes as well as possible solution. He also urged to provide a write-up on human wildlife conflict. The CCF&FD informed that numerous factors are responsible for the occurrence of man-wildlife conflict. One of the major factors is increasing tiger population and connecting among the Reserved Forest or existing protected area through corridor could be one of the

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effective measures of it. For Pench Tiger Reserved an efficient corridor of Kanha – Pench – Satpuda has been proposed. After detailed discussions, the Committee recommended for the finalization of the draft Notification.

4.5 Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary Maharashtra

Shri Aadarsh Reddy, IFS, Dy. Conservator of forests, Ahmednagar, Government of Maharashtra apprised about the proposal. Draft ESZ Notification for Great Indian Bustard (GIB) Sanctuary was published on 21.01.2019. The proposal was considered previously on the 35th meeting of Expert Committee on ESZ held on 3rd June, 2019. State had placed the Notification in local newspapers few days ago before the said meeting apart from website of the Ministry. Therefore, the then Committee urged the state to consider public consultation and also suggested to re- check the area of the ESZ mentioned in the draft Notification. The details of the draft Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) Notification are as follows: Area of PA : 366.72 sq km Proposed ESZ area : 548.79 sq km Proposed Extent : zero to 400 metres
The objection and suggestions received on the draft Notification were discussed and duly considered. While enquiring the reason of zero ESZ extent, the representative of the State justified that out of the 100 patches proposed in the Eco- Sensitive Zone, only two patches have zero ESZ extent. This is due to Municipal Corporation limits of Nehru nagar and Pratap nagar in North Solapur taluka. Upon enquiring the status of mining and possible error in calculation of ESZ area by the Committee, the representative of the State informed that cancellation of mining lease has already been processed by them an official communication in this regard from the District Collector will be submitted. He also mentioned that the correct area of ESZ is 548.79 sq km.

After detailed discussion, the Committee recommended the proposal for finalization of the draft Notification subject to submission of official communication from District Collector on mining lease cancelation and patch-wise area of proposed ESZ around GIB Wildlife Sanctuary.

4.6 Simlipal Tiger Reserve & Hadagarh Sanctuary Odisha Dr. JD Pati, IFS, Deputy Director of Similipal Tiger Reserve, Odisha made a presentation and apprised the Committee about the proposal. It was mentioned that draft ESZ Notification for Simlipal Tiger Reserve and Hadagarh Sanctuary was published on 10.07.2018. The salient features of the draft Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) are as follows: Area of PA : 5246.6 sq. km.

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Proposed ESZ area : 1765.29 sq. kms.

Proposed Extent : zero to 5 km
The members of the Expert Committee reminded that the proposal was previously considered in 35th meeting of Expert Committee on ESZ held on 03.06.2019 and the Committee deferred, the consideration of the proposal and asked the State Government to submit additional information including the exact area of core, buffer and proposed ESZ, proper maps demarcating the same and public hearing reports etc.
The representative of the State explained that there were mistakes in area calculation of the protected area as well as ESZ due to overlapping of the areas of PA’s. The correct figure for the protected area should be 2907.61 sq km; while that of Eco-Sensitive Zone is 1765.29 sq km. The extent for the proposed ESZ ranges from 5.0 km to 23.0 km around the boundary of the Similipal Wildlife Sanctuary and zero to 2.0 km around the boundary of Hadagarh Wildlife Sanctuary.
While enquiring about the reason for zero ESZ extent, the representative of the State justified that zero extent in the Eastern and South-Eastern side of the Hadagarh Wildlife Sanctuary is due to dense habitation and 100-year-old potential mines of Mining Department adjoining boundary of WLS. Regarding public consultation, it was informed that the comments and suggestions received from the public and stakeholders were duly considered. Dr. Pati also mentioned that Hadgarh WLS and Kuldhia WLS are part of an existing Wildlife corridor. He further mentioned that the maximum buffer zone of Simplipal Tiger Reserve extends up to 21.0 Km in Northern side. Though the same is not reflected in the draft ESZ notification, however, the State mentioned that the final ESZ notification may include the area for which the State was of the view that further public consultation is not required. Furthermore, the representative of the State explained that the State Government has proposed zonation of Eco-Sensitive Zone, wherein the State Government want restriction of mining activities up to 1.0 km as imperative; while in the ESZ extent beyond 1.0 km it has proposed that mining should be designated as regulated activities. However, this proposal was not agreed by the Committee and Chairman clarified that rules and guidelines for declaring ESZ is uniform across the protected areas. Zonation of ESZ or any relaxation in the existing rule may cause discrepancies.

After detailed deliberation, the Committee recommended for finalization of the draft Notification after incorporation of justification of zero ESZ and maximum extent of 21 km of northern side and correction of ESZ area and maximum extent of buffer zone as mentioned above.

4.7 Nandankanan Wildlife Sanctuary, Odisha Shri Jayant Kumar Das, Nandankanan Zoological Park, Odisha, Government of Odisha made a presentation and apprised the Committee about the proposal. It

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was mentioned that draft ESZ Notification for Nandankanan Wildlife Sanctuary was published on 10.07.2018. The salient features of the draft Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) are as follows: Area of PA : 4.37 sq. km Proposed ESZ area : 1.31 sq. km.

Proposed Extent : zero to 340 metres

The Committee was appraised that the draft Notification was previously recommended during the 33rd Expert Committee Meeting held on 28.02.2019, subject to submission of report of the public hearing. However, such report was not yet received in the Ministry.

The representative of the State informed that there is no human habitations or infrastructure owned by any person within the limits of Sanctuary or within the proposed eco-sensitive zone. Also, there is no dependency of people on the area proposed. Still, objections on draft Notification were invited through notice to the nearby three Gram Panchayats namely Dadha, Raghunathpur and Darutheng, but no comments were received within the timeline from any of the person/institutions. He further requested following changes in composition of the Monitoring Committee:
I. RDC Central Division Cuttack- To be omitted
II. Collector, Khordha – Chairman III. Collector, Cuttack/Representative of Collector, CTC- Member IV. Dy. Commissioner of Police/Representative of Dy. Comm. of Police – Member. After detailed discussions, the Committee agreed for above changes and recommended for the finalization of the draft Notification. 4.8 Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve, Tamil Nadu Shri Sanjay K Srivastava, IFS, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests & Chief Wildlife Warden, Govt of Tamil Nadu made a presentation and apprised the Committee about the proposal. It was mentioned that draft ESZ Notification for Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve was published on 31st May, 2019. The salient features of the draft Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) are as follows: Area of PA : 1411.61 sq km Proposed ESZ area : 187.60 sq. km.
Proposed Extent : 0 (zero) to 1 kilometre

It was mentioned that Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve forms an integral part of Nilgiris Biosphere Reserve and is located at junction point of two States viz, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The representative of the State mentioned that zero ESZ extent at the northern and part of north-eastern side of the Tiger Reserved is due to interstate boundary with Karnataka; while south-west side is connecting with the buffer zone of Mudumalai Tiger Reserve and western boundary is adjoining with Bandipur National Park in Karnataka. The south-east side Sathyamangalam Tiger

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Reserve is due to availability of minor mineral leases. It was also explained that numerous opposition was faced at the time of declaration of Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve. Subsequently, it was accomplished with the support of local communities and now the Tiger Reserve is well managed.

The Committee asked to explore further extension of Eco-Sensitive Zone area towards south-western boundary of the protected area and recommended to revise and resubmit the proposal accordingly.

4.9 Cauvery North Wildlife Sanctuary Tamil Nadu Shri Sanjay K Srivastava, IFS, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests & Chief Wildlife Warden, Govt of Tamil Nadu made a presentation and apprised the Committee about the proposal. It was mentioned that draft ESZ Notification for Cauvery North Wildlife Sanctuary was published on 11th June, 2019 . The important features of the draft Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) Notification are as follows: Area of PA : 504.33 sq km Proposed ESZ area : 301.934 sq km
Proposed Extent : Zero to 1.75 km

It was mentioned that the proposed ESZ extent for Cauvery North Wildlife is usually uniform 1 kilometre except towards the boundaries of north, north-west and parts of western side is zero due to Bhannerghatta National Park and Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary of Karnataka State is connected with the PA and at Chennamalam revenue village ESZ is 1.75 km.
The representative of the State also informed that no enclave villages exist inside the protected area. Further, comments or suggestion received from the public and stakeholders were duly considered.
After detailed discussions, the Committee recommended for the finalization of the draft Notification.

4.10 Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary (Block – A), Tamil Nadu Shri Sanjay K Srivastava, IFS, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests & Chief Wildlife Warden, Govt of Tamil Nadu made a presentation and apprised the Committee about the proposal. It was mentioned that draft ESZ Notification for Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary (Block – A), was published on 3rd July, 2019. The salient features of the draft Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) Notification are as follows: Area of PA : 118.85 sq km Proposed ESZ area : 374.92 sq km

Proposed Extent : 0 (zero) to 0.50 km Representative of the State Government explained that Point Calimere Wetland in the Sanctuary was declared as Ramsar site (Ramsar site No. 1210 on

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August 19th of 2002). The Sanctuary is the unique forest with large population of birds including both resident and migratory birds inhabits. Zero extent of ESZ is proposed towards the sea side of the protected area. After detailed discussions, the Committee recommended for the finalization of the draft Notification.

4.11. Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary, Maharashtra
Dr. V. Clement Ben, CCF Kolhapur, Government of Maharashtra made a presentation and apprised the Committee about the proposal. It was mentioned that the draft ESZ Notification for Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary, was published on 15.07.2019. The salient features of the draft Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) Notification are as follows: Area of PA : 351.16 sq km Proposed ESZ area : 230.61sq km

Proposed Extent : 32 metres to 6.01 km It was mentioned that Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary is important habitat for numerous flora and fauna. The area between Sahyadri Tiger Reserve and Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary is the important wildlife corridor. Public hearing was done in consultation with local MLA. Villagers of the proposed Eco-Sensitive Zone were sensitized and quite acquiescent in enforcement of the activities mentioned in the draft Notification. Further, representative of the State Government proposed to make few changes on the composition of Monitoring Committee. The Division Forest Officer (Wildlife) Kolhapur was proposed as the member of Committee instead of Chief Conservator of Forests and Field Director, Sahyadri Tiger Project, Kolhapur. The Expert Committee agreed to the proposed changes. The Committee however asked the rationale for proposing 32 metres Eco- Sensitive Zone in the proposal. The representative of the state mentioned that agriculture particularly sugarcane fields prevails adjoining the boundary of the Wildlife Sanctuary and hence, the extent of ESZ was proposed as 32 metres. Committee illustrated that declaration of ESZ wouldn’t prohibit agricultural practices and thus the Committee urged the State to explore the possibility of extending the Eco-Sensitive Zone upto 1.0 Km.
After detail discussion, the Committee suggested the State Government to revise and re-submit the proposal based on above suggestion.

4.12. Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary Rajasthan
Shri Balaji Kari, DCF, Mt. Abu, Government of Rajasthan made a presentation and apprised the Committee about the proposal. It was mentioned that the draft

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Notification for Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary was re-published on 10.06.2019. The salient features of the draft Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) Notification are as follows: Area of PA : 326.09 sq km Proposed ESZ area : 125.15 sq km

Proposed Extent : 0.1 km to 6.08 km It was stated that Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in Sirohi district in South-East Rajasthan. While enquiring the 100 metres as minimum ESZ extent, the representative of the State Government elucidated that towards a small stretch in the South-Eastern boundary of the protected area, the ESZ is proposed as 100 meters due to presence of an Industry and some establishment of the Bramha Kumari Group. The Committee elaborated that all new establishments and expansion of polluting industries will be prohibited within the ESZ and the industries will be adhered as per the recent classification of Central Pollution Control Board.
The Committee also solicited details regarding the comments/objections received on the Draft Notification as well as pending case before the Hon’ble High Court of Rajasthan regarding the ESZ of Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary.

     After detailed deliberations, the Committee suggested the State Government to 

explore the possibility of extending the Eco-Sensitive Zone up to 1.0 Km towards South-Eastern boundary and accordingly submit a revised proposal.

4.13 Jaisamand Wildlife Sanctuary Rajasthan
Shri S.S. Deora, DCF (Wildlife), Udaipur, Government of Rajasthan made a presentation and apprised the Committee about the proposal. It was mentioned that draft Notification for Jaisamand Wildlife Sanctuary was re-published on 10.06.2019. The silent features of the draft Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) Notification are as follows: Area of PA : 52.342 sq. km. Proposed ESZ area : 220.118 sq km
Proposed Extent : 1.60 km to 10.597 km

It was mentioned that Jaisamand Wildlife Sanctuary has rich biodiversity and it is the catchment area of largest freshwater Lake Jaisamand. The Sanctuary is located in close vicinity of Udaipur city and attracts numerous visitors.
The representative of the State sought few rectifications in the draft Notification. He mentioned that the correct figure of the maximum ESZ extent is 8.90 km instead of 10.597 km without any changes in boundaries or area of ESZ. He also revealed that boundary description of ESZ in the proposal submitted by the State Government was wrongly mentioned and therefore a correction was sought in the same. He also mentioned that the Survey of India (SOI) Toposheet needs to be replaced by google map in the draft Notification. He further mentioned that few village

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names were typed wrongly in Hindi version of the Draft Notification due to translation from English. After detailed discussions, the Committee recommended for the finalization of the draft Notification subject to submission of an official communication from the State Government on above modifications.

4.14 Buxa Tiger Reserve, West Bengal Shri N.V. Rajashekhar, APCCF, Wildlife, Department of Forest, Government of West Bengal made a presentation and apprised the Committee about the proposal. It was mentioned that draft ESZ Notification for Buxa Tiger Reserve, was published on 11th June, 2019. The salient features of the draft Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) Notification are as follows: Area of PA : 760.87 sq km Proposed ESZ area : 583.15 sq km

Proposed Extent : 0 (zero) to 5 km It was mentioned that the area between Rydak and Panbari forest was included in the ESZ for creating important corridor for elephants. It was also informed that the maximum extent of Eco-Sensitive Zone for Buxa Tiger Reserve is 5 km towards the western boundary; while it was 1.0 km extent in the southern periphery due to townships like Alipurduar and railway junction establishments, etc. Zero extent of ESZ is due to international boundary with Bhutan towards the northern boundary and Inter-state boundary with Assam in the eastern side of the Protected Area. The ESZ area in the present proposal includes the buffer of non Protected Area as per guidelines of NTCA. After detailed discussions, the Committee recommended for the finalization of the draft Notification.

4.15. Khawanglung Wildlife Sanctuary Mizoram The status of the proposal was apprised to the Committee by the Ministry representative. Draft notification was published on 14.12.2017. The proposal was considered during the 30th meeting of the Expert Committee of ESZ held on 25.06.2018, wherein the Chairman emphasized that BSI & ZSI visit and verify the ESZ area along with flora and fauna of the Khawanglung WLS before considering it further.
Shri Liandawla, PCCF (CWLW), Govt. of Mizoram made a presentation and apprised the Committee about the proposal. The salient features of the draft Eco- Sensitive Zone (ESZ) notification are as follows: Area of PA : 35.0 sq km Proposed ESZ area : 16.19 sq km

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Proposed Extent : 0.1 km to 0.6 km The representative of the State mentioned that State has no details on updation of the flora and fauna since BSI and ZSI haven’t yet surveyed the site.
During the course of deliberations, it was observed that the draft notification hasn’t still expired and will be expiring on 13.12.2019. It’s already long since the ZSI and BSI report for additional flora and fauna is being awaited. A list of flora and fauna is already there in the extant notification and there is no strong reason to await expiry of the notification. Accordingly, after detailed deliberations, the Committee recommended for the finalization of the draft Notification.

4.16 Dehing Patkai Wildlife Sanctuary Assam
The Committee was apprised of the Status of the notification. It’s a new notification and the draft Notification was published on 10th June 2019. During the stakeholder consultation period of 60 days, received objections from Oil India Limited requesting to change the ESZ boundary citing the oil drilling sites around the area. The same was communicated to the state government for taking into consideration while finalizing the notification.
Shri M.K. Yadav, IFS, APCCF, Assam Forest, Govt. of Assam made a presentation on the proposal. The salient features of the draft Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) are as follows: Area of PA : 111.19 sq. km Proposed ESZ area : 215.82 sq. km
Proposed Extent : Zero to 7.5 km The representative of the State mentioned that Dehing Patkai Wildlife Sanctuary is a part of Assam Valley Tropical Wet Evergreen forest composed mainly by Dipterocarpus Mesua and Sorea robusta. Zero ESZ extent was proposed toward the northern boundary due to interstate border with Arunachal Pradesh. Shri M.K. Yadav clarified that new oil drilling sites have been identified recently in the vicinity of the wildlife sanctuary and thus the objection from Oil India Ltd was for amending the ESZ boundary taking into account the oil drilling sites in the vicinity for which the lease agreement has been finalized. He stated that the State Govt is in discussion with OIL and proposed ESZ boundary for the PA is expected to be modified in such a way that the extent is upto 1km beyond the southern boundary of PA and there is restriction of drilling activities within that 1 km.

During the deliberations, the Committee observed that OIL is a PSU and require permission from Competent Authority for drilling. Accordingly, the proposal of State Government is justifiable. The Committee recommended for revision of the proposal on above line by the State Government and timely submission to the Ministry for its finalization.

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4.17. Dibru -Saikhowa NP Assam, Assam

The status of the proposal was apprised by the Ministry. Draft notification was published on 08.02.2016 and was considered in 24th ESZ Meeting held on 28.02.2017. The consideration of draft proposal was deferred on the request of the State Government and subsequently it expired on 06.08.2017. Revised proposal was submitted by the State Government and the draft was published on 21st May, 2018. It was considered during the 31st meeting of Eco-sensitive Zone held on 14th Sept. 2018. The again Committee deferred the proposal seeking details of the oil drilling sites and impact of drilling on water quality since OIL had raised the issue of oil drilling sites in the vicinity. State Govt has submitted the information. Shri M.K. Yadav, IFS, APCCF, Govt. of Assam made a presentation on the proposal. The salient features of the draft Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) are as follows: Area of PA : 340.0 sq km Proposed ESZ area : 658.251 sq km
Proposed Extent : Zero to 8.7 km The representative of the State informed that the extent of ESZ now ranges from zero to 8.7 km. Zero extent towards southern boundary is the existing crude oil drilling site. Since the oil drilling sites were already existing wherein extraction was an ongoing activity, State Govt considered the request of OIL and revised the extent. Comments received on the draft re-notification were duly considered while revising it.

After detailed deliberation, the Committee felt satisfied with the submission of the State Government and recommended for the finalization of draft re-notification.

4.18. Bherjan Borajan Wildlife Sanctuary Assam The status of the proposal was apprised. The draft notification was published on 10.12.2015. It was considered during the 24th meeting of the Expert Committee held on 28.02.2017 and the Expert Committee observed Oil drilling sites in the vicinity. Accordingly, the Committee asked the State Govt. to have a careful review of the proposal and deferred the consideration of the proposal in its present form. Draft expired on 07.06.2017 and the fresh draft proposal is awaited from the State Government. Shri M.K. Yadav, IFS, APCCF, Govt. of Assam made a presentation on the proposal. The salient features of the draft Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) are as follows: Area of PA : 7.21 sq km Proposed ESZ area : 37.89 sq km.

Proposed Extent : 0.52 km to 1.571 km

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The State Government representative stated that the proposal consists of three separate patches of Protected Areas viz. Bherjan, Borajan, and Padumoni Wildlife Sanctuary having total area of 7.21 sq km in Tinsukia District of Assam. These three protected areas are separated by Tinsukhia city in the centre and can’t be adjoined. Oil drilling sites including horizontal bores exists in the surrounding. On the basis of detailed deliberations, the Committee recommended that the three patches can be notified as one ESZ and asked State Govt to immediately submit the draft proposal accordingly, also taking into account the oil drilling sites in the vicinity.

4.19. Nokrek National Park Meghalaya The consideration of the proposal was deferred as the representative of the State Govt. was not present.

4.20. Kamlang Wildlife Sanctuary Arunachal Pradesh Representative of the Govt of Arunachal Pradesh could not attend the meeting. However, Dr. Shruti Rai Bhardwaj, Additional Director, MoEF&CC shared a communication from Dr M. Surya Prakash, PCCF (WL&BD), Arunachal Pradesh on the issue providing the clarification on the issues raised during the previous ECM meetings.
She apprised the Committee about the status of the proposal. The Draft Notification was re-notified on 23.05.2018. It was considered during the 31st meeting of the Expert Committee on ESZ held on 13.09.2018 and the Committee asked the State Govt to submit the revised proposal including reserve forest within the ESZ and giving proper justification on the ESZ extent. She shared the content of the letter which basically states that around the Kamlang Wildlife Sanctuary lies notified Kamlang Reserve Forests and Namdapha Tiger Reserve which ensures better protection to the forests under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 and Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Hence the ESZ area on those side have been deliberately kept at zero (0) extent and cannot be amended for ensuring better protection to the reserve forests in the surroundings.
The matter was deliberated in detail. The expert members were of the view that by including reserve forest within the ESZ area better protection can be ensured since forests are amendable to diversions through forests clearance under FC Act and WLP, whereas similar activities are not permissible in ESZ. Some important activities which were cited included mining for which forests can be diverted, however the same is prohibited within ESZ. Experts cited example of the State of Assam wherein many such forest areas have been included under ESZ for better protection.

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After detailed deliberation it was concluded to forward the views of the Committee to the State Government for reconsideration and submission of the revised proposal incorporating the reserve forests.

4.21. Mahavir Swami Sanctuary Uttar Pradesh Shri Ashutosh Jaiswal, DFO, Kaimoor, Government of Uttar Pradesh made a presentation and apprised the Committee about the proposal. It was mentioned that draft ESZ Notification for Mahavir Swami Sanctuary was published on 10.06.2019. The salient features of the draft Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) are as follows: Area of PA : 5.4108 sq km Proposed ESZ area : 6.8592 sq km.
Proposed Extent : 1.0 Km. uniform

It was mentioned that Mahavir Swami Sanctuary is situated in Lalitpur District of Uttar Pradesh and was declared as Sanctuary on 25th March, 1977. The proposed extent of ESZ is 1.0 Km uniform all around the Sanctuary. No objections or suggestions were received from the stakeholders in response to the draft Notification; After detailed discussion, the Committee recommended for finalization of the draft Notification.

4.22. National Chambal Sanctuary, Uttar Pradesh
Shri Anand Kumar, DCF, National Chambal Sanctuary Project, Forest Department, Government of Uttar Pradesh made a presentation and apprised the Committee about the proposal. It was mentioned that draft ESZ Notification for National Chambal Sanctuary, Uttar Pradesh was published on 16.04.2018. The salient features of the draft Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) are as follows: Area of PA : 635.00 sq. km Proposed ESZ area: 178.98 sq km

Proposed Extent : Zero - 1.0 Km (Zero is due to interstate boundary with Madhya Pradesh, while it is 1.0 Km. uniform towards UP) It was informed that the National Chambal Wildlife Sanctuary is the first and only tri-state riverine protected area of India that crosses the states of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. The sanctuary is important habitat of crocodiles and few species of turtles which are critically endangered, Gangetic dolphins and Skimmers etc.
The proposal was earlier listed for discussion in the ESZ Expert Committee in its meetings held on 14.09.2018 and 18.07.2019 wherein the Committee advised the Government of Uttar Pradesh to have a meeting with Government of Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, for preparing an integrated ESZ proposal. Based on the

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suggestions of the Committee a tri-state consultation for preparation of an integrated ESZ proposal was initiated by Government of Uttar Pradesh, but the consultations could not take place. Therefore, a review meeting was called in the Ministry with all the three States on 18.09.2019. After detailed deliberations with three States it was decided that all the States will explore the possibility of an Integrated ESA proposal of National Chambal Sanctuary in consultation with Tri-State Committee to provide better protection to the Unique Wildlife found in the Sanctuary. In the meantime, individual proposals submitted by States for ESZ may be finalized keeping in view their timeline for finalization. It was also decided that the respective States has to ensure that the proposed ESZ boundaries are contiguous with other States so as to provide consistency and continuity. After detailed discussions, the Committee recommended for the finalization of draft Notification of National Chambal Sanctuary falling in the state of Uttar Pradesh. The Committee also suggested that all the three States involved may prepare a combined and comprehensive management plan of Chambal Sanctuary in future.

Based on the draft ESZ Notifications (fresh and republished), comments received from stakeholder/public, presentations made on the proposals and detailed discussions on each proposal the Expert Committee recommended the following:

Sl. No. Protected Area State Recommendation of Expert Committee 1.
Jasrota WLS Jammu & Kashmir
Jammu & Kashmir Recommended for finalization of the draft Notification 2.
Ramnagar WLS Jammu & Kashmir Jammu & Kashmir Recommended for re-publication of draft Notification 3.
National Chambal Sanctuary, Madhya Pradesh Madhya Pradesh 4.
Pench Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh Madhya Pradesh 5.
Great Indian Bustard, WLS Maharashtra
Maharashtra draft subject to submission of additional information 6.
Simlipal Tiger Reserve & Hadagarh Sanctuary Odisha Odisha the draft
7.
Nandankanan Sanctuary, Odisha Odisha 8.
Sathyamangalam Tiger Tamil Nadu Recommended for submission of

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Sl. No. Protected Area State Recommendation of Expert Committee Reserve, Tamil Nadu revised proposal 9.
Cauvery North Wildlife Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu Tamil Nadu 10.
Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary (Block – A), Tamil Nadu Tamil Nadu 11.
Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary Maharashtra Maharashtra Recommended for submission of revised proposal 12.
Mount Abu WLS Rajasthan
Rajasthan Recommended for submission of revised proposal 13.
Jaisamand WLS Rajasthan
Rajasthan draft Notification subject to submission of additional information 14.
Buxa Tiger Reserve, West Bengal West Bengal 15.
Khawanglung WLS Mizoram Mizoram 16.
Dehing Patkai WLS Assam
Assam Recommended for submission of revised the proposal 17.
Dibru -Saikhowa NP Assam
Assam draft Notification 18.
Bherjan Borajan WLS Assam Assam Recommended for submission of fresh proposal 19.
Nokrek National Park Meghalaya
Meghalaya Deferred due to absent of State Government representative 20.
Kamlang WLS Arunachal Pradesh Arunachal Pradesh Recommended for submission of revised proposal 21.
Mahavir Swami Sanctuary Uttar Pradesh Uttar Pradesh 22.
National Chambal Sanctuary Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradesh

Meeting ended with vote of thanks to and from the Chair.

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Annexure-A 37th Expert Committee Meeting on ESZ held on 30th September, 2019
List of Participants

Members of Expert Committee

1. Shri Ravi Agrawal, Additional Secretary, Chairperson.
2. Dr. S. C. Garkoti, Adviser, MoEF&CC.
3. DR. C. Raghunathan, Scientist ‘E’, Z.S.I., Kolkata.
4. Shri G. S. Negi, Scientist, GB Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment & Development, Almora.
5. Ms. Vishaish Uppal, Director, WWF India.
6. Dr. Sarita Jain, RD, ICFRE, Dehradun.
7. Shri Sanjay K. Aggarwal, DD, Forest Survey of India, Dehradun.
8. Dr. Sandeep Kumar Raut, Associate Town & Country Planner, TCPO, Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs.
9. Shri Gautam, Scientist, WII, Dehradun. Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, GOI
10. Shri Subrata Bose, Director (SC- ‘F’), MoEF & CC.
11. Dr. Shruti Rai Bhardwaj, Additional Director (SC- ‘E’), MoEF&CC.
12. Shri Pankaj Verma, Additional Director (SC- ‘E’), MoEF & CC.
13. Dr. Veenu Joon, Deputy Director (SC- ‘C’), MoEF & CC.
14. Dr. Shaikhom Inaotombi Singh (Consultant), MoEF & CC. Officials of Government of Uttar Pradesh
15. Shri Ashutosh Jaiswal, DFO, Kaimoor, Government of Uttar Pradesh.
16. Shri Anand Kumar, DCF, National Chambal Sanctuary Project, Forest Department, Government of Uttar Pradesh. Officials of Government of Maharashtra
17. Shri M. Adarsh Reddy, Dy. Conservator of Forests, Ahmednagar, Forest Department, Government of Maharashtra.
18. Dr. V. Clement Ben, CCF Kolhapur, Maharashtra.
19. Shri Girish A. Kulkarni, University Engineer, Solapur University, Government of Maharashtra.
20. Shri Raukal H., University Engineer, Solapur University, Government of Maharashtra. Officials of Government of Assam
21. Shri M.K. Yadav, IFS, APCCF, Assam, Assam Forest, Government of Assam.
    Officials of Government of Jammu & Kashmir

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22. Shri Tahir Shawl, Regional Wildlife Warden, Jammu Region, J&K, Department of Wildlife Protection, Government Jammu & Kashmir. Officials of Government Madhya Pradesh
23. Shri P.D. Gabrial, D.F.O, Forest Department Madhya Pradesh, Government of Madhya Pradesh.
24. Shri Faizan Raheed, Project Manager, EPCO, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh Government of Madhya Pradesh
25. Shri Vikram Singh Parihar, CCF&FD Pench Tigher Reserve, Forest Department Madhya Pradesh, Government of Madhya Pradesh.
26. Shri K.K. Bhardwaj, Computer Operator, Pench Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh, Government of Madhya Pradesh.
27. Shri Neeraj Chauhan, Draftsman, Pench Tiger Reservoir, Government of Madhya Pradesh.
28. Shri Anubhav Mishra, Draftsman, Divisional Forest Office, Morena Madhya Pradesh, Government of Madhya Pradesh. Officials of Government Mizoram
29. Shri Liandawla, PCCF (CWLW), Mizoram, EF&CC Department Mizoram, Government of Mizoram. Officials of Government of Odisha
30. Dr. J.D. Peti IFS, Odisha Deputy Director Simplipal TR Odisha, Government of Odisha.
31. Shri Jayant Kumar Das, Nandankanan Zoological Park, Odisha, Government of Odisha.
32. Shri H.S. Upadhyay, PCCF & CWLW Odisha, Government of Odisha.
33. Shri Kumar Anand, L.O., Odisha Niwas Government of Odisha

Officials of Government of Rajasthan 34. Shri S.S. Deora, DCF, Wildlife Udaipur, Forest Department, Wildlife, Udaipur, Rajasthan, Government of Rajasthan.
35. Shri Balaji Kari, DCF, Wildlife, Mt. Abu, Forest Department, Government of Rajasthan.
Officials of Government of Tamil Nadu 36. Shri Sanjay K. Srivastava, PCCF&CWLW Tamil Nadu, Tamil Nadu Forest Department, Government of Tamil Nadu.
37. Shri Udhayan A., APCCF (Wildlife), Tamil Nadu Forest Department, Government of Tamil Nadu.
Officials of Government of West Bengal
38. Shri N.V. Rajashekhar, APCCF, Wildlife, Department of Forest, Government of West Bengal.

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