43वीं विशेषज्ञ समिति के कार्यवृत्त

MINUTES OF 43rd MEETING OF THE EXPERT COMMITTEE ON ECO- SENSITIVE ZONE (ESZ) HELD ON 20.11.2020 THROUGH VIDEO CONFERENCING.   The 43rd Meeting of the Expert Committee on Eco-sensitive Zone was held under the Chairmanship of Shri Ravi Agrawal, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change on 20th November, 2020 through Video Conferencing. The list of participants is annexed at Annexure. At the outset, Chairman of the Committee welcomed the Expert Members, and participants from the States/UT of Karnataka, Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Kerala, Jammu and Kashmir, Maharashtra and Rajasthan.  Following 14 proposals of draft Eco-sensitive Zone notifications and others were taken up viz.:   Item No. State/UT Protected Area Status

1.   Karnataka Yadagalli - Chinkara Wildlife Sanctuary Fresh Proposal
2.   Arunachal Pradesh Kane Wildlife Sanctuary Re-notified fresh proposal
3.   Arunachal Pradesh Kamlang Wildlife Sanctuary Revised proposal received from State Government
4.   Tripura Sepahijala Sanctuary (include Clouded Leopard National Park) Fresh Proposal
5.   Tamil Nadu Satyamangalam Tiger Reserve, Tamil Nadu Revised proposal received from State Government
6.   Tamil Nadu Mukurthi National Park, Tamil Nadu Under draft stage
7.   Madhya Pradesh Kahna National Park and Phen Sanctuary Re-notified fresh proposal
8.   West Bengal Bethuadhari Wildlife Sancturay Under draft stage
9.   Kerala Mathikettan Wildlife Snctuary Re-notified fresh proposal 10.  Kerala Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary Re-notified fresh proposal 11.  Kerala Mangalvanam Bird Sanctuary Re-notified fresh proposal 12.  Jammu

and Kashmir Hirapora Wildlife Sanctuary Fresh Proposal 13.  Maharashtra KaranjaSohol Wildlife Sanctuary Fresh Proposal 14.  Rajasthan Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary Fresh Proposal   The deliberations held and the decisions taken are as under:   Item No. 1: ESZ around Yadagalli Chinkara Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnataka.   The draft ESZ notification for declaration of ESZ around Yadagalli Chinkara Wildlife Sanctuary was published on 15th June, 2020 for seeking public comments. The salient

features of the draft Eco-sensitive Zone (ESZ) are as follows:   Area of Protected Area        :     96.3691 sq km Proposed ESZ area               :     70.72 sq km Proposed Extent                  :     100 meters to 1.0 kilometre   2.         The PCCF, Government of Karnataka made a presentation before the Expert Committee. It was informed that the Yadahalli Chinkara Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in Bagalakot district and does not fall in the Western Ghats ESA. The proposed ESZ comprises of 22 villages with an extent varying from 100 meters to 1.0 km around the boundary of the Sanctuary. The 100 metres ESZ extent is on the North-Western direction, where it joins the town. It was stated that prominent fauna in the Sanctuary are the Bonnet Macaque, common langur, leopard, jungle cat, small Indian civet, common mongoose, striped hyena, wolf, jackal, Indian fox, etc   3.         The Committee raised the issue whether 100 m ESZ extent at certain section is good enough in so far as man animal conflict is concerned. To this it was stated by the State Government representatives that with a good management plan and strategy, option to address man animal conflict is the only available option left in this case as a major town adjoins the sanctuary. The representative of the State Government also justified that the decision was taken by the State Government after detail public consultation at Gram Panchayat level. The Committee noted the observation of the State Government but requested that more areas in the ESZ may be added, as in its present form of the draft notification only few activities are in the prohibited list and most activities are under regulated activities.   4.         The State Government representative also sought few corrections in the draft notification at SL. Nos. 10, 14, 25 of Para 4 and removal of the ‘remarks’ column at Annex- IV etc. The Committee duly noted the request of the State Government and decided that appropriate changes will be made in the Notification. The Committee however decided that the State Government may like to submit the corrections in track change mode for ease of verification by the Secretariat before finalizing the draft notification. The State Government representative agreed that the same will be furnished in a week’s time.   5.         The Committee noted that the proposed Monitoring Committee comprises of a member of the Legislative Assembly as one of the member, which is not the usual practice.  To this the representatives of the State Government agreed that the same may be deleted.   6.         The public comments received by the Central / State Governments have been duly considered and do not insist any change in the draft notification.   7.         Based on the deliberations held, the Committee agreed that the draft notification may be finalized subject to submission of the above clarification/information as noted in the preceding paras.

Item No. 2: ESZ around Kane Wildlife Sanctuary Arunachal Pradesh.   The draft notification for declaration of ESZ around Kane Wildlife Sanctuary was re- notified on 9th June, 2020 for seeking public comments. The salient features of the draft Eco- sensitive Zone (ESZ) are as follows:   Area of PA                  :     31.0 sq km Proposed ESZ area      :     6.8302 sq km Proposed Extent         :     0.05 kms to 0.50 kms   2.         A presentation was made by the PCCF (WL&BD), Government of Arunachal Pradesh, before the Expert Committee. It was informed that Kane Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Lower Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh and is home to species like leopard, wild dogs, Asian elephant (Elephus maximus), Asiatic Wild Dog (Cuon alpinus). It also abodes rich floral diversity.   3.         The Committee sought justification on the 0.05 km ESZ extent from the State Government representative, who stated that the surrounding areas including Sanctuary are community front land and the topography of the area is highly undulating and mountainous leaving very little scope of a larger ESZ extent. It was also stated that the community opposes inclusion of the community front land in the ESZ and in recent times are even demanding de- notification of the Protected Area.   4.         It was noted that no comments have been received on the draft notification.   5.         Based on the deliberations held, the Committee agreed that the draft notification may be finalized.   Item No. 3: ESZ around Kamlang Wildlife Sanctuary, Arunachal Pradesh.   The draft ESZ notification for declaration of ESZ around Kamlang Wildlife Sanctuary was re-notified on 21st May, 2018 and has expired on 19.05.2020. A revised draft for re- notification was received, the salient features of which are as follows:   Area of Protected Area        :     783.0 sq km Proposed ESZ area               :     117.0 sq km    Proposed Extent                  :    0 to 5.0 Km (Zero extent of ESZ towards South direction is due to border with Namdapha TR)   2.         A presentation was made by the PCCF (WL&BD), Government of Arunachal Pradesh before the Expert Committee. It was informed that the proposal was earlier considered in two ESZ meeting and the Committee had suggested for inclusion of more ESZ area incorporating the reserve forests. The State Government however could not abide with the suggestions and

the validity of the draft notification expired on 19.05.2020. A revised proposal was thereafter received.   3.         The representative of NTCA informed that State Government proposes ESZ only in the Eastern direction of the Protected Area and the Southern direction borders the Namdapha Tiger Reserve. The Committee deliberated the issue and decided that the State Government shall examine inclusion of ESZ extent on the North and West direction of the Sanctuary and submit the same to the Ministry. The representative of the State agreed that revised proposal for the Kamlang Wildlife Sanctuary with possible extension of ESZ in the North and West direction will be submitting in two weeks’ time.   4.         Based on the deliberations held, the Committee agreed that the draft notification may be re-published subject to incorporation of the ESZ extent in the North and West direction as agreed by the State Government representative.   Item No. 4:     ESZ around Sepahijala Sanctuary (including Clouded Leopard National Park), in Tripura.   The draft ESZ notification for declaration of ESZ around Sepahijala Sanctuary (including Clouded Leopard National Park) was published on 24th July, 2020. The salient features of the draft Eco-sensitive Zone (ESZ) are as follows:   Area of Protected Area           :     18.54 sq km Proposed ESZ area                  :     3.12 sq km Proposed Extent                      :    10 m in North, North-west, West & South to 50 m in the        East.   2.         A presentation was made by the PCCF & CWLW, Government of Tripura before the Expert Committee. It was stated that Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary was declared on 2nd September,  1987 comprising an area of 18.53 sq. km. Within the core area of the sanctuary, an area of 5.08 sq. km. was declared as, Clouded Leopard National Park on 24th January, 2008, which comprises the core area i.e 5.08 sq. km of Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary. Therefore, declaration of ESZ separately for Clouded Leopard NP is not necessary. It was stated that the Protected Area is the home of primate species which are under Schedule-I & Schedule-II of Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and other species such as Clouded Leopard, Porcupine, Leopard Cat, etc.   3.         It was also stated that at present there is heavy pressure from the local public on this Sanctuary for their livelihood and areas surrounding the Protected Area has large human habitations. The Committee observed that a 10-50 m ESZ extent with such high diversity of Schedule-I species appears on the lower side. To this the State Government representative made a clarification that the area / elevation is rolling hill terrain type and adjoining areas are mostly owned by private land owners and therefore not much scope is left for extension of the

ESZ area. It was also stated that geographically, Tripura state is characterised by hill areas interspersed with small valley covering approximately 74% forest cover and there is absolute scarcity of land available for non-forestry purpose. It was further reiterated that most areas surrounding the Protected Area are under private land with large habitations and the need for local development and livelihood needs for such areas are immense considering the terrain. The State Government representative therefore requested that 10 to 50 meters ESZ extent has been proposed after public consultation.   4.         It was noted that no comments have been received on the draft notification. Based on the deliberations held, the Committee agreed that the draft notification may be finalized.   Item No. 5: ESZ around Satyamangalam Tiger Reserve, Tamil Nadu.   The draft notification for declaration of EZS around Satyamangalam Tiger Reserve was published on 31st May, 2019. The salient features of the draft Eco-sensitive Zone (ESZ) are as follows:   Area of Protected Area        :     1411.6094 sq. km Proposed ESZ area               :     187.603 sq. km    Proposed Extent                  :      Zero to 1.0 kms   2.         A presentation was made by the Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), Government of Tamil Nadu before the Expert Committee. It was informed that the ESZ around Satyamangalam Tiger Reserve form an integral part of Nilgiris Biosphere Reserve and is located in the junction of the two states. It does not form a part of Western Ghats ESA. It was also informed that this item was also discussed during the 37th Meeting of the Expert Committee, wherein the State Government was advised to explore inclusion of more areas towards South-Eastern boundary of Protected Area in the ESZ and to furnish a revised proposal. The proposal has been revised accordingly and the total ESZ area on the instant revised proposal now stands at 209.4634 sq km, with an extent of zero to 1.0 kms consisting of 29 villages. The zero extent is due to the fact that it adjoins Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple Tiger Reserve and MM Hills WLS in the State of Karnataka on the northern side. On the South West side is the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve and on the Western Side is the Bandipur Tiger Reserve in Karnataka. It was also stated that with the revision now made the gap of less than 1 km in the south-eastern side has filled.   3.         The public comments received by the Central / State Governments have been duly considered and it was noted that it does not insist any change in the draft notification. Based on the deliberations held, the Committee agreed that the draft notification may be finalized.   Item No. 6: ESZ around Mukurthi National Park, Tamil Nadu.   The proposal for declaration of ESZ around Mukurthi National Park was taken up for consideration by the Expert Committee.  State Government representative informed that

Mukurthi National Park is located in Kundah taluk of Nilgiris District in tamil Nadu. The salient features of the Eco-sensitive Zone (ESZ) proposal are as follows:   Area of PA                  :     78.46 sq km Proposed ESZ area      :     0 (zero) sq. km    Proposed Extent         :     0 (zero) kms   2.         A presentation was made by the Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), Government of Tamil Nadu before the Expert Committee. The representative of the State Government informed that the Mukurthi National Park is home to Nilgiri Tarh (Hemitragous hylocrius and the National Park also forms the catchment areas of Bhavani River. It was stated that the western boundary of the Mukurthi National Park is bound by Silent Valley National Park and New Amarambalam Reserved Forests and therefore already a high degree of protection as per existing statutes are in vogue. That this New Amarambalam Reserved Forests is also under active consideration for declaration as a Protected Area. It was further stated that the eastern side of the Mukurthi National Park adjoins extensive Reserve Forests in Nilgiris Division.   4.         The Committee observed that zero extent ESZ is a meaningless exercise and in case there are adjoining R.F/Forests, the same may form part of the ESZ. After detail deliberation, the Committee decided that zero extant ESZ all around is unacceptable and recommended that the State Government shall revise its proposal by including reserve forest in the ESZ appropriately and resubmit.   Item No. 7: Kanha National Park and Phen Sanctuary Madhya Pradesh.   The draft notification for declaration of ESZ around Kanha National Park and Phen Sanctuary was published on 24th July, 2020. The Kanha Tiger Reserve comprises of Kanha National Park (940 kms), and the Phen Wildlife Sanctuary (110-74 km2), a separate protected area unit under the administrative control of the Tiger Reserve. While the Tiger Reserve is located in the Mandla and Balaghat districts of Madhya Pradesh, the Phen WLS is located in Mandla District of M.P. The salient features of the Eco-sensitive Zone (ESZ) proposal are as follows:   Area of Protected Area           :   1050.74 sq km Proposed ESZ area                  :   1217.684 sq km Proposed Extent                      :   zero to 30 kms (zero extent is due to interstate boundary)   2.         The Filed Director, Kanha National Park made a presentation before the Expert Committee. It was informed that boundaries of the Kanha NP and Phen WLS form the inter- state boundary between Madhya Pradesh and Chattisgarh, with a total length of 49.25 kms and 6.11 kms respectively. That the secosensitive zones of the Kanha NP and Phen WLS extend upto 2 km from the boundary of these two Peotected Areas along with the entire buffer

zone of the Kanha Tiger Reserve. It was also informed that the National Park is an important landscape for tiger population and one of the finest wildlife protected areas in the country. The Phen Wildlife Sanctuary on the other hand is a high potential wildlife area of smaller extent and forms part of core-buffer corridor and Kanha-Achanakmar ecological connectivity. The representative of the State Government also stated that the zero extent of ESZ was proposed in the North-Western side of the Protected Area where it borders Chhattisgarh state.   3.         Representative of NTCA cited that the proposal in the present form may be accepted but a member expressed that perhaps there may also be the possibility of extension of ESZ extent towards Dindori corridor. To this the State Government representative clarified that a very large area has already been covered in the ESZ with extent upto 30 km the buffer area of the Protected Area has already been included in the ESZ. The Government of Madhya Pradesh has suggested for certain factual and typographical corrections in the draft notification.  The MoEF&CC has acknowledged this and assured Committee for doing needful.   4.         The public comments received by the Central / State Governments have been duly considered and it was noted that it does not insist any change in the draft notification. Based on the deliberations held, the Committee agreed that the draft notification may be finalized.   Item No. 8:     ESZ around Bethuadhari Wildlife Sanctuary, West Bengal.   The proposal for declaration of ESZ around Bethuadhari Wildlife Sanctuary, which is presently in a preliminary draft stage was taken up. The Bethuadhari WLS was notified in 1993 and is located in Nadia district of West Bengal. The salient features of the Eco-sensitive Zone (ESZ) proposed by the State Government are as follows:   Area of Protected Area        :     0.6686 sq km Proposed ESZ area               :     0.32217 sq km    Proposed extent of ESZ       :     5 m in the North to 100 m on other sides.   2.         A presentation was made by the Conservator of Forests, Wildlife (Hq), Government of West Bengal before the Expert Committee. It was informed that major species found in the Sanctuary are Spotted Deer, Black Naked hare, Common Langur, Mongoose, Palm Civet, Jackal, Jungle Cat, etc. It was further informed that agriculture is the major occupation and livelihood of the people residing around the Sanctuary.   3.         The representative of the State Government stated that the proposal for 5 m uniform ESZ extent (ESZ area of 0.20 sq km) was also discussed during pre-draft stage in the 30th Meeting of the Expert Committee, and it was suggested that the ESZ may be extended beyond 5 m. The present revision entails ESZ extent ranging from 5 m to 100 m and the 5 m extent of ESZ is not possible for revision as the National Highway abuts at this juncture.

4.         The Committee deliberated and decided that in view of the fact that the area of the Protected Area itself is very small and there seem no viable alternative for further extension of the ESZ the revised extent of ESZ as presented now by the State may be considered.   5.         Based on the deliberations held, the Committee agreed that a draft notification may be published..   Item No.9:      ESZ around Mathikettan Shola National Park, Kerala   The draft notification for declaration of ESZ around Mathikettan Shola National Park was re-notified and published on 13th August, 2020 for seeking public comments. The salient features of the draft Eco-sensitive Zone (ESZ) are as follows:   Area of Protected Area (PA) :   12.82 sq km Proposed ESZ area                  :   17.5 sq km Proposed Extent                     :   0 (zero) to 1.0 kilometre (zero extent of ESA in the       North East and Eastern boundary being due to         the interstate boundary with Tamil Nadu State)   2.         A presentation was made by the Wildlife Warden Munnar, Government of Kerala before the Expert Committee. It was informed that Mathikettan Shola National Park is located in Udumbanchola Taluk of Idukki District in the state of Kerala. The National Park is the abode of several endemic species of flora and fauna such as Nilgiri langur, Nilgiri marten, Andrographis affinis, Rungia laeta, Strobilanthes anamallaica, Strobilanthes andersonii, Strobilanthes gracilis etc. The National Park is also a part of the proposed Western Ghats ESA.   3.         The Committee enquired about the possibility of inclusion of parts of Elephant corridor, that seem to traverse from/near the Protected Area. To this, the state government representatives stated that the wildlife corridor is located about 3.0 kms from the Protected Area and therefore is not practical to include the area as part of ESZ. The state Government agreed to submit a detailed clarification on its inability to include part of the Elephant /wildlife corridor in the ESZ. In light of the explanation by the State Government, the Committee requested that the State Government to submit a wildlife (Elephant) conservation plan focused on elephant. The state Government representatives agreed that the same will be submitted in a weeks’ time.   4.         The Committee noted that the proposed Monitoring Committee comprises of a member of the Legislative Assembly as one of the member, which is not the usual practice.  To this the representatives of the state Government agreed that the same may be deleted.   5.         The public comments received by the Central / State Governments have been duly considered and do not insist any change in the draft notification.

6.         Based on the deliberations held, the Committee agreed that the draft notification may be finalized subject to submission of the above clarification/information.   Item No.10:    ESZ around Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala   The draft notification for declaration of ESZ around Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary was re-notified and published on 24th August, 2020 for seeking public comments. The salient features of the draft Eco-sensitive Zone (ESZ) are as follows:   Area of PA                  :     172.403 sq km Proposed ESZ area      :     116.457 sq km Proposed Extent         :     0 (zero) to 6.50 kms (zero extend in north-east, east  and south-east side of the Sanctuary is a shared boundary with Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve and Nellai Wildlife Sanctuary of Tamil Nadu, which are Protected Areas and hence these sides are taken as Zero Eco-sensitive Zone)   2.       A presentation was made by the Wildlife Warden Munnar, Government of Kerala, before the Expert Committee. It was informed that major fauna in the Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary located in Kollam District in the State of Kerala are Bonnet macaque, lion-tailed macaque, leopard, leopard cat, common palm civet, Nilgiri marten, ruddy mongoose, brown mongoose, etc. It was further informed that the sanctuary is also a part of the proposed Western Ghats ESA.   3.       The state Government representatives requested the Committee for few changes in the area of ESZ by way of exclusion of 5.23 sq.km areas and restricting the total area of the ESZ at 111.228 sq km. It was stated that the request for reduction of 5.23 sq. km is necessary as densely populated area in Kulathupuzha village need to be excluded. The Committee deliberated the issue and decided that the request of the state Government can be agreed subject to inclusion of additional areas such as reserve forest or forest area under the ESZ. The representative of the state Government agreed to this and clarified that revised proposal will be sent in a week’s time.   4.         The Committee during the course of deliberation of the proposal as contained in the draft notification, noted that the Monitoring Committee comprise of a member of the Legislative Assembly as one of the member, which is not the usual practice.  To this the representatives of the state Government agreed that the same may be deleted.   5.         The public comments received by the Central / State Governments have been duly considered and do not insist any change in the draft notification.   6.         Based on the deliberations held, the Committee agreed that the draft notification may be finalized subject to submission of the above inclusion of forests area.

Item No.11:    ESZ around Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary, Kerala   The draft ESZ re-notification around Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary was published on 7th September, 2020 for seeking public comments. The salient features of the draft Eco- sensitive Zone (ESZ) are as follows:   Area of PA                  :           0.0274 sq. km Proposed ESZ area      :           0.53 sq. km Proposed Extent         :           0 (zero) to 1.0 km (Zero extent of ESZ in south west boundaries are due to the fact that it borders with very old buildings of Kerala High Court and CMFRI)   2.       A presentation was made by the PCCF (WL) Forest Department, Government of Kerala.  It was informed that the Bird Sanctuary is on a tidal wetland. The avifuana of the Sanctuary are large cormorant, little cormorant, darter, grey heron, purple heron, pond heron, cattle egret, large egret, smaller median egret, little egret, night heron etc.   3.        The representative of the State Government requested for exclusion of 0.016 sq. km (4 acres), in areas which are part of the land own by Cochin Port Trust, which has been earmarked for their developmental needs. The Committee deliberated on the matter and agreed to the request of State Government.   4.         The Committee during the course of deliberation of the proposal as contained in the draft notification, noted that the Monitoring Committee comprises of a member of the Legislative Assembly and a Corporation Councilor, as members, which is not the usual practice.  To this the representatives of the state Government agreed that the same may be deleted.   5.         The public comments received by the Central / State Governments have been duly considered and do not insist any change in the draft notification.   6.         Based on the deliberations held, the Committee agreed that the draft notification may be finalized.   Item No. 12: ESZ around Hirpora Wildlife Sanctuary, Jammu & Kashmir.   The draft notification for declaration of ESZ around Hirpora Wildlife Sanctuary was published on 9th June 2020 for seeking public comments. The salient features of the draft Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) are as follows:   Area of PA                        : 341.25square kilometres Proposed ESZ area            : 44.90 square kilometres

Proposed Extent               : Zero to 1 kilometre (zero extent towards north-eastern side as this stretch of area falls on the fringe of Hirpora village and towards Jammu and Kashmir province boundary due to presence of Tata Kutti Wildlife sanctuary)   2.         A presentation was made by the Regional Wildlife Warden, Government of Jammu & Kashmir before the Expert Committee. It was informed that the Hirpora Wildlife Sanctuary is a part of the Pirpanjal Mountain Range and is adjacent to Tata Kutti Wildlife Sanctuary towards the zero extent. The Sanctuary has vast vegetative covers which provide an ideal habitat for mammal and other faunal species. Some of the rare, endangered and threatened species present in the protected area are markhor (near threatened), Kashmir musk deer (endangered), common leopard (vulnerable), Himalayan griffon vulture (near threatened), bearded vulture (near threatened), Kashmir flycatcher (vulnerable).   3.         The Committee during the course of the deliberation observed that the boundary of the adjoining Tata Kutti Wildlife Sanctuary that seem to touch the inter-provincial border, shall be clearly marked / delineated on the map, as the same has not been reflected in the draft proposal submitted by the UT administration. The Committee also observed that possibility of inclusion of some area in ESZ towards Hirapura village can still be explored and the UT administration shall furnish information on this. In case, so a revised proposal shall be submitted in a week’s time and in case, there is no such possibility a clarification to this effect shall be furnished in a weeks’ time. The representative of the UT administration noted the observation and stated that the same will be done.   4.         The representative of UT administration also requested for slight modification in the proposed Monitoring Committee by way of amending the Wildlife Warden, Shopian as Member- Secretary, in the proposed final Notification. The Committee agreed to this.   5.     The public comments received by the Central / State Governments have been duly considered and it was noted that it does not insist any change in the draft notification. Based on the deliberations held, the Committee agreed that the draft notification may be finalized.   6.         The information / clarification sought including revised draft ESZ notification with ESZ boundary delineated has been subsequently furnished and are in order.     Item No. 13: ESZ around Karanja Sohol Blackbuck Wildlife Sanctuary, Maharashtra             The draft notification for declaration of ESZ around Karanja Sohol Blackbuck Wildlife Sanctuary was published on 9th June 2020 for seeking public comments. The salient features of the draft Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) Notification are as follows:   Area of PA                  : 18.321 sq km

Proposed ESZ area      : 24.7375 sq km Proposed Extent         : Zero to 1.5 kilometres. (Zero extent of Eco-Sensitive Zone has been proposed towards the Northern part of the Sanctuary near Gut No. 17 and 18 of Gangapur Village and Gut No. 39 of Kamathwada Village considering the absence of any ecologically important habitat and presence of agricultural fields on that fringe of the Sanctuary).   2.         A presentation was made by the Chief Conservator of Forests, Yawatmal, Government of Maharashtra before the Expert Committee. It was informed that the area has very high faunal and floral diversity, with about 18 species of mammals, about 48 species of reptiles and many species of amphibian. The flora of this area is represented by “Southern tropical Dry- Deciduous forests” including species such as Hanuman langur, jungle cat, common mongoose, striped hyena, wolf, fulvous fruit bat, three striped palm squirrel, Indian field mice, common house rat, bandicoot rat, Indian porcupine etc.   3.         Representative of the State Government stated that the zero extent has been proposed towards the Northern portion of the Sanctuary near Gut No.17 and 18 of Gangapur village and Gut No. 39 of Kamathwada village considering the absence of any ecological important habitat on that fringe of the sanctuary and the agricultural land adjoin thereof. The Committee noted the same and agreed that the same may be accepted.   4.         The public comments received by the Central / State Governments have been duly considered and it was noted that it does not insist any change in the draft notification. Based on the deliberations held, the Committee agreed that the draft notification may be finalized.     Item No. 14: Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary, Rajasthan   The draft notification for declaration of ESZ around Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary was published on 18th June 2020 for seeking public comments. The salient features of the draft Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) are as follows:   Area of PA                        : 610.528 sq km Proposed ESZ area            : 1001.01 sq km Proposed Extent                : 0 (zero) to 5 kilometres (zero extent towards the northern boundary of the Sanctuary due to common border with the Raoli Todgarh Wildlife Sanctuary)   2.         The Chief Conservator of Forests Government of Rajasthan made a presentation before the Expert Committee and informed that Kumbhalgarh WLS makes an ecotome between hilly forests of Aravallis and Thar Desert situated in the West. That Kumbhalgarh Hills acts as a barrier, checking eastward extension of the Desert and the famous Kumbhalgarh Fort is situated atop a hill is an attractive tourist attraction as well.

3.         Representatives of the Ministry informed the Committee that the Ministry have received many public comments/suggestions on the draft Notification for which views of the State Government have not been received. The Committee observed that the State Government need go through the public comments and its views need to be furnished at an early date.   4.         Based on the deliberations held, the Committee decided decision on finalization of the draft notification may be deferred pending response of the State Government on the issues/suggestions received from the public on the draft notification.   There being no item left the meeting ended with vote of thanks to the Chair

ANNEXURE List of Participants   Members of Expert Committee:  

1. Shri Ravi Agrawal, Additional Secretary, Chairperson, MoEF&CC.
2. Dr. S. C. Garkoti, Adviser, ESZ-Division, MoEF&CC.
3. Shri. I. D. Bhatt, Scientist-‘F’ GB Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment & Development, Almora.
4. Dr. Gautam H. Talukdar, Scientist-‘E’, WII, Dehradun.
5. Dr. K. Shankar, Director, SACON
6. Ms. Vishaish Uppal, Director, WWF India.
7. Dr. Lalit Kumar Sharma, Scientist, Zoological Survey of India, Kolkata.
8. Shri. Sanjay K. Agarwal, Deputy Director, Forest Survey of India.
9. Shri. NishantVerma, DIGF, NTCA, New Delhi. 10.Shri. Diwakar Sharma 11.Dr. Sanjay Singh, Scientist ‘D’, ICFRE. 12. Shri. W. Bharat Singh, Director (SC-‘F’), MoEF& CC.   Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, GOI   13.Dr. Shruti Rai Bhardwaj, Additional Director (Sc-E), MoEF&CC 14.Dr. Veenu Joon, Joint Director (SC-‘D’), MoEF&CC. 15.Dr. Shaikhom Inaotombi Singh (Consultant), MoEF&CC. 16.Ms. Ritu Narwaria, (Consultant), MoEF&CC.   Officials of Government of Arunachal Pradesh 17.Shri. G. Kumar, PCCF(WL&BD), Government of Arunachal Pradesh. Officials of Government of Tripura 18.Shri D. K Sharma, PCCF& CWLW, Government of Tripura. 19.Shri. Amit Dev Verma, DCCF, Government of Tripura.   Officials of Government of Maharashtra 20. Shri. Rama Rao, CCF Yawatmal, Government of Maharashtra. Officials of Government of Madhya Pradesh 21.Chief Wildlife Warden, Government of Madhya Pradesh. 22.Shri. S K Singh, Field Director, Kanha Tiger Reserve, Mandla, Government of Madhya Pradesh. Officials of Government of Karnataka 23.Shri Ajai Mishra, PCCF, Government of Karnataka  Officials of Government of West Bengal 24.Shri ShaileshAnand, IFS, Conservator of Forests, Wildlife(Hq), Government of West Bengal Officials of Government of Jammu & Kashmir

25. Shri. Rashid YahyaNaqash, Regional Wildlife Warden, Government of Jammu & Kashmir. Officials of Government of Rajasthan 26.Shri.R. K Khairwar, CCF, Government of Rajasthan. 27.Shri. Fateh Singh Rathore, Government of Rajasthan.   Officials of Government of Tamil Nadu 28.Smt. Syed Muzammil Abbas, I.F.S., Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Chief Wildlife Warden, Government of Tamil Nadu 29. Shri. Vijendra Singh Malik, I.F.S., Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (wildlife), Government of Tamil Nadu   Officials of Government of Kerala  30.PCCF(WL) Forest Department, Government of Kerala. 31.Wildlife Warden Munnar, Government of Kerala. 32.Wildlife Warden Shendurney, Government of Kerala.  

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