52वीं विशेषज्ञ समिति के कार्यवृत्त

MINUTES OF 52nd MEETING OF THE EXPERT COMMITTEE FOR DECLARATION OF ECO-SENSITIVE ZONE AROUND PROTECTED AREAS HELD ON 27t h December, 2023 IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST & CLIMATE CHANGE

The 52nd Meeting of the Expert Committee on Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) was held under the chairmanship of Shri Tanmay Kumar, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, on 27th December 2023, at Teesta Hall, Indira Paryavaran Bhawan, New Delhi. The list of participants is at Annexure. Officials from the State of Karnataka and the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir attended the meeting in person, while others joined through a video conference.

1.  Opening remarks by Chairman: At the outset, the Chairman
   

extended a warm welcome to the expert members, representatives from the States of Arunachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jammu and Kashmir (UT), Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh and Kerala, and other participants in the meeting. The Chairman then requested the State Government representatives to present their proposals based on the items listed in the agenda of the meeting.

2.  Confirmation of the minutes: Minutes of the 51st meeting expert
   

committee for declaration of the ESZ around protected areas held on 21st June, 2023 were confirmed by the Committee.

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2.  Confirmation of the minutes: Minutes of the 51st meeting expert
   

committee for declaration of the ESZ around protected areas held on 21st June, 2023 were confirmed by the Committee.

3.  Agenda Wise deliberations: The deliberations held and the decisions
   

taken are as follows:

3.1 Sessa Orchid Sanctuary, Eagle Nest WLS, Pakke Tiger Reserve, Arunachal Pradesh

The draft notifications for declaration of ESZ around Sessa Orchid WLS, Eagle Nest WLS and Pakke Tiger Reserve were published vide S.O. 3780(E), dated 22nd August, 2023 as a single ESZ notification with ESZ extent from zero Km to 37.60 km. This was done so in supersession of the already published draft ESZ declaration around Sesa Orchid Sanctuary and the final ESZ notification around Eagle Nest Wildlife Sanctuary notified vide S.O. 2943 (E), dated 28.08.2020 with ESZ extent of zero to 1.0 km. Earlier a draft notification for declaration of ESZ around Sesa Orchid WLS with an ESZ extent from Zero to 1.0 km was published vide S.O. 1567(E), dated 4th April, 2022. This proposal was referred back to the State Government pursuant to the Order dated 03.06.2022 of the Hon’ble Supreme Court, regarding requirement of minimum of 1.0 km extent of proposed ESZ. The State Government, thereafter, submitted a revised proposal with an increased ESZ area and extent.

of the Hon’ble Supreme Court, regarding requirement of minimum of 1.0 km extent of proposed ESZ. The State Government, thereafter, submitted a revised proposal with an increased ESZ area and extent. This revised proposal was considered in 50th Expert Committee Meeting (ECM) held on 07.02.2023, wherein, the Expert Committee had suggested the proposal to be integrated with the ESZ of the Eagle Nest Wildlife Sanctuary, so that on the side bordering Eagle Nest, the zero extent of proposed ESZ technically can be avoided to be in conformity with the Hon’ble Supreme Court’s Order dated 03.06.2022. The Committee had also observed that in case the State does not desire to integrate the present proposal with that of Eagle Nest WLS, it would require a request by the State

Government before the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) with adequate justification of zero extent ESZ for possible relief from the Hon’ble Supreme Court. Otherwise, the Committee in the said meeting had agreed that the instant proposal can be accepted and that the Committee could proceed for finalisation subject to necessary changes being made as discussed or provided the Hon’ble Supreme Court gives relief in the review / modification of application filed in the matter by the Ministry.

r finalisation subject to necessary changes being made as discussed or provided the Hon’ble Supreme Court gives relief in the review / modification of application filed in the matter by the Ministry. The Hon'ble Supreme Court in its Order dated 26.04.2023 has provided exemption from minimum ESZ extent of 1.0 km.

Later, the State Government requested that they desired to have a combined proposal for ESZ for Sea Orchid, Eagle Nest and Pakke Tiger Reserve and the matter was again considered in the 51st Meeting held on 21.06.2023. The Expert Committee in the said meeting had agreed to the proposal and thereafter, a draft notification for a combined proposal was re-published vide. S.O. No.3780 (E), dated 22.08.2023.

The Chief Wildlife Warden and the Regional Wildlife Warden, of Arunachal Pradesh represented the State Government. A detailed presentation was also made, wherein, it was conveyed that no objections or representations were received from the public on the draft notification. The Committee noted that there seem no issue with the present proposal and it was decided that the proposal can be recommended for finalisation.

The Chairman requested that State Government representatives to expedite submission of requisite documents / information on the pending ESZ proposals for early finalization. He also requested the State Government representatives present to ensure submission of the KML/shape files of already notified ESZs as time and again requested in the past meetings and through written communications.

the State Government representatives present to ensure submission of the KML/shape files of already notified ESZs as time and again requested in the past meetings and through written communications. He again emphasised that the Ministry is in process of creating a digitised repository of maps of all PA’s and ESZs and the same are needed early.It was also directed that the ESZ map be superimposed on the Cadastral Map and be vetted by the Forest and Revenue officials .

3.2 Bhoramdev Wildlife Sanctuary, Chhattisgarh

The draft ESZ notification around Bhoramdeo Wildlife Sanctuary was published vide S.O 1362(E), dated 08.04.2016 and was considered in the 24th Expert Committee Meeting held on 27.02.2017. In the said meeting, the representative of the Government of Chattisgarh had stated that the process of receiving public comments are still under process and require additional time for compiling the same. The Committee agreed to this and had deferred the proposal. The State has not reverted back thereafter and in the meantime the validity of the notification lapsed on 05.10.2017. Later, the State Government submitted a new proposal in June, 2023 with an increased ESZ area from 109.882 sq.km to 179.317 sq.km and ESZ extent ranging from 0- 8.3 km. The ESZ extent earlier was 0-1 km. Thereafter, a draft ESZ notification was re-published vide S.O. 4381 (E), dated 09.10.2023. State has justified the zero extent of ESZ boundary by stating that it has been kept towards West & North-West direction due to inter-state border with Kanha TR in Madhya Pradesh.

dated 09.10.2023. State has justified the zero extent of ESZ boundary by stating that it has been kept towards West & North-West direction due to inter-state border with Kanha TR in Madhya Pradesh.

Chief Wildlife Warden (CWLW) along with Chief Conservator of Forests (WL), Raipur and District Forest Officer (DFO), Rajnagar, Government of Chhattisgarh were present. It was justified that the zero extent of ESZ on West and North-West side is due to Inter-State border with Madhya Pradesh abutting the boundary of Kanha Tiger Reserve, in District Mandla of Madhya Pradesh.

It was informed that 40 representations/objections on draft notification were received and most pertain objections of restrictions likely to be imposed specially mining and consequent unemployment due to restriction of mining activity. The State Government representatives stated that 20% of the sanctioned mining area falls inside the proposed ESZ. It was requested for possibility of amendments/relaxation in mining activity within ESZ but beyond 1.0 km extent in view of the fact that 20% of the sanctioned mining area falls inside the proposed ESZ.

The Committee clarified that no commercial mining activities are permitted within the ESZ, even if it is beyond 1.0 km in accordance with the Order of the Hon’ble Supreme Court. The Committee therefore decided that the State Government shall re-examine the proposal in conformity with the Hon’ble Supreme Court order in so far as ESZ extent and activities proposed within ESZ are concerned.

therefore decided that the State Government shall re-examine the proposal in conformity with the Hon’ble Supreme Court order in so far as ESZ extent and activities proposed within ESZ are concerned. The proposal was accordingly deferred for re- consideration at a later stage on receipt of clarification from the State Government.

3.3 Dachigam National Park, Thajwas WLS and Overa- Aru WLS, Jammu and Kashmir

The draft ESZ notification around Dachigam National Park, Thajwas Sanctuary and Overa-Aru Sanctuary was published on 07.06.2021, with an ESZ extent from zero to 9.90 km from the boundary of the said protected areas. The proposal was considered in the 47th Meeting of the Expert Committee held on 17th August, 2021, wherein, the Committee noted that high altitude area can also be kept within the ESZ and suggested that the proposal may be revisited and necessary revisions made.

On receipt of a revised proposal, it was again placed for re-consideration in the 48th Expert Committee Meeting held on 4th March, 2022. The Committee in this said meeting had recommended for finalization of the proposal subject to submission of clarification on excluding ESZ extent towards Tral Willdife Sanctuary and subject to the fact that the State Government would submit a separate proposal in respect of ESZ for Tral Wildlife Sanctuary. The State could not submit these clarifications in time and the validity period for finalisation of the draft notification got expired in June, 2023 due to delay in submission of response by the State Government.

ld not submit these clarifications in time and the validity period for finalisation of the draft notification got expired in June, 2023 due to delay in submission of response by the State Government. Later, the State Government re-submitted the proposal as agreed in 48th Expert committee meeting for further consideration and draft was re-published on 26.09.2023.

Now, the State Government vide its letter dated 08.11.2023 has raised objections on the contents in the draft re-published on 26.09.2023 in respect of the clause on “Commercial establishment of Hotels and Resorts” at para 4.0 of the draft notification under the sub-heading ‘Regulated Activities’

category. The State Government has desired that the text may be read as: "As per approved master plan, which takes care of habitats allowing no restriction on movement of wild animals".

The Chief Wildlife Warden and the regional Wildlife Warden, Srinagar were present and a presentation was made. The Committee was informed that although construction of hotels and resorts in ESZ comes under regulated activities in the draft notification but the text of the draft notification states that no new commercial hotels and resorts shall be permitted within one kilometre of the boundary of the Protected Area or up to the extent of Eco- sensitive zone, whichever is nearer. It was stated that the contents of the text in the draft notification will prohibit all new tourism facilities envisaged by the UT administration and duly forming part of the Tourism Master Plan.

er. It was stated that the contents of the text in the draft notification will prohibit all new tourism facilities envisaged by the UT administration and duly forming part of the Tourism Master Plan. The UT administration representatives also stated that the text is not what was submitted in the draft proposal and desires an alternate text read as “As per approved Master Plan, which takes care of habitats allowing no restrictions and movement of wild animals”. It was stated that this alternate text is in conformity with the Order dated 26.04.2022 of the Hon’ble Supreme Court and also the ‘Guidelines for ESZ’ formulated by the Ministry. It was also stated that the public comments received on the draft notification were mostly on objections due to restrictions regarding construction of hotels and resorts in Pahalgam and Sonamarg areas which are popular tourist destinations. The Committee was also apprised that UT administration of J&K had sent a separate proposal of ESZ for Tral WLS adjoining the Dachigam NP on the southern part.

The Committee deliberated on the request of the UT administration pertaining regulated activities and agreed that the request can be considered subject to the following:

a.

on the southern part.

The Committee deliberated on the request of the UT administration pertaining regulated activities and agreed that the request can be considered subject to the following:

a. It was suggested that a Committee comprising Principal Secretary (Forests) and including Chairman, Pollution Control Board, an expert in ecology and environment from an institute of repute like IIT, Jammu and a representative from the Environment Department may be constituted for undertaking a risk assessment study based on which necessary environmental safeguards for regulated developmental activities within the ESZ may be formulated which would serve as a guideline for environmental safeguards in respect of new and expansion Projects . b. The safeguard measures so formulated may be included as a part of the Tourism Master Plan of the region. c. Carrying capacity based Zonal Master Plan shall be prepared within two years. The said plan shall contain environmental safeguards to be implemented for all developmental activities.

Based on the deliberations held, the Committee decided that the appropriate text in conformity with the Hon’ble Supreme Court’s Order dated 26.04.2022 and the ‘Guidelines for ESZ’ can be formulated as requested by the UT administration of J&K and the draft notification can be processed for finalisation.

n’ble Supreme Court’s Order dated 26.04.2022 and the ‘Guidelines for ESZ’ can be formulated as requested by the UT administration of J&K and the draft notification can be processed for finalisation.

3.4 Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnataka

The draft notification for declaration of ESZ around Bhimgad WLS was first published on 08.01.2016 but got expired in July, 2017 due to non-submission of requisite documents/information by the State Government. On receipt of a fresh proposal it was republished vide S.O. 3565(E), dated 9th August, 2023 with an ESZ extent varying from 0 Km to 3.23 Km and ESZ area of 117.75 sq.km. This sanctuary shares boundary with Kali (Dandeli Anshi) Tiger Reserve.

CCF Belagavi and DCF, Belagavi, represented the Government of Karnataka and it was apprised to the committee that the minimum limit of ESZ at 0 Km on Southern is due to the fact that the Sanctuary borders Dandeli-Anshi TR or Kali TR, Karnataka) and on the Western Side borders Bhagwan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary and Madei WLS, in Goa.

It was informed that a total of five comments received pertains broadly to the non-inclusion of revenue enclosures in ESZ, homestays, agro-tourism and strengthening of already existing roads. The representative of the State Government also flagged issues concerning Annexure-G and Annexure-E of the draft notification of Bhimgad WLS, wherein, it was stated that the details of reserve forest land for six villages which are missing in Annexure-G but were included in the list of Annexure-E.

of the draft notification of Bhimgad WLS, wherein, it was stated that the details of reserve forest land for six villages which are missing in Annexure-G but were included in the list of Annexure-E. These villages are Warkadpate, Dongargaon, Shiroli, Nerse, Chapoli, and Gavali and are only forest area and not inhabited.

Representative of the Ministry flagged the issue of overlap of PA and ESZ areas with that of draft ESA of Western Ghats and the mechanism of regulation of activities once the WGESA is finalised.

Based on the deliberations held the Committee decided that the State Government shall re-examine the issue of overlap with draft ESA of Western Ghats in Karnataka and revert back to the Ministry with clarification. The proposal was accordingly deferred for re-consideration in the next meeting.

3.5 Panna National Park & Gangau Wildlife Sanctuary, Madhya Pradesh

The draft ESZ notification was published vide S.O. 4036(E) Dated: 11 th September, 2023 comprising an ESZ area of 1081.48 sq.km and ESZ extent varying from 250 m to 2.0 Km from the boundary of Panna Tiger Reserve (Panna National Park and Gangau Wildlife Sanctuary).

Field Director of Panna Tiger Reserve made a presentation and apprised the Committee that no comments or objections have been received on the draft notification.

ark and Gangau Wildlife Sanctuary).

Field Director of Panna Tiger Reserve made a presentation and apprised the Committee that no comments or objections have been received on the draft notification. He justified that 250 m ESZ extent on the Eastern side of Gangau Sanctuary has been kept as beyond that lies the populated Nagar Nigam area.

Representative of the Ministry emphasized the need to include the entire buffer zone of the Tiger Reserve within the ESZ, as per NTCA guidelines. To this the officials from the State Government of Madhya Pradesh clarified that they have demarcated buffer zone of the Tiger Reserve as ESZ and in areas where the buffer zone of the Tiger Reserve is absent, some extent of ESZ has

been also proposed.

The Committee noted that no objections / comments have been received on the draft ESZ notification.

Based on the deliberations held the Committee recommended for finalisation of the draft notification. It was also directed that the ESZ map be superimposed on the Cadastral Map and be vetted by the Forest and Revenue officials .

3.6 Bhitarkanika National Park, Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary & Gahirmatha (Marine) Wildlife Sanctuary, Odisha

The final notification for ESZ around Bhitarkanika National Park, Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary and Gahirmatha (Marine) Wildlife Sanctuary was published vide S.O 1601 (E), dated 16th June, 2015 with ESZ extent of 0.56 to 2.0 km and ESZ area of 466.40 km. Later, the State Government has rationalised the boundary of this Protected Area and after rationalization of boundary issued by Govt.

15 with ESZ extent of 0.56 to 2.0 km and ESZ area of 466.40 km. Later, the State Government has rationalised the boundary of this Protected Area and after rationalization of boundary issued by Govt. of Odisha vide No. 2289, dated 01.02.2020 by deletion of 52 villages from the old sanctuary, admeasuring 54.45 sq. km and addition of 55.45 sq. km of forest area to the sanctuary, a revised proposal was submitted for declaration of ESZ by the State Government. Based on the said proposal a draft notification was published on 23.02.2022. However, the State requested the Ministry to issue a corrigendum to the draft issued on 23.02.2022, modifying the list of villages as per a revised list submitted vide its letter dated 07.07.2023. Based on the said request the draft was re- published vide S.O 3974 (E), dated 06.09.2023, in supersession of the draft published on 23.02.2022.

The revised draft notification declared an ESZ area of 497.67 Km2 and ESZ extent varying from 0.10 Km to 8.7 Km around the boundary of Bhitarkanika National Park, Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary and Gahirmatha (Marine) Wildlife Sanctuaries.

DFO Rajnagar, Government of Odisha joined the meeting online but had no presentation to be made before the Committee.

, Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary and Gahirmatha (Marine) Wildlife Sanctuaries.

DFO Rajnagar, Government of Odisha joined the meeting online but had no presentation to be made before the Committee. He stated that only one objection to the draft notification concerning the rights of local fishermen has been received.

The Committee observed that the State Government representative had not only deputed a junior level officer for representing the State but is also not conversant with the facts and figures of the issues involved and unprepared. The representative of the State Government had no material to show the delineation of the ESZ boundary from the boundary of the Protected Areas and to substantiate that the ESZ boundary has been appropriately delineated based on ground truthing. The Committee noted that the Ministry may like to send a letter to the Principal Secretary of the Forest Department, Government of Odisha, expressing concern about the manner in which the State Government presented its case.

Based on the deliberations held the Committee decided to defer the proposal and recommended that when the State is ready the item can be taken up but the State representatives shall be present physically.

on the deliberations held the Committee decided to defer the proposal and recommended that when the State is ready the item can be taken up but the State representatives shall be present physically.

3.7 Tal Chhapar Wildlife Sanctuary, Rajasthan

A draft notification of ESZ around Tal Chhapar WLS was published vide S.O 3721 (E), dated the 14.09.2021 and was valid upto 09.09.2023 for its finalization. The ESZ extent in the said draft ESZ notification is from 0.05 to 3.4 km. The draft was listed in the agenda for consideration in the 49th Expert Committee Meeting held on 02.05.2022. However, the Government of Rajasthan vide its letter No. F4(01)WLC/CWLW/2009/1123, dated 29.04.2022 had requested for deferment of the proposal as the State received over hundreds of objections during the public consultation carried out on 28.04.2022 and the State is yet to collate and provide response on the matter. The proposal was therefore deferred for consideration on the said request of the State Government. In the meantime the Hon’ble Supreme Court vide its order dated 03.06.2022 has directed the requirement of minimum 1.0 km ESZ extent. The proposal was therefore returned back to the State Government and a revised proposal was re-submitted by the State Government in January, 2023 with a revised ESZ extent from 1.0 to 3.4 km. A draft ESZ notification was thereafter re- published vide S.O. 2000 €, dated 02.05.2023.

Chief Wildlife Warden along with DCF Wildlife, Udaipur, Government of Rajasthan, attended the meeting and made a presentation.

ation was thereafter re- published vide S.O. 2000 €, dated 02.05.2023.

Chief Wildlife Warden along with DCF Wildlife, Udaipur, Government of Rajasthan, attended the meeting and made a presentation. It was stated that the minimum extent of ESZ on the northern side is due to the location of Chhapar township area and they deliberately kept it outside the extent of ESZ due to public protest. The committee was informed that this is the only WLS in the entire Bikaner region, and in response to the earlier draft notification, more than 300 representations came to the State Government in two public hearings, urging exclusion of villages located in Chhapar township from the ESZ. It was stated that about 65 objections were received by the State government in response to the draft notification re-published on 02.05.2023. Objection include keeping Chhapar township out of the ESZ boundary. It was also stated that Tal Chhapar Wildlife Sanctuary is home to about 4500 Black Buck species, and there is no movement of black bucks towards the habitation side and that due to these reasons, Chhapar Township area has been kept out of the ESZ extent as demanded by the local population. Other objection received from the residents of Gopalpura through their sarpanch, is on inclusion of their village (Gopalpura) and the Dungarbalaji hills (located about 6-7 km from Tal Chhapar WLS) in the ESZ. Objection/representation was also received requesting exclusion of Surwas Village from the ESZ boundary.

(Gopalpura) and the Dungarbalaji hills (located about 6-7 km from Tal Chhapar WLS) in the ESZ. Objection/representation was also received requesting exclusion of Surwas Village from the ESZ boundary. The villagers are advocating for a minimum extent of less than 1 km, as per the old draft notification dated 14.09.2021. It was further objected that if the minimum extent of ESZ were to be 1 km, it will impede new construction activities, given that many hotels and resorts were slated to come up in the area. The region had little economic activity due to harsh climatic conditions, and the livelihoods of the people depended entirely on hotels and resorts and allied tourism activities. Based on the deliberations held the Committee decided that the proposal can be recommended for finalisation and urged the State Government representatives to proceed with expeditious preparation of the Zonal Master Plan.

3.8 Phulwari Ki Nal Wildlife Sanctuary, Rajasthan

e recommended for finalisation and urged the State Government representatives to proceed with expeditious preparation of the Zonal Master Plan.

3.8 Phulwari Ki Nal Wildlife Sanctuary, Rajasthan

A draft notification of Phulwari Ki Naal Wildlife Sanctuary was first published vide S.O. 2383(E) dated 31.08.2105 with an ESZ extent of 0 to 7.5 km. The draft was considered in the 15th meeting of the Expert Committee held on 15.12.2015, wherein, the Committee had recommended finalization of the draft notification declaring ESZ around Phulwari Ki Naal Wildlife Sanctuary in the state of Rajasthan only, excluding the ESZ area falling in the state of Gujarat. It was also decided that a separate proposal needs to be submitted by the Government of Gujarat for the area of ESZ falling in their jurisdiction. Due to non-submission of by the State Government, the draft expired in 2017. Later a revised proposal was received from the State of Rajasthan excluding ESZ areas in Gujarat State. Based on the revised proposal a draft notification was re-published vide S.O. 4217 (E), dated 22.09.2023. The presentation was made by PCCF & CWLW, along with DCF Wildlife, Udaipur. It was justified that the minimum extent of zero ESZ is attributed to the interstate border with Gujarat at some places.

The presentation was made by PCCF & CWLW, along with DCF Wildlife, Udaipur. It was justified that the minimum extent of zero ESZ is attributed to the interstate border with Gujarat at some places. It was also stated that comments received were generic in nature and not specific to this draft notification. Based on the deliberations held the Committee decided that the proposal can be recommended for finalisation and urged the State Government representatives to proceed with expeditious preparation of the Zonal Master Plan.

3.9 Pong Dam Wildlife Sanctuary, Himachal Pradesh

A draft notification for ESZ around Pong Dam Lake Wildlife Sanctuary was first published vide S.O.3099 (E), dated16.11.2015, but the same got lapsed on in May, 2017 due to delay in submission of requisite information/documents by the State Government. Later, a revised proposal was received in February, 2022 and thereafter, a draft was re-published vide S.O. 2021 (E), dated 28.04.2022. However, finalisation for this draft notification was put on hold in view of the Hon’ble Supreme Court’s order dated 03.06.2022. Consequently, in view of the recent Hon’ble Supreme Court’s order dated 26.04.2023 dispensing with the 1.0 Km mandatory ESZ extent the proposal has been gain taken up for consideration.

APCCF (Wildlife) Shimla, Chief Conservator of Forests (Dharamsala), Conservator of Forests, Hamirpur, DCF, Hamirpur, were present.

ESZ extent the proposal has been gain taken up for consideration.

APCCF (Wildlife) Shimla, Chief Conservator of Forests (Dharamsala), Conservator of Forests, Hamirpur, DCF, Hamirpur, were present. The Committee was informed that the Government of Himachal Pradesh intends to re-submit a revised proposal as the State Government and is in the process of revising the boundary of the Pong Dam WLS.

Based on the above request of the State Government, the Committee decided to drop the agenda and informed that the draft notification of Pong Dam WLS need to be re-published again based on revised proposal so re-submitted.

3.10 Neyyar and Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala

A draft ESZ notification declaring ESZ around Neyyar and Peppara WLS was earlier published on 28th July, 2016 and considered in the 24th Meeting of the Expert Committee held during 27-28 Feb, 2017. Since there were gaps in information provided, the Committee in the said meeting decided to defer the proposal and advised the State Government to submit maps with proper

eld during 27-28 Feb, 2017. Since there were gaps in information provided, the Committee in the said meeting decided to defer the proposal and advised the State Government to submit maps with proper

colour codes. In the meantime, the validity of the draft notification expired in January, 2018. Thereafter, a revised proposal was received from the State Government and draft ESZ notification was re-notified on 25th March, 2022.

In compliance of the Order dated 13.05.2022 of the Hon'ble High Court of Kerala in WP(C) No.15989 of 2022: Kerala Independent Farmers Association versus Union of India & Ors., a Malayalam version of the draft ESZ notification was sought from State Government and was also published on 25.03.2022.

The draft was considered in the 51 st Expert Committee Meeting held on 21.06.2023, wherein, the Committee has pointed out that the ESZ extent shown in the presentation is different from the ESZ extent published in the draft notification and there is discrepancy in the ESZ extent in North, South, South West and North West. It was also observed by the Committee that the ESZ area is 70.906 sq.km, as per the draft, whereas, in the presentation the area has been mentioned as 52.036 sq.km. It was also observed that as per the draft notified, villages falling within the Eco-Sensitive Zone of Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary are Kallikkadu, Amboori and Vazhichal, whereas in Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary are Mannoorkara and Vithura.

e draft notified, villages falling within the Eco-Sensitive Zone of Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary are Kallikkadu, Amboori and Vazhichal, whereas in Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary are Mannoorkara and Vithura. However in the presentation during the meeting it was shown that due to the densely populated villages of Kallikkadu, Amboori and Vazhichal, the ESZ extent in South is kept as zero. The Committee therefore decided that the State Govt. should give written justification of the ESZ extent and number of villages falling in the ESZ vis-a- vis the published draft notification. The Committee however recommended that the draft notification for declaration of ESZ around Neyyar and Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala may be processed for finalization subject to the condition that the State Govt. will give written justification for the discrepancy in the ESZ extent as observed during the meeting.

The Government of Kerala has submitted justifications and it has been noted that the State Government has changed the extent of ESZ in north (earlier not mentioned, now 1.0 km), south (from 0.22 to 0 km), south-west (from 1.16 to 1.23) and north-west (from 2.39 to 1.05). The State Government has also modified the ESZ extent and reduced the area of ESZ from 70.906 sq km to 52.036 sq.

rom 0.22 to 0 km), south-west (from 1.16 to 1.23) and north-west (from 2.39 to 1.05). The State Government has also modified the ESZ extent and reduced the area of ESZ from 70.906 sq km to 52.036 sq. km and the same is placed for consideration of the Committee.

PCCF WL & CWW, Kerala and Conservator of Forest made the presentation and justified that the zero extent on N-E and S-E side is due to interstate boundary with Tamil Nadu and on the Southern side the ESZ extent is also kept zero due to exclusion of densely populated villages viz. Amboori, Kallikkadu and Vazhichal.

The Committee sought clarification on the alteration / modifications made and it was clarified that such modifications have been made based on objections from local population. The Committee observed that the justification provided for the alterations in the ESZ extent does not hold merit and decided that the proposal may need to be reviewed afresh based on revised draft ESZ notification re-published with such alterations as desired by the State. The proposal was accordingly deferred.

3.11 Any Other Agenda: There being no agenda item left, the meeting ended with vote of thanks to the Chair.

d with such alterations as desired by the State. The proposal was accordingly deferred.

3.11 Any Other Agenda: There being no agenda item left, the meeting ended with vote of thanks to the Chair.

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ANNEXURE

List of the Participants

Members of Expert Committee

1. Shri Tanmay Kumar, Additional Secretary, Chairperson, MoEF&CC.
2. Dr. S. Kerketta, Scientist ‘G’, MoEF&CC.
3. Dr. I.D. Bhat, Head CBCM, GBPNIHE, Almora.
4. Dr. Hitendra Padalia, Head FED, IIRS, Dehradun.
5. Shri P.K. Gupta, Scientist ‘F’, CPCB.
6. Shri Hemant Singh, AIGF(NTCA).
7. Forest Survey of India.
8. Dr. Kumar Ambrish, BSI.
9. Shri P.K. Duria, Town & Country Planner.

Officials of ESZ Division, MoEFCC

10. W. Bharat Singh, Scientist ‘F’, MoEF&CC
11. Dr. Ritesh Joshi, Scientist ‘E’ MoEF&CC
12. Dr. Veenu Joon, Scientist ‘D’, MoEF&CC.
13. Shri Anil Thakar, Consultant ‘B’, MoEF&CC
14. Ms. Chhavi Yadav, ASO, MoEFCC Officials of Government of Arunachal Pradesh
15. The CWLW, Government of Arunachal Prades
16. Shri Damodhar A.T., IFS, CFWL/Regional Wildlife Warden, Government of Arunachal Pradesh. Officials of Government of Chhattisgarh
17. The CWLW, Government of Chhattisgarh
18. The DFO, Kawardham, Government of Chhattisgarh
19. The CCF WL Raipur, Government of Chhattisgarh Officials of Government of Jammu & Kashmir
20. Shri Rashid Yahya Naqash, Regional Wildlife Warden, Government of Jammu & Kashmir.
21. Shri Sarvesh Rai, PCCF & CWLW, Jammu and Kashmir Officials of Government of Himachal Pradesh
22. Shri Anil Thakur, APCCF WL, Shimla
23. The CF, Hamirpur, Government of Himachal Pradesh

shmir. 21. Shri Sarvesh Rai, PCCF & CWLW, Jammu and Kashmir Officials of Government of Himachal Pradesh 22. Shri Anil Thakur, APCCF WL, Shimla 23. The CF, Hamirpur, Government of Himachal Pradesh 24. The DCF, Hamirpur, Government of Himachal Pradesh 25. Shri E. Vikram, CCF Dharamshala, Government of Himachal Pradesh Officials of Government of Madhya Pradesh 26. The Field Director, Panna Tiger Reserve Officials of Government of Odisha

27. The CF WL O/O PCCF WL Odisha
28. Shri Sudershan Yadav, DFO Rajnagar Officials of Government of Rajasthan
29. Shri Arindam Tomar, PCCF, CWLW, Government of Rajasthan.
30. The DCF, Churu, Government of Rajasthan.
31. The DCF Wildlife Udaipur, Government of Rajasthan Officials of Government of Karnataka
32. Shri Manjunath R. Chauhan, CCF Belagavi, Karnataka Forest Department.
33. Shri Shankar K. Kallollikar, DCF, Belagavi, Karnataka Forest Department.
34. The PCCF WL, Karnataka Officials of Government of Kerala
35. The PCCF WL& CWW Kerala
36. The Conservator of Forest ABP

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