45वीं विशेषज्ञ समिति के कार्यवृत्त

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MINUTES OF 45th ESZ EXPERT COMMITTEE MEETING FOR DECLARATION OF THE ECO-SENSITIVE ZONE (ESZ) AROUND PROTECTED AREAS (WILDLIFE SANCTUARIES / NATIONAL PARKS / TIGER RESERVES) THROUGH VIDEO CONFERENCING HELD ON 23rd FEBRUARY, 2021 AND 25th FEBRUARY, 2021 IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE, INDIRA PARYAVARAN BHAWAN, NEW DELHI. The 45th Meeting of the Expert Committee on Eco-Sensitive Zone was held under the Chairmanship of Shri Ravi Agrawal, Additional Secretary to the Government of India on 23rd February, 2021 and 25th February, 2021 through Video Conferencing. The list of the participants is at Annexure. 2.
At the outset, the Chairman welcomed members of the Expert Committee and other participants. After a brief introduction of the participants, the Chairman highlighted that the State Governments /UT administrations shall provide shape files in kml format of the ESZ boundaries vis-à-vis boundary of the Protected Area, so as to enable this Ministry in integrating the same in the Decision Support System. He also stated that the States have committed in the last meetings to this effect but so far no such files have been received for the intended purpose. He therefore requested the State representatives to submit shape file in kml format on priority. 3. The following 13 listed in the agenda were taken up ad seriatim.
Item No. State/UT Protected Area Status /Remarks 3.1
Himachal Pradesh Bandli Wildlife Sanctuary
Re-notified fresh proposal 3.2
Kanawar Wildlife Sanctuary Re-notified fresh proposal 3.3
Kugti Wildlife Sanctuary Additional information awaited 3.4
Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary Additional information awaited 3.5
Kerala Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary Re-notified fresh proposal 3.6
Chulannur Pea Fowl Sanctuary Re-notified fresh proposal 3.7
Peechi Wildlife Sanctuary Re-notified fresh proposal

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Item No. State/UT Protected Area Status /Remarks 3.8
Haryana Nahar Wildlife Sanctuary Re-notified fresh proposal 3.9
Rajasthan Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary Deferred in 43rd Meeting 3.10 Maharashtra Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary Revised proposal awaited from State Govt. 3.11 Odisha Karalapat Sanctuary Proposal awaited from State Govt. 3.12 Andhra Pradesh Sri Venkateshwar National Park and Sanctuary Revised proposal awaited from State Govt. 3.13 Coringa Wildlife sanctuary Revised proposal awaited from State Govt.

Item No. 3.1: Bandli Wildlife Sanctuary, Himachal Pradesh. The draft notification for declaration of ESZ around Bandli Wildlife Sanctuary was first notified on 17.07.2015. However, its validity lapsed due to non-submission of requisite information by the State Government. The draft was re-notified on 27.11.2020 on receipt of revised proposal from the State Government for inviting public comments. The salient features of the Eco-Sensitive Zone are as follows:
Area of PA : 32.11 sq. km Proposed ESZ area : 1.61 sq. km Proposed Extent : 50 m
2. A presentation was made by the PCCF, Govt. of Himachal Pradesh before the Expert Committee. It was informed that the Bandli Wildlife Sanctuary provides habitat for fauna such as common leopard, black bear, ghoral, Indian porcupine, barking deer, kalij pheasant, chukor etc. It was also informed that no comments/objections were received on the draft notification from the public. 3. The Committee deliberated on the proposal and observed that the ESZ extent of 50 m proposed would not be sufficient for the faunal common leopard, black bear etc. and may certainly result in man-animal conflict. The Committee therefore suggested

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that the same may be revisited by way of ensuring that the nearby forest areas are added to the extent possible. 4. The Committee informed the State representatives that the Ministry is in the process of integrating the ESZ boundaries in the Decision Support System and therefore requested that digitized map of the ESZ and Protected Area shall be submitted to the Ministry. 5. Based on the presentation made and deliberations held the Committee deferred consideration of the proposal. The proposal would be considered further on receipt of revised proposal.

Item No. 3.2: Kanawar Wildlife Sanctuary, Himachal Pradesh. The draft notification for declaration of ESZ around Kanawar Wildlife Sanctuary was first notified on 19.04.2016. However, its validity lapsed due to non-submission of requisite information by the State Government. The draft was re-notified on 27.11.2020 on receipt of revised proposal from the State Government for inviting public comments. The salient features of the Eco-Sensitive Zone are as follows:
Area of PA : 107.29 sq km Proposed ESZ area : 64.66 sq. km Proposed Extent : 0 to 2.7 kms (Zero extent due to connectivity with Great- Himalayan National Park on the south-eastern side of the protected area) 2. A presentation was made by the PCCF, Govt. of Himachal Pradesh before the Expert Committee. It was informed that the Kanawar Wildlife Sanctuary provide habitat to many important wildlife species such as musk deer, blue sheep, common leopard, brown bear, ghoral, flying squirrel, barking deer, western trapogan, Himalayan monal, grey partridge, chukor etc. It was also informed that five gram panchayats have been involved during the process of formulation of the ESZ proposal. No comments/objections were received on the draft notification from the public. 3. The Committee noted that zero extent ESZ has been proposed on the Southern side. This was clarified by the State Government representatives that the zero extent of

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ESZ is due to presence of Great Himalayan National Park towards southern side of the protected area. The Committee agreed that the zero extent ESZ under the circumstances can be agreed. 4. 5. Based on the presentation made and deliberations held the Committee recommended finalisation of draft notification of Kanawar Wildlife Sanctuary.

Item No. 3.3: Kugti Wildlife Sanctuary, Himachal Pradesh. The draft notification for declaration of ESZ around Kugti Wildlife Sanctuary was first notified on 19.05.2016. However, its validity lapsed due to non-submission of requisite information by the State Government. The draft was re-notified again on 06.03.2020 on receipt of revised proposal from the State Government for inviting public comments. The salient features of the ESZ are as follows:
Area of PA : 405.49 sq. km Proposed ESZ area : 82.0 sq. km Proposed Extent : 0 to 1 km (Zero ESZ extent as the Sanctuary is surrounded by Dhauladhar Wildlife Sanctuary from south-eastern side, Tundah Wildlife Sanctuary from north-western side and towards northern side due to boundary of Lahual -Spiti which exhibits snow bound mountains with glaciers and inaccessible terrain) 2. The proposal was earlier considered during the 41st meeting of the Expert Committee on ESZ held on 23.6.2020, wherein, the Committee had asked the State Government to revise the ESZ area by including more area of snow bound landscape towards Northern boundary of the Sanctuary. Thereafter, the State Government submitted the revised information and is therefore being placed for consideration.

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A presentation was made by the PCCF, Government of Himachal Pradesh before the Committee. It was informed that the Kugti Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the east of Bharmour in the catchment of Budhil Nallah. The Important faunal species present in the Sanctuary include Himalayan Thar, Musk deer, Himalayan Ibex, Snow leopard etc. No comments/objections were received on the draft notification from the public.
4. The representative of the State Government informed the Committee that they had submitted a revised proposal with ESZ area of 82 sq.km and ESZ extent varying from 0 to 1 km. The justification provided for zero extent towards North-Eastern, Southern and South-Western sides are due to proximity of the protected area with Tundah Wildlife Sanctuary and Dhauladhar Wildlife Sanctuary. The State Government representative also stated that the increase in the ESZ area would not affect the habitation and issuance of a new draft would not be necessary. 5. therefore requested that digitized map of the draft ESZ and Protected Area shall be 6. Based on the presentation made and deliberations held the Committee recommended finalisation of the draft ESZ notification of Kugti Wildlife Sanctuary.

Item No. 3.4: Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary, Himachal Pradesh. The draft notification for declaration of ESZ around Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary was first notified on 27.4.2016. However, the validity of draft notification expired due to non- submission of requisite information by the State Government. The draft was re-notified on 20.03.2020 on receipt of revised proposal from the State Government for inviting public comments. The salient features of the Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) are as follows:
Area of PA

: 2220.17 sq. km Proposed ESZ area
: 627 sq. km Proposed ESZ Extent : 1.5 to 11.0 km

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The proposal was earlier considered during the 41st meeting of the Expert Committee on ESZ held on 23.06.2020 and the Committee advised the state to explore the possibility of inclusion of additional ESZ area. 3. A presentation made by the PCCF, Government of Himachal Pradesh before the Committee and informed that Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary is inhabited by important species of flora and fauna such as snow leopard, blue sheep, Himalayan ibex, woolly hare, royal’s pika, yak, ratan jot, atis, kutki etc. It was also informed that as presented, the revised ESZ area is now 627 sq. km (earlier it was 310 sq.km) and the revised ESZ extent is ranging from 1.5 to 11 km as against 0 to 0.16 km as proposed earlier. 4. The State Government representative also stated that the increase in ESZ area includes no habitation and therefore, the need for publication of a fresh draft notification does not arise. 5.

Based on the presentation made and deliberations held the Committee recommended finalisation of the draft ESZ notification of Kibber Wildlife Sanctuary.

Item No. 3.5, 3.6 and 3.7:
These items were deferred due to connectivity/technical issues in the Video Conferencing and it was decided to take up the matter on 25th February 2021.The deliberations on these items are however placed in sequence and are as under: Item No. 3.5: Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala. The Chief Wildlife Warden, Kerala made a presentation before the Committee. It was informed that draft ESZ notification of Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary was re- published on 25th November, 2020. The salient features of the Eco-Sensitive Zone are as follows:

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Area of PA : 111 sq.km Proposed ESZ area : 92.53 sq. km
Proposed Extent : zero to 7.0 km 2. It was also informed that Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary is located between 10º24’N latitudes and 10º29’5”N and longitude 76º31’E and 76º37’ E and falls in Mukundapuram Taluk of Thrissur district of Kerala and the Sanctuary is part of the Anamudi Elephant Reserve. 3. The representative of the State Government further informed that the earlier map of the protected area annexed in the draft notification does not reflect the correct area and it may be revised as 111 sq.km, which is based on the actual boundary descriptions of the Protected Area notified. The area of the protected area was mentioned as 82.067 sq.km in the draft notification. It was also further stated that boundary and geo- coordinates points of the Eco-sensitive Zone have not been reduced, except at one point on the northern side of the Protected Area. It was further stated that additional ESZ area have also been added in the south eastern side of the Protected Area.
4. The State government representatives also stated that consultation at local level were carried out at the draft stage and the comments/objections and suggestions received from persons and stakeholders in response to the draft notification have been duly considered by the State Government. To this the Committee requested the State Government to furnish a copy of Standard of Protocol (SOP) for public consultation / hearing process, framed by the state Government for the propose of ESZ notification. 5. The Committee informed the representatives of the State Government that the Ministry has received numerous representations, VIP references and court cases specifically in respect of ESZ notifications in the State of Kerala and the primary grievance of the local people being on false apprehension of prohibition on agricultural activities. It was clarified that the notification does not prohibit agricultural activities but rather is an activity promoted within the Eco-sensitive Zone. It was also observed that the instant proposal, like many others received from the State, proposes a Member of the Legislative Assembly, as a member of the Monitoring Committee, which is not the practice adopted by the Central Government. The State Government representatives to this agreed that the same may be deleted.

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Based on the presentation made and deliberations held the Committee recommended finalisation of the notification subject to submission of the following information: i) a modified version of the draft notification; ii) a copy of the notification of the protected area for which the ESZ is proposed; iii) The map of the protected area, as well as its shape/kml file clearly indicating its boundary; iv) shape/kml file for proposed ESZ boundary; v) detail statement of reconciliation of the ESZ area i.e area of ESZ reduced and /or added from the area earlier envisaged and a note of clarification on such changes and justification why public consultation is not required for the proposed changes.

Item No. 3.6: Chulannur PeaFowl Sanctuary, Kerala. A presentation was made by the Wildlife Warden Peechi, Department of Forest, Govt. of Kerala made a presentation before the committee. It was informed that ESZ draft notification of Chulannur Pea Fowl Sanctuary was re-published on 25th November, 2020. The salient features of the Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) are as follows: Area of PA : 3.42 sq.km Proposed ESZ area : 0.747 sq.km (earlier as per draft it was 8.86 sq.km)
Proposed Extent : 0 to 1.02 kms (earlier it was 100 m to 3.0 km) 2. It was mentioned that Chulannur Peafowl Sanctuary is located between the 10º42.713’ N latitudes and 10º43.962’ N latitudes and 76º27.407’ longitudes E and 76º29.899’ longitudes E in Thrissur and Palakkad district of Kerala. The Sanctuary is in the Peechi Wildlife Division under northern wildlife circle, Palakkad. The Sanctuary

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offers an ideal habitat and supports a good population of our national bird, the Peafowls (Pavo cristatus). 3. The representative of the State Government requested that only parts of vested forest bits adjoining the Sanctuary has been included in the Eco-sensitive Zone and all areas under habitations outside forests have been excluded and marked as zero ESZ. Therefore, the revised ESZ area has been reduced to 0.747 sq. km.
4. The Committee observed that the drastic reduction in the ESZ area on the ground stated in the above para is not acceptable and forests area adjoining the protected areas could well have been considered in the ESZ. The Committee also observed that there are some villagers who has suggested for extension of more area under ESZ. It was also noted that some section of the villagers has urged for exclusion of paddy fields from ESZ. The Committee observed that the State Government have not adequately allayed the fears of these section of the villagers as agriculture activities are not a prohibited activity within ESZ area. 5. It was also observed that the proposal, like many others received from the State, proposes a Member of the Legislative Assembly, as a member of the Monitoring Committee, which is not the practice adopted by the Central Government. The State Government representatives to this agreed that the same may be deleted. 6. 7. Based on the presentation made and deliberations held the Committee deferred consideration of the proposal and decided to reconsider it at a later stage after the proposal is suitably revised by the State Government. Item No. 3.7: Peechi Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala. A presentation was made by the Wildlife Warden Peechi, Department of Forest, Government of Kerala made a presentation before the committee. It was informed that

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draft ESZ notification of Peechi Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary was re-published on 25th November, 2020. The salient features of the draft Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) are as follows: Area of PA : 125 sq. km Proposed ESZ area : 54.9 sq. km (earlier it was 131.54 sq. km) Proposed Extent : 0 (zero) to 2.62 km (earlier it was 0 to 6.2 km) 2. It was mentioned that Peechi Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary is situated between 10º27’54” N and 10º39’47.09 N latitudes and 76º18’4.122”E and 76º28’ 53.155” E longitudes in Thrissur district in the state of Kerala. The Sanctuary is part of Anamudi Elephant Reserve extending from Nelliampathy hills connected with Parambikkulam Tiger Reserve through Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary. 3. The representative of the State Government stated that the area of ESZ has been reduced from 131.54 sq km to 54.9 sq. km due to protest by local population. The Committee observed that barring few stretches of the ESZ boundary at south-eastern direction, most ESZ extent has been revised to zero. The State representatives justified the zero extent of ESZ in western direction of the protected area is due to human habitation and the National Highway. The Committee however noted that the National Highway is under the regulated activities and there are no prohibition on it being within the ESZ. The Committee decided that the request for revision of ESZ extent in the instant case has no sound justification and the same need to be revisited by the State Government. 4. It was also observed that the proposal, like many others received from the State, proposes a Member of the Legislative Assembly, as a member of the Monitoring Committee, which is not the practice adopted by the Central Government. The State Government representatives to this agreed that the same may be deleted. 5. The State Government representatives stated that comments/objections and suggestions received from persons and stakeholders in response to the draft notification have been duly considered by the State Government. 6.

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Based on the presentation made and deliberations held the Committee deferred consideration of the proposal and decided to reconsider it at a later stage after the proposal is suitably revised by the State Government. Item No. 3.8: Nahar Wildlife Sanctuary, Haryana. The draft notification for declaration of ESZ around Nahar Wildlife Sanctuary was first notified on 01.06.2015; however, its validity expired due to non- submission of revised proposal/information by the State Government. The draft was re-notified on 27.11.2020 for inviting public comments. The salient features of the draft Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) are as follows:
Area of PA

: 2.11 sq.km Proposed ESZ area
: 0.94 sq.km Proposed Extent of ESZ : 100 m uniform
2. A presentation was made by the PCCF and APCCF, Government of Haryana before the Expert Committee. It was informed that the Nahar Wildlife Sanctuary is the only surviving piece of natural forest in the area and shelters faunal species such as Black Buck, Jackal, Jungle Cat, Indian cobra, Russell’s viper, Indian scops owl, spotted owlet, lapwings, larks, pipits etc. No comments/objections were received on the draft notification from the public. 3. On the issue of 100 m uniform extent of ESZ, the State Government representative stated that the same had been decided after due deliberation in a meeting held by the Deputy Commissioner and the fact that two pockets of the Sanctuary are surrounded by human habitation and agriculture fields has been factored while taking such a decision. The state representative informed that the concerns of local public have been considered and there were no representation received against the proposed ESZ.

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Based on the presentation made and deliberations held the Committee recommended finalisation of the ESZ notification of Nahar Wildlife Sanctuary subject to submission of digitised map (shape/kml files of PA as well as ESZ boundary) for incorporation in the DSS system.

Item No. 3.9: Kumbhalagarh Wildlife Sanctuary, Rajasthan. The draft notification declaring ESZ around Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary, in Udaipur district, in Rajasthan was published on 18.06.2020 for inviting public comments. The proposal was considered during the 43rd Meeting of the Expert Committee held on 20.11.2020. The Committee deferred consideration pending responses/clarifications from the State Government on comments received from stakeholders. The salient features of the draft Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) are as follows:
Area of PA : 610.53 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 is due to the fact that the WLS shares a common border with the Raoli Todgarh Wildlife Sanctuary) 2. CCF, Udaipur informed the Committee that the response of the State Government on the issues raised /comments are still pending due to local body elections in the state and requested for further time forf consideration of proposal. The Committee agreed to the request. 3.

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submitted to the Ministry. Accordingly, it was requested that the shape/kml file or digitised map of PA notification and the ESZ boundary for incorporation in DSS system. 4. Based on the deliberations held, the Committee deferred consideration of the proposal.

Item No. 3.10: Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary, Maharashtra. The draft notification of Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary was published on 06.11.2019. The salient features of the draft Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) are as follows: Area of PA : 16.90 sq.km Proposed ESZ area : 34.05 sq.km Proposed Extent : 0 to 3.5 kilometres
2. The proposal for Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary was earlier considered during the 39th meeting of the Expert Committee held on 04.02.2020. During the meeting, the Committee suggested the State Government to revise the proposal by exploring the possibility of including the forest area in the ESZ. Thereafter, the proposal was reconsidered during the 42nd meeting of the Expert Committee held on 18.08.2020, when the state informed that the proposal is still pending with State for approval. 3. The State Government representative informed that revision of the proposal with an increase in mangrove area has been proposed and its approval is still awaited from the Government. The committee asked the state to expedite the process and submit the revised proposal at the earliest. It was also requested that other pending proposals, including revised proposal of Tansa Wildlife Sanctuary and boundary description in respect of Karanja Sohol Wildlife Sanctuary may also be expedited and furnished early.
4. submitted to the Ministry. Accordingly, it was requested that the kml file or digitised map of PA notification and the ESZ boundary for incorporation in DSS system.

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Based on the deliberations the committee deferred consideration of the proposal and asked State Government to expedite submission of the revised proposal.

Item No. 3.11: Karlapat Wildlife Sanctuary, Odisha. The draft notification of Karalapat Sanctuary was published on 09.08.2019. The salient features of the draft Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) are as follows: Area of PA : 147.66 sq.km Proposed ESZ area : 939.58 sq.km Proposed Extent : 0 (zero) to 10 km. 2. The proposal was earlier considered during the 38th Meeting of the Expert Committee of ESZ held on 17.12.2019. The consideration of proposal was deferred the proposal awaiting publication of notification of the Protected Area by the State Government. The committee had also suggested the State Government shall submit revised proposal by extending the area of ESZ towards the southern side of the Sanctuary and justifying zero extent of Eco-Sensitive Zone. 3. A presentation was made by DFO Khalandi and informed that after geo- referencing the Protected Area boundary on the Cadastral Sheet, the area of the PA comes out to about 194 sq.km. The proposal for rationalisation of Protected Area and its boundary description has been submitted to concerned department in the State and its final approval is still awaited.
4. The Committee has therefore decided that the proposal is premature for consideration and deferred. 5.
process of integrating the ESZ boundaries in the Decison Support System and therefore requested that digitized map of the ESZ and Protected Area shall be submitted to the Ministry. Accordingly, it was requested that the kml file or digitised map of PA notification and the ESZ boundary for incorporation in DSS system.

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Based on the deliberations held, the consideration of the proposal was deferred. Item No. 3.12: Sri Venkateshwara National Park & Sanctuary, Andhra Pradesh. The Chief Conservator of Forests, WLM Circle, Tirupathi, Department of Forest, Government of Andhra Pradesh made a presentation before the committee. It was informed that draft ESZ notification of Sri Venkateshwara National Park & Sanctuary was published on 22nd January, 2019. Sri Venkateshwara National Park comprises of an area of 353.63 sq.km spread and is located within Sri Venkateshwara Wildlife Sanctuary, having an area 525.97 sq.km. The salient features of the draft Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) are as follows: Area of PA : 525.97 (NP) & 353.63 sq.km (WLS) Proposed ESZ area : 992.45 sq.km
Proposed Extent : 0 (zero) to 10.0 kms 2. It was informed that the ESZ proposal for Sri Venkateshwara National Park & Sanctuary was earlier discussed during the 42nd Meeting of the Expert Committee held on 18.08.2020, during the meeting, the Committee decided that the State should submit the revised proposal as there are gaps of information in the ESZ area and ESZ extent. Accordingly, the proposal is revised and zero extent of ESZ is proposed over a distance 1.5 kilometres towards western boundary of the Protected Area, as on this side lies the Tirupati town which has large numbers of commercial and residential buildings. On the faunal diversity it was stated that slender loris, Indian giant squirrel, mouse deer, golden gecko, tigers, leopard, sambar, elephants, etc. were recorded from the protected area.
3. The representative of the State Government also informed that the ESZ proposal has been revised in due consultation with local people and the comments / objections and suggestions received from stakeholders in response to the draft notification have been duly considered by the State Government. It was further informed that the revised proposal along with shape/kml file have been submitted. 4. Based on the deliberations held the Committee recommended for finalization of the draft notification of Sri Venkateshwara National Park & Sanctuary.

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Item No. 3.13: Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary, Andhra Pradesh. The CCF, Rajahmundry, Department of Forest, Govt. of Andhra Pradesh made a presentation before the committee. It was informed that ESZ draft notification of Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary was published on 21st January 2020. The salient features of the draft Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) are as follows: Area of PA : 235.70 sq km
Proposed ESZ area : 187.14 sq km
Proposed Extent : 0 to 11.5 kms 2. It was informed that Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary is situated at a distance of about 5 kms from Kakinada city in East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh. The total area of Sanctuary comprising of following three Reserved Forests viz. (i) Coringa, (ii) Coringa extension and (iii) Bhyravapalem Reserve Forests is extending over an area of 235.70 sq.km. The Sanctuary area is characterized by estuarine marshy land, except the Kakinada-Bay. During summer the western part of the Sanctuary does not get totally submerged under high tide due to higher level than eastern side and become dried. The eastern and northern areas are totally marshy land and low lying, it gets inundated throughout the year. The entire area of Sanctuary is interspersed with large blanks with Sueda shrubs and mangrove vegetation of the Godavari river estuarine system, consisting of Coringa, Gaderu and Neellarevu rivers, which are branches of the Godavari River before joining to the sea. The fauna available in the Sanctuary are fishing cat, smooth-coated, otter, great knot, Indian skimmer, Eurasian curlew, etc. 3. The ESZ proposal Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary was earlier discussed during the 40th Meeting of the Expert Committee of the ESZ held on 16.03.2020. During the meeting Committee desired that state shall further analyse and explore the option of extending ESZ area towards land and seaside and accordingly revise the proposal. The representative of the State Government stated that the revision of draft proposal has been done after consultation with the concerned line departments in the State Government. 4. It has been further informed to the Committee that with the rectification now made, the PA boundary has been slightly changed and the area of ESZ has been

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corrected as 177.30 sq. km. The width of the ESZ on western and northern side has been increased from 0 (zero) to 50 meters respectively. Whereas, the width of ESZ on north eastern side has been increased from 0 (zero) to 500 m.
5. It was also informed that comments/objections and suggestions received from stakeholders in response to the draft notification have been duly considered by the State Government. The representative of the State Government however stated before the Committee that the revised proposal is yet to be approved by State Government and shall will be submitted soon once it is approved.
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submitted to the Ministry. Accordingly, it was requested that the kml file or digitised map of PA notification and the ESZ boundary for incorporation in DSS system. 7. Based on the deliberations held, consideration of proposal was deferred and it was decided that the proposal will be considered on receipt of revised proposal. The meeting ended with vote of thanks to the Chair.

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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. Rakesh Kumar Jagenia, Deputy Inspector General Of Forest, Wildlife Division, MoEF&CC.
4. Dr. K. Chandra Shekar, Scientist-‘E’, GB Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment & Development, Almora.
5. Shri. A. Sudhakar, Scientist-‘E’, CPCB.
6. Dr. Gautam H. Talukdar, Scientist-‘E’, WII, Dehradun.
7. Dr. K. Shankar, Director, SACON
8. Ms. Vishaish Uppal, Director, WWF India.
9. Dr. Kailash Chandra, Director, Zoological Survey of India, Kolkata.
10. Shri. Sanjay K. Agarwal, Deputy Director, Forest Survey of India.
11. Dr. Hitendra Padalia, IIRS/ISRO, Dehradun.
12. Dr. Sanjay Singh, Scientist ‘D’, ICFRE.
13. Shri. Alok Kalsi, EM Dte Central Water Commission, New Delhi.

Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, GOI
14. Shri. W. Bharat Singh, Director (SC-‘F’), MoEF & CC. 15. Dr. Shruti Rai Bhardwaj, Additional Director (Sc-E), MoEF&CC
16. Dr. Ashish Kumar, Joint Director (SC-‘D’), MoEF&CC. 17. Dr. Shaikhom Inaotombi Singh (Consultant), MoEF&CC. 18. Ms. Ritu Narwaria, (Consultant), MoEF&CC. 19. Ms. Chhavi Yadav(ASO), MoEF&CC. 20. Mr. Rakesh Kumar Sethi (ASO), MoEF&CC.

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Officials of Government of Rajasthan 21. Shri. Ram Karan Khairwa, CCF Udaipur, Government of Rajasthan. Officials of Government of Haryana 22. Shri. Jagdish Chandra, PCCF, Government of Haryana. 23. Shri. M S Malik, APCCF, Government of Haryana. Officials of Government of Maharashtra
24. Ms. Neenu Somraj, DCF Mangrove, Government of Maharashtra.
Officials of Government of Odisha 25. Shri. Sri. T. Ashok Kumar, DFO, Kalahandi South Division, Govt. of Odisha. Officials of Government of Kerala 26. Shri. Surendra kumar IFS, PCCF (Wildlife) & Chief Wildlife Warden, Government of Kerala. 27. Wildlife Warden Peechi, Government of Kerala. 28. CWW Kerala Forest, Government of Kerala. Officials of Government of Andhra Pradesh
29. Shri. S. Srisaravanan IFS, CCF WLM, Tirupati, Govt. of Andhra Pradesh. 30. Shri. N. Nageswara Rao IFS CCF, Rajahmundry, Govt. of Andhra Pradesh. 31. Smt. T. Nagamaneswari, SFS, Dy CF(WL), Government of Andhra Pradesh. Officials of Government of Himachal Pradesh 32. The Principal CCF (WL), Government of Himachal Pradesh. 33. Shri. Anil Thakur, CCF, Government of Himachal Pradesh. 34. The Divisional Forest Officer(WL), Chamba 35. The Divisional Forest Officer(WL), Shimla, 36. The Divisional Forest Officer(WL), Kullu

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