33वीं विशेषज्ञ समिति की minutes

P a g e | 1 MINUTES OF 33rd ESZ EXPERT COMMITTEE MEETING FOR THE DECLARATION OF ECO-SENSITIVE ZONE (ESZ) AROUND WILDLIFE SANCTUARIES/NATIONAL PARKS HELD ON 28th FEBRUARY 2019 IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST & CLIMATE CHANGE.

The 33rd Expert Committee Meeting on Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZ) was held under the Chairpersonship of Shri A. K. Jain, Additional Secretary on 28th February, 2019, in the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Indira Paryavaran Bhawan, New Delhi. The list of participants is annexed.
2.
At the outset, the Chairperson welcomed the participants from Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Tripura, Karnataka, Jharkhand and the Expert Members. After brief introduction by the participants, Chairman briefly mentioned that the basic purpose of ESZ Notification is to provide an additional layer of protection in the form of a buffer zone to the Protected Areas. He emphasised that while declaring the ESZ, there should not be any hindrance to the local population/villagers in their existing employment and their day to day life. He also elaborated that if there are comments received from various stakeholders in the Notification process, those should be addressed with proper public consultation. Thereafter he requested the States to present their proposals as per agenda. 3. Following 22 proposals for declaration of ESZ were listed in the agenda for consideration. The representatives of respective State Governments presented their proposals for the consideration of the Expert Committee:

Sl. No. State
Protected area
Status* 1.
Gujarat
Kutch Desert Sanctuary
Draft Proposal 2.
Uttar Pradesh Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary Re-notified Proposal 3.
Uttar Pradesh Sandi Bird Sanctuary
4.
Uttar Pradesh Soor Sarovar Bird Sanctuary Draft Proposal 5.
Uttar Pradesh Lakh Bahosi Bird Sanctuary 6.
Madhya Pradesh Kanha NP and Phen Sanctuary Draft Proposal 7.
Tripura
Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary Draft Proposal 8.
Jharkhand
Udhwa Lake Bird Wildlife Sanctuary Draft Proposal
9.
Jharkhand Palkot Wildlife Sanctuary Draft Proposal 10.
Jharkhand Gautam Buddha Wildlife Sanctuary Draft Proposal 11.
Jharkhand Lawalong Wildlife Sanctuary Draft Proposal

P a g e | 2 Sl. No. State
Protected area
Status* 12.
Maharashtra
Tadoba Tiger National Park & Andhari Wildlife Sanctuary 13.
Odisha
Nandankanan Wildlife Sanctuary Draft Proposal
14.
Rajasthan
Shergarh Wildlife Sanctuary 15.
Rajasthan Keoladeo Wildlife Sanctuary 16.
Rajasthan Zonal Master Plan of Mount Abu ESA Review on ZMP 17.
Telangana
Kesu Brahmananda Reddy NP 18.
Karnataka
Sharavathi Valley Wildlife Sanctuary 19.
Karnataka Daroji Bear Sanctuary 20.
Karnataka Biligiriranganaswamy Tiger Reserve
21.
Karnataka Chinchioli Wildlife Sanctuary 22.
Karnataka Banerghatta National Park (*) Re-notified proposals are those, for which draft Notifications published earlier could not be finalised within stipulated time frame of 545 days and the draft Notifications re-notified afresh with the consent of the State Government.
4. Discussion on the ESZ Proposals GUJARAT 4.1. Eco-sensitive Zone around Kutch Desert Sanctuary, Gujarat: Shri. Shyamal Tikadar, APCCF (WL), Government of Gujarat apprised the Committee about the proposal. It was informed that the draft Notification was published on 11th September, 2018. The salient features of the draft Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) are as follows: Area of PA : 7506.22 sq. km Proposed ESZ area : 733.48 sq. km
Proposed Extent : 0 to 1 km
It was mentioned that the Kutch Desert Sanctuary is situated in Bhuj, Anjar, and Bhachau & Rapar Taluka/Tehsil of Kachchh district in the State of Gujarat. It supports one of the largest congregations of Greater Flamingos including the famous breeding ground known as ‘Flamingo City’. The Sanctuary holds various treasures showing significant phases of Harappan civilization.

P a g e | 3 The State Government has proposed an ESZ boundary varying between zero towards Northern boundary which due to international border with Pakistan and 1.0 kilometer (km) towards East, West and South boundaries. There are 64 villages inside the proposed Eco-Sensitive Zone. No comments were received from the stakeholders/public on the draft Notification.
The Chairman mentioned that salt making is a subsistence livelihood activity by the local communities in the area. He asked the State representative about the future of the local communities after this Notification. Shri Tikadar mentioned that about 30,000 families of Agariyas community in this area has been using this space for salt making as their means of livelihood over generations and under this Notification the salt making activity will be prohibited. Chairman mentioned that for the sake of local livelihood, instead of closing salt making altogether, he asked the State Government should consider salt making by the local communities as Permitted /Regulated activity. The Members of the Expert Committee also asked the State to add one member of NGO in the proposed monitoring committee. The State Government representative agreed on the suggestions.
After detailed deliberation, the Committee recommended the draft Notification for finalisation subject to submission of above information. UTTAR PRADESH 4.2 Eco-sensitive Zone around Nawabganj Bird sanctuary, Uttar Pradesh: Shri. Anand Kumar, Dy. Conservator of Forest, Government of Uttar Pradesh apprised the Committee about the proposal. It was informed that the draft Notification was published on 20th January, 2016. The salient features of the draft Eco-Sensitive Area of PA : 2.246 sq. km Proposed ESZ area : 0.87 sq. km

        Proposed Extent 

: 0.3 km It was mentioned that the Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary is situated in district Unnao in Uttar Pradesh. It is known for its open habitat and variety of migratory and resident birds. Apart from birds, the Sanctuary is also home to a variety of trees, shrubs, hydrophytes etc. No comments were received from the stakeholders/public. After detailed deliberation, the Committee recommended for finalisation of the draft Notification.

P a g e | 4 4.3 Eco-sensitive Zone around Sandi Bird Sanctuary, Uttar Pradesh: Shri. Anand Kumar, Dy. Conservator of Forest, Government of Uttar Pradesh apprised the Committee about the proposal. It was informed that the draft Notification was published on 2nd November, 2016. The salient features of the draft Eco-Sensitive Area of PA : 3.085 sq. km Proposed ESZ area : 11.33 sq. km

       Proposed Extent 

: 1 km uniform It was mentioned that the Sandi Bird Sanctuary is located in district Hardoi of Uttar Pradesh. It is known for its open habitat and large variety of indigenous birds. Large numbers of migratory birds also visit the Sanctuary during winter. The extent of proposed Eco sensitive Zone is 1.0 kilometre all around the boundary of the protected area. No comments were received from the stakeholders/public. After detailed deliberation, the Committee recommended for finalisation of the draft Notification. 4.4 Eco-sensitive Zone around Soor Sarovar Bird Sanctuary, Uttar Pradesh: Shri. Anand Kumar, Dy. Conservator of Forest, Government of Uttar Pradesh apprised the Committee about the proposal. It was informed that the draft Notification was published on 24th April, 2018. The salient features of the draft Eco-Sensitive Area of PA : 8.0 sq. km Proposed ESZ area : 18.17 sq. km

        Proposed Extent 

: 1 km It was mentioned that the Soor Sarovar Bird Sanctuary is located in district Agra in Uttar Pradesh. The Soor Sarovar Bird Sanctuary is the artificial lake at the northern peripheral edge of river Yamuna which has mosaic ecological niches resulting in diversity of flora and fauna. The sanctuary gives shelter to more than 165 species of birds and also considered as important habitat of Hog Deer, Hyena, Spotted deer, Porcupine, Indian pangolin, Jackal, Wild Boar Jungle Cat, Mongoose, Monkey, Nilgai etc.
No comments were received from the stakeholders/public. The Members of the Expert Committee mentioned about the discrepancy observed area the area mentioned in the draft Notification and the area notified by the State. The

P a g e | 5 representative of the State mentioned that the corrected area of PA will be provided to the Ministry.
After detailed deliberation, the Committee recommended the draft Notification for finalisation subject to submission of above information by the State Government.
4.5 Eco-sensitive Zone around Lakh Bahosi Bird Sanctuary, Uttar Pradesh: Shri. Anand Kumar, Dy. Conservator of Forest, Government of Uttar Pradesh apprised the Committee about the proposal. It was informed that the draft Notification was published on 30th November, 2018. The salient features of the draft Eco- Sensitive Zone (ESZ) are as follows: Area of PA : 80.23 sq. km Proposed ESZ area : 3.23 sq. km

       Proposed Extent 

: 0.1 km It was mentioned that Lakh Bahosi Bird Sanctuary is located about 38 km. from the district headquarter of Kannauj in Uttar Pradesh. It is known for its open habitat of large number of migratory and resident birds including globally threatened species such as Greater Spotted Eagle, Saras Crane, Oriental Darter, Black headed Ibis, Black necked Stork, Painted Stork. It is very important wetland which maintains the ground water regime of the area and also forms a very conducive habitat for aquatic flora and fauna. No comments were received from the stakeholders/public. After detailed deliberation, the Committee recommended for finalisation of the draft Notification. MADHYA PRADESH 4.6 Eco-sensitive Zone around Kanha NP and Phen Sanctuary, Madhya Pradesh: Ms. Anjana S. Tirkey, Deputy Director, Government of Madhya Pradesh apprised the Committee about the proposal. It was informed that the draft Notification was published on 30th October, 2018. The salient features of the draft Eco-sensitive Area of PA : 1050.74 sq. km Proposed ESZ area : 1193.829 sq. km

      Proposed Extent 

: 0 to 30 km It was Stated that Kanha National Park and Phen Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Mandla and Balaghat districts of Madhya Pradesh. Kanha National Park is one of the better Protected Areas in the country and considered as extremely important tiger landscape; while Phen Wildlife Sanctuary is an important parts of ecological connectivity for Kanha - Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary.

P a g e | 6 No comments were received from the stakeholders/public. The Members of the Expert Committee suggested for establishing wildlife corridor by increasing the extent of ESZ beyond the buffer toward Achanakmar Tiger Reserve. The representative of the State Government agreed on the idea and keen to submit the revised proposal by further increasing the ESZ extent towards eastern direction along the boundary of Phen Wildlife Sanctuary. After detailed deliberation, the Committee suggested to submit the revised proposal covering with revised map along with coordinates and ESZ area for further consideration. TRIPURA 4.7 Eco-sensitive Zone around Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary, Tripura: Shri. Biplab Datta, Wildlife Warden, Government of Tripura apprised the published on 10th September, 2018. The salient features of the draft Eco-sensitive Area of PA : 194.708 sq. km Proposed ESZ area : 91.83 sq. km

      Proposed Extent 

: 0 to 0.5 km It was mentioned that Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary has morphological importance due to its richness in floral and faunal bio-diversity. The ESZ was proposed with the objective of regulating certain activities and also to minimize the negative impacts of such activities on fragile eco-system. It was also mentioned that the area has potential for establishing eco-tourism activities.
No comments were received from the stakeholders/public. The Members of the Experts discussed the possibilities of increasing the ESZ area.The State representative expressed the difficulties and mentioned that the boundaries of the protected area has international border with Bangladesh on the Southern, South- western and South-eastern side. Accordingly, it has kept zero extent for ESZ and there is hardly any possibility of increasing it further.
After detailed deliberation, the Committee recommended the draft Notification for finalisation.

JHARKHAND 4.8 to 4.11 Eco-sensitive Zone around Udhwa Lake Bird Sanctuary, Lawalong Sanctuary, Gauatam Buddha Sanctuary and Palkot Sanctuary: Above said four proposals (i) Udhwa Lake Bird Sanctuary (ii) Lawalong Sanctuary (iii) Gauatam Buddha Sanctuary and (iv) Palkot Sanctuary in Jharkhand were considered in the ESZ expert Committee meeting on 25.06.2018. The representative of State Government sought deferment for all these four proposals.
These proposals were again considered in the ESZ expert Committee on 13.09.2018 and recommended for finalization. The State Government vide its letter dated

P a g e | 7 5.10.2018 requested MoEF &CC to withhold these four proposals for finalization. Later, in its letter dated 4.02.2019, the State Government informed that these four proposals may be processed after shifting some of the prohibited activities to regulated activity. While considering the proposal of the State Government, it was decided to discuss the matter before the ESZ Expert Committee for their views.
Shri. Dileep Kumar Yadav, DFO, Forest Department, Government of Jharkhand apprised the Committee about the proposals. The representatives of the Mining Department State Government representative mentioned that Jharkhand is one of the most deposited mineral resources in the country. Accordingly, the prohibited activities such as (i) commercial mining (ii) industries causing pollution (iii) major hydro-electric projects (iii) use or production of any hazardous substances and (iv) brick kilns which was proposed by the State Government in draft Notification may
be shifted under Regulated Activities. The members of the expert committee mentioned that under ESZ Notifications, only few activities are prohibited for the better protection of the wildlife, biodiversity and the ecology. If such activities are shifted from prohibited to regulated category the basic purpose of ESZ would be diluted. Accordingly, the expert members opposed the changes proposed by the State Government. The matter was further discussed in line with technical and legal aspects relating with the Gazette Notification. Based on elaborate discussion, the State Government was asked to submit detailed justification on their proposal for each category of the activities. It was decided that based on the justification provided by the State, the ESZ division will examine it in the context of statutory and other provisions followed for Notifying ESZ.
After detailed deliberation, the Committee deferred the above four proposals of Jharkhand State.
MAHARASHTRA 4.12 Eco-sensitive Zone around Tadoba Tiger National Park and Andhari Wildlife Sanctuary, Maharashtra: Shri. G. Guruprasadm, Deputy Director, Government of Maharashtra apprised the Committee about the proposal. It was informed that the draft Notification was published on 12th July, 2018. The salient features of the draft Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) are as follows: Area of PA : 625.40 sq. km
Proposed ESZ area : 1346.61 sq. km
Proposed Extent : 3 to 16 km
It was mentioned that the Tadoba Tiger National Park and Andhari Wildlife Sanctuary are situated in Chandrapur District of Maharashtra. The proposed ESZ is

P a g e | 8 covered with 35% of forest and 65% non-forest area. There are 143 villages and the village part of the ESZ predominantly constitutes agricultural landscape. The Oriental White-blacked Vulture (Gyps bengalensis), a critical endangered species of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is also found in this Sanctuary. The comments received from stakeholders/public were discussed. On the status and approval of hotel and resorts construction inside the proposed ESZ, the State representative mentioned that no new construction and expansion of hotels and resorts will be permitted inside the Eco-Sensitive Zone except for small temporary structures for eco-tourism activity. The committee suggested for updating the list of flora and fauna available in the Sanctuary and adding the geo-coordinates of villages falling in the ESZ. After detailed deliberation, the Committee recommended the draft Notification for finalisation subject to submission of above information. ODISHA 4.13 Eco-sensitive Zone around Nandankanan Sanctuary, Odisha: Shri. J. K. Das, Deputy Director, Government of Odisha apprised the published on 5th July, 2018. The salient features of the draft Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) are as follows: Area of PA : 4.37 sq. km Proposed ESZ area : 1.31 sq. km

       Proposed Extent 

: 0 to 0.34 km
It was mentioned that the Nandankanan Sanctuary was notified on 3rd August 1979 under section 18 of Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. The Sanctuary has three parts, the area under Zoological Park (296 Ha), Botanical Garden (75 Ha) and Kanjia Lake (66.1 Ha). The rare fauna such as Wild Boar (Sus scrota), Ratel (Mellivora capensis), Mouse Deer or Indian Chevrotain (Tragulus meminna), striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena), etc. are found in the Sanctuary. The extent of proposed ESZ ranges from 0 (zero) to 0.34 km.; zero extend toward eastern boundary is main PWD Road connecting the State Capital with Cuttack City while western boundary is co- terminus with the boundary of another sanctuary i.e. Chandaka-Dumpara Sanctuary which is already notified as Eco-Sensitive zone.

P a g e | 9 While discussing the suggestions and comments received from the stakeholders/public, the representative of the State mentioned that public consultation was not yet conducted for the proposed ESZ. After detailed deliberation, the Committee recommended the draft Notification for finalisation subject to submission of the report of the public hearing. RAJASTHAN 4.14 Eco-sensitive Zone around Shergarh Wildlife Sanctuary, Rajasthan: Shri. Sushil Chidri, DCF (WL), Kota, Government of Rajasthan apprised the published on 9th July, 2018. The salient features of the draft Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) are as follows: Area of PA : 81.67 sq. km Proposed ESZ area: 58.06 sq. km

        Proposed Extent 

: 1 km
It was mentioned that the Shergarh Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in Baran district of Rajasthan on the boundary of Baran and Jhalawar and it is a part of Vindhyan range. The sanctuary was notified on 30th July, 1983 and further modified Notification was issued on 25th May 1992. The sanctuary is a good habitat of Langur, Sambhar, Chetal, Blue bull, Vultures, and Chinkara, etc. While discussing about public comments on the draft proposal. The State representative mentioned that no comments were received from the stakeholders/public. He also mentioned that public consultation was not yet done by the State Government.
After detailed deliberation, the Committee deferred the proposal and the State Government was asked to come back in the next ESZ expert committee meeting after arranging the public consultation. 4.15 Eco-sensitive Zone around Keoladeo National Park, Rajasthan: Shri Ajit Uchai, DCF (WL), Keoladeo, Government of Rajasthan apprised the published on 27th November, 2018. The salient features of the draft Eco-Sensitive Area of PA : 28.73 sq. km

P a g e | 10 Proposed ESZ area : 14.25 sq. km

       Proposed Extent 

: 0.50 km
It was mentioned that the Keoladeo National Park is situated at the confluence of Gambhir and Banganga rivers in Bharatpur District of Rajasthan. The National Park is an important habitat of Nilgai (Boselaphustragocamelus), Sambar (Cervus unicolor) Indian hedgehog (Hemiechinusmicropus), and Hog deer (Axis porcinus), etc. Siberian crane and numerous migratory waterfowl are also recorded from the Protected Area. The National Park has significant international ecological importance and has been declared as a Ramsar site in 1981 and World Heritage site in 1985.
The State Government informed that no comments were received from the stakeholders/public. The members of the expert committee were apprised that Keoladeo National Park is one of the best managed park in India and also it is a Ramsar site. Considering the importance of this sanctuary, the expert members desired that the area of ESZ be increased by expanding the proposed ESZ extent beyond 500 meters. It has suggested including the water bodies, connected cannals inside the ESZ. Accordingly, the State was asked to re-draw the ESZ boundary, making it more comprehensive and providing better protection to the PA.
After detailed deliberation, the Committee recommended the State to submit a revised proposal at the earliest incorporating the above suggestions for further consideration. 4.16 Zonal Master Plan for Eco-Sensitive Area of Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary, Rajasthan: Shri. R. K. Kyayvenjra, Chief Town Planner, Government of Rajasthan apprised the Committee about the proposal. It was informed that the draft Notification of Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary, Rajasthan was published on 26th June, 2009. Later, the Zonal Master Plan (ZMP) of Mount Abu Eco-Sensitive Zone was approved by this Ministry, on 28th September, 2015 subject to addition of two paragraphs – (i) Rectification of error apparent on face of land records and (ii) Change of land use in the Eco-Sensitive Zone under appropriate sections. The State Government informed that a public interest litigation (PIL) was filed in the Hon’ble NGT, Principal Bench regarding planning and development of ten (10) proposed sites of the ZMP, mentioning that the proposed development at these sites are not in conformity with the ESZ Notification of 2009. The Hon'ble NGT ordered to

P a g e | 11 evaluate discrepancy of approved Zonal Master Plan 2030 with ESZ Notification on such 10 sites by constituting a Committee. After detailed deliberation, the Expert Committee recommended to constitute a sub-committee for identifying the changes of land use pattern at ground level based on site inspection for compliance to Hon’ble NGT. The recommended constituents of the sub-committee are: i. Two representatives from State Government
ii. one representative of School of Planning, New Delhi
iii. one representative of Town & Country Planning Organisation iv. one representative of Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), v. one representative of Botanical Survey of India (BSI) vi. one representative from WII Dehradun or WWF Delhi vii. Dr Satish Gargoti, Adviser ESZ or Dr. Subrata Bose, Director, ESZ, MoEF &CC, convener of the sub-committee. The sub-committee will consult the State Government and undertake site inspection and submit its report within a month. TELANGANA 4.17 Eco-sensitive Zone around Kasu Brahmananda Reddy (KBR) National Park, Telangana: Shri. P. K. Jha, PCCF (HoFF), Government of Telangana described the published on 30th October, 2018. The salient features of the draft Eco-sensitive Zone (ESZ) are as follows: Area of PA : 1.42 sq. km Proposed ESZ area : 0.0582 sq. km
Proposed Extent : 0.003 to 0.0298 km (3 meters to 29.8 meters) It was mentioned that, Kasu Brahmananda Reddy (KBR) National Park is located in a densely populated residential and commercial area in Metropolitan City of Hyderabad in the State of Telangana. The National Park acts as a vast carbon sink for the rapidly developing city of Hyderabad and stands as the last vestige of the flora, fauna and unique rock formations representing the rich bio-diversity of Deccan Plateau. Comments received from the stakeholders/public were duly considered. On the proposed ESZ extent of 3 (three) meters, the State representative mentioned that vicinity of National Park is having large habitation. Also to address growing traffic congestion, State Government is planning for Flyover adjoining to the National Park. Thus, traffic decongestion may ultimately benefit in reducing air pollution and carbon dioxide emission. He also mentioned that in the process there will be about 1300

P a g e | 12 trees to be cut which would be reforested following the existing norms. The members of the experts are of the view to increase the extent of ESZ. Experts also suggested that allowing Flyover by categorizing it under the regulated activities may further be explored.
Based on further elaborate discussion, State was asked to submit the detailed report of the public hearing for the proposed Eco-sensitive Zone for further consideration. The committee deferred the proposal.

KARNATAKA 4.18 Eco-sensitive Zone around Sharavathi Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnataka: Shri. S. K. Malkhede, APCCF Wildlife, Government of Karnataka apprised the published on 18th September, 2018. The salient features of the draft Eco-sensitive Area of PA : 431.23 sq. km Proposed ESZ area : 530.72 sq. km
Proposed Extent : 1 to 13.80 km It was mentioned that the Sharavati Valley Wildlife Sanctuary is an important protected area located close to Sagar taluk of Shimoga District in Karnataka. There are 40 villages and 41 forest enclosures (hamlets) in the proposed ESZ. In the southern side the Protected area is connected with the Mookambika Wildlife Sanctuary. The Sanctuary is rich in flora and fauna both in variety and diversity. The
forests consist of valuable tree species including Teak, Sandal, Rosewood, Honne, Nandi etc. and harbour Wildlife like Bison, Spotted deer, Sambar, Tiger and Panther. Also, the area is very rich in reptiles and avifauna population. No comments were received from public/stakeholders. After detailed discussions the Committee recommended for the finalization of draft Notification. 4.19 Eco-sensitive Zone around Daroji Bear Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnataka: Shri. S. K. Malkhede, APCCF Wildlife, Government of Karnataka apprised the published on 18th September, 2018. The salient features of the draft Eco-sensitive Area of PA : 82.72 sq. km Proposed ESZ area : 158.70 sq. km
Proposed Extent : 1 to 4.7 km

It was Stated that the Daroji Bear Sanctuary is an important Protected Area located at the Hospet and Sandur Taluks of Ballari district of Karnataka State. It is situated at the near of village Daroji, the rocky boulders and caves scrub jungles, terrain in the Sanctuary ideal habitat for Bears and Leopards. It is the only Sanctuary

P a g e | 13 in India precisely declared for the Conservation of endangered mammals Indian Sloth Bear(Melursus ursinus).
There are 17 villages in the proposed ESZ. No comments were received from public/stakeholders. After detailed discussions the Committee recommended for the finalization of draft Notification.
4.20 Eco-sensitive Zone around Chincholi Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnataka: Shri. S. K. Malkhede, APCCF Wildlife, Government of Karnataka apprised the published on 1st October, 2018. The salient features of the draft Eco-sensitive Zone (ESZ) are as follows: Area of PA : 134.88 sq. km Proposed ESZ area : 165.28 sq. km
Proposed Extent : 0 to 9.8 km It was mentioned that, the Chincholi Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in Chincholi Taluk of Kalaburagi District of Karnataka State. The area has rich natural forest cover and is the only Forest area of Hyderabad-Karnataka region comprising many of the characteristics of Dry to Moist deciduous forest of Western Ghats. The maximum ESZ extent is towards Northwest of the Sanctuary and zero ESZ extent is toward inter-State border of Telangana State. There are 32 villages in the proposed ESZ. No comments were received from the stakeholders/public. The Members of the Expert Committee urged to include more ESZ area. The representative of State Government expressed the difficulty in extending the ESZ due to inter-sate boundary. It was also discussed that due to inter-State boundary, Karnataka may pursue with Government of Telangana for better protection of Chincholi Wildlife Sanctuary. After detailed deliberation, the Committee recommended the draft Notification for finalisation. 4.21 Eco-sensitive Zone around Biligiriranganaswamy Tiger Reserve (BRT), Karnataka: Shri. S. K. Malkhede, APCCF Wildlife, Government of Karnataka apprised the published on 18th September, 2018. The salient features of the draft Eco-sensitive Area of PA : 574.82 sq. km Proposed ESZ area : 262.43 sq. km
Proposed Extent : 0.5 to 6 km

It was Stated that BRT Tiger Reserve is an important protected area located close to Chamarajanagara town in Chamarajanagar district of Karnataka State. It is situated at the confluence of Western Ghats and the Eastern Ghats. Hence, has vegetation that’s representative of both area. On the southern side it is has State boundary of Tamil Nadu and on the north eastern side there is Cauvery Wildlife sanctuary.

P a g e | 14 Comments received from public/stakeholders were duly considered. Members of the expert committee also discussed about the mining and conservation of the area. After detailed discussions the Committee recommended for the finalization of draft Notification.
4.22 Eco-sensitive Zone around Banerghatta National Park, Karnataka: Shri. S. K. Malkhede, APCCF Wildlife, Government of Karnataka apprised the published on 30th October, 2018. The salient features of the draft Eco-sensitive Zone (ESZ) are as follows: Area of PA : 260.51 sq. km Proposed ESZ area : 168.84 sq. km
Proposed Extent : 0.1 to 1 km It was mentioned that, the Bannerghatta National Park is located at the outskirts of Bangalore city in Bangalore Urban and Ramanagara districts of Karnataka State situated in the Deccan Plateau and is at the edge of the Eastern Ghats. The sanctuary has borders with Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary in the South with Javalagiri Reserved Forests in the Tamil Nadu State. Around 150 to 200 elephant population were observed in the Sanctuary. Comments received from the stakeholders/public were discussed in the meeting. The Members of the Expert Committee discussed for extending the area of proposed ESZ toward Bangalore city. However, the representative of the State cited that it will be difficult to further expand of ESZ due to thick habitation prevailed in the adjoining areas.
After detailed deliberation, the Committee recommended the draft Notification for finalisation. 5. Based on the draft Notifications, comments received from stakeholder/public, presentations made on the proposals and detailed discussions on each proposal, the Expert Committee recommended the following: Sl No. Protected Area State Recommendation of Expert Committee 1.
Kutch Desert Sanctuary
Gujarat Recommended for finalization subject to submission of additional information. 2.
Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary Uttar Pradesh 3.
Sandi Bird Sanctuary
Uttar Pradesh 4.
Soor Sarovar Bird Uttar Pradesh

P a g e | 15 Sl No. Protected Area State Recommendation of Expert Committee Sanctuary subject to submission of additional information. 5.
Lakh Bahosi Bird Sanctuary Uttar Pradesh 6.
Kanha NP and Phen Sanctuary Madhya Pradesh Revised proposal to be submitted by State Government
7.
Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary Tripura 8.
Udhwa Lake Bird Wildlife Sanctuary Jharkhand Deferred 9.
Palkot Wildlife Sanctuary Jharkhand Deferred 10.
Gautam Buddha Wildlife Sanctuary Jharkhand Deferred 11.
Lawalong Wildlife Sanctuary Jharkhand Deferred 12.
Tadoba Tiger National Park & Andhari Wildlife Sanctuary Maharashtra subject to submission of additional information. 13.
Nandankanan Wildlife Sanctuary Odisha subject to submission of additional information. 14.
Shergarh Wildlife Sanctuary Rajasthan Deferred 15.
Keoladeo Wildlife Sanctuary Rajasthan Revised proposal to be submitted by the State. 16.
Zonal Master Plan of Rajasthan Sub-committee constituted for

P a g e | 16 Sl No. Protected Area State Recommendation of Expert Committee Mount Abu ESA site inspection and reporting. 17.
Kesu Brahmananda Reddy NP Telangana Deferred
18.
Sharavathi Valley Wildlife Sanctuary Karnataka 19.
Daroji Bear Sanctuary Karnataka 20.
Biligiriranganaswamy Tiger Reserve
Karnataka 21.
Chinchioli Wildlife Sanctuary Karnataka 22.
Banerghatta National Park Karnataka

The Meeting ended with vote of thanks to the Chair.

P a g e | 17 Annexure
33rd Expert Committee Meeting on ESZ held on 28th February, 2019
List of Participants
Members of Expert Committee

1. Shri A. K. Jain, Additional Secretary, Chairperson.
2. Shri S. A. Hussain, Scientist ‘G’, WII, Dehradun.
3. Dr. K. Chandra Sekar, Scientist ‘E’, GB Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment & Development, Almora.
4. Dr. Ambrish, Scientist ‘E’, B. S. I., Dehradun.
5. Ms. Vishaish Uppal, Director, WWF India.
6. Shri. Raja Ram Singh, AIG, NTCA.
7. Shri. B. B. Sakhi, Director, MoWR, RD&GR.
8. Dr. Sanjay Singh, Scientist, ICFRE, Dehradun.
9. Dr. Basudev Tripathy, Scientist, Z.S.I., Kolkata.
10. Shri. Mahinder Singh, Director, Department of Land Resources.
11. Shri. Sanjay k Aggarwal, Deputy Director, Forest Survey of India, Dehradun.
12. Dr. Sandeep Kumar Rawat, Associate Town & Country Planner, TCPO, Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs.
13. Shri. Hitendra Padalia, Head FED, IIRS, ISRO, Dehradun.
14. Shri. Guru Prasad J, Deputy Director, CWC.

Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, GOI

15. Dr. Subrata Bose, Director (SC-‘F’), MoEF & CC.
16. Shri Pankaj Verma, Additional Director (SC-‘E’), MoEF & CC.
17. Dr. Veenu Joon, Deputy Director (SC-‘C’), MoEF&CC.
18. Dr. Shaikhom Inaotombi Singh (Consultant-ESZ), MoEF&CC.

Officials of Government of Karnataka

19. Shri. S. K. Malkhede, APCCF Wildlife, Government of Karnataka.

Officials of Government of Jharkhand

20. Shri. A. Siddeque, Secretary, Government of Jharkhand.

21. Shri. P. K. Verma, PCCF, WL& CWLW, Government of Jharkhand.

22. Shri. K. Ravikan, Secretary Industry, Government of Jharkhand.

23. Shri. Dileep Kumar Yadav, DFO, Forest Department, Government of Jharkhand. Officials of Government of Uttar Pradesh

24. Shri Anand Kumar Singh, Deputy Conservator of Forests, U.P. Forest & Wildlife Department, Government of Uttar Pradesh.

25. Shri Anil Kumar Singh, Wildlife Warden, National Chambal Sanctuary, Agra, Government of Uttar Pradesh.

P a g e | 18 26. Shri. R. K. Singh, CCF, Forest Department, Government of Uttar Pradesh.

Officials of Government of Maharashtra

27. Shri. G. Guruprasadm Deputy Director, Tadoba Tiger Reserve, Forest Department, Government of Maharashtra.

Officials of Government of Odisha

28. Shri. J. K. Das, Deputy Director Nandankaran, Odisha Forest Department, Government of Odisha.

Officials of Government of Gujarat

29. Shri. Shyamal Tikadar, APCCF (WL), Gujarat Forest Department, Government of Gujarat.
30. Shri. A. C. Patel, CCF Kutch Desert, Forest Department, Government of Gujarat.

Officials of Government of Rajasthan

31. Shri. Sunil Chidri, DCF (WL), Kota, Forest Department, Government of Rajasthan.
32. Shri. Ajit Uchoi, DCF (WL), Keoladeo NP, Bharatpur, Forest Department, Government of Rajasthan.
33. Shri. K. C. Meena, CCF(WL), Jaipur, Forest Department, Government of Rajasthan.
34. Shri. R. K. Kyayvnjea, CTP, Town Plg Department, Government of Rajasthan.

Officials of Government of Madhya Pradesh

35. Dr. C. S. Bhadoriya, RO, EPCO, Bhopal, Government of Madhya Pradesh.
36. Ms. Anjana S. Tirkey, Deputy Director, Kanha Tiger Reserve, Government of Madhya Pradesh.

Officials of Government of Tripura

37. Shri. Biplab Datta, Wildlife Warden, Trishna WLS, Forest Department, Government of Tripura.

Officials of Government of Telangana

38. Shri. P.K.Jha, PCCF(HoFF) & (WL) & CWLW (FAC), Government of Telangana.

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