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46वीं विशेषज्ञ समिति के कार्यवृत्त

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MINUTES OF 46th MEETING OF THE ESZ EXPERT COMMITTEE FOR DECLARATION OF THE ECO-SENSITIVE ZONE (ESZ) AROUND PROTECTED AREAS (WILDLIFE SANCTUARIES / NATIONAL PARKS / TIGER RESERVES) HELD ON 25th JUNE, 2021 THROUGH VIDEO CONFERENCING.     The 46th Meeting of the Expert Committee on Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) was held under the Chairmanship of Shri Ravi Agrawal, Additional Secretary to the Government of India on 25th June, 2021 through Video Conferencing. The list of the participants is at Annexure-I.   2.         At the outset, the Chairman welcomed members of the Expert Committee and the participants. After a brief introduction, the Chairman expressed his dismay at the non-action by the States in not furnishing timely replies/documents after having committed in the meetings of the Committee. It was informed that some 27 odd ESZ proposals from the States were earlier recommended by the Committee for finalisation subject to submission of documents/additional information. However, these were never sent by the States and despite repeated reminders and follow up undertaken by the Ministry, the same are yet to be received. He therefore urged the States/UTs for early submission of information/documents so as to expedite early publication of ESZ notifications, which have been already recommended by the Committee for finalization in the past meetings. The list of the 27 ESZ proposals are at Annexure-II. He stated that it is unfortunate that the Ministry is unable to notify/publish the proposals recommended for finalization due to non-submission of documents, such as shape files/kml files of PA and ESZ boundaries, confirmation regarding consultation with locals for preparation of the ESZ proposals etc., which defeats the very purpose of the exercise carried out while considering the proposals during the meetings held. The Chairman further reiterated that as conveyed time and again in the past, the State Governments /UT administrations may provide the following documents/information in respect of all the aforesaid 27 recommended ESZ proposals:   Shape file /Kml file of the ESZ boundaries vis-à-vis boundary of the Protected Area; Copy of gazette notification of the Protected Areas; The reports/minutes of the public hearing held during the preparation of Draft ESZ proposal , Minutes of the consultations held with stakeholders on comments/objection (if any) on the draft notification; and Other case related documents, if any.

Item No. 3.1:Eravikulam National Park, Kerala. Item No. 3.2:Parambikulam Tiger Reserve, Kerala. Item No. 3.3:Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala.   The above three items viz. Item No. 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3 were taken up in sequence as there were common issues on all these ESZ proposals submitted by the State Government. The representative of the State Government present in the VC meeting was informed that ESZ proposals from the State namely, Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary, Mangalavanam Wildlife Sanctuary and Silent Valley National Park, which were earlier considered in the Expert Committee meeting are still pending as the information that was required by the Expert Committee has not been received from the State Government so far. Further, it was pointed out that though there was a commitment from the State Government representative in the past meetings to submit a copy of Standard of Protocol (SOP) being adopted by the State, for undertaking public consultation while framing of ESZ proposals, the requisite document has not so far been submitted to the Ministry, despite repeated reminders from the Ministry.   2.    The representative of the State Government informed that revised ESZ proposals in respect of Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary and Mangalavanam Wildlife Sanctuary have been submitted to the State Government and are pending for approval. It was assured during the meeting that once the proposals are approved by the State Government, it will be submitted to the Ministry. For other ESZ proposals, it was stated that creation of kml/ shape files is in process and there is a delay due to some technical problems and will be submitted soon.   3.    Thereafter, the Committee took up the above three ESZ proposals listed in the agenda. The Committee observed that in respect of these proposals also there are similar issues, as stated above, and therefore the proposal cannot be considered yet for finalisation.   4.    The Committee also noted that all three proposals have MLAs as member of the Monitoring Committee. It may be recalled that in the past, the State Government was requested to review the same.   5.    The Committee further clarified that as per the due process the State Government has to provide its comments on the stakeholder’s views/suggestion received (in the form of letters/emails). The State Government should therefore submit their observations/report on the public comments to the Ministry before the same in considered by the Expert Committee. The Committee therefore desired that the deliberations made as noted at para 1.0 above and the comments of the State Government on the stakeholder’s views/suggestion on the draft notification shall be first filed before the case is considered for appropriate

recommendation.   Item No.3.4:     Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary, Uttarakhand   The State Government representative made a presentation and informed that the draft notification for declaration of ESZ around Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary was published on 30th November 2018. The salient features of the draft Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) notification are as follows:   Area of PA                                    : 47.07 sq. km Proposed draft ESZ area        : 81.63 sq. km            Proposed draft ESZ Extent   : 300 m to 3.0 kms   2.  The proposal was earlier taken up during the 34th and 35th Meetings of the Expert Committee; however, consideration of the proposal was deferred on the request of the State Government.   3.   It was stated that public consultation was held during the preparatory stage of ESZ proposal. After the publication of draft notification, another public hearing was also held with local people/stakeholders on 12.06.2019. It was informed that all the suggestion/comments received on the draft notification were duly considered and a so revised ESZ proposal was submitted to the Ministry in March, 2021 with changes in the ESZ area on account of reduction of number of villages from 34 to 20. With the revision of the proposal, the total area of ESZ has been changed from 81.63 sq. km to 76.019 sq km and the extent of ESZ has also been revised as zero to 3.0 kms. The State Government representative stated that the reduction in minimum ESZ extent from 300 m to Zero is on account of the fact that in some part of the ESZ borders human habitations are present and therefore huge opposition was faced by the State and has led to this change of zero extent towards adjoining human habitations. It was also clarified that no additional area has been included in the revised proposal.   4.         The representative of the Wildlife Division of the Ministry stated that the revised proposal was already vetted by Wildlife Institute of India and the Wildlife Division and have no issues on the revised proposal.   5.         The State Government representative also stated that the comments/objection and suggestion received from the stakeholders in response to the draft notification have been duly considered by the State Government.   Based on the presentation made and deliberations held the Committee recommended for finalization of the draft notification with the changes made by the State Government through the revised proposal.   Item No. 3.5:   Askot Wildlife Sanctuary, Uttarakhand.

The State Government representative (DFO, Pithoragarh) made a presentation and informed that the draft notification for declaration of ESZ around Askot Wildlife Sanctuary was published on 29.01.2019. The salient features of the Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) draft notification are as follows:   Area of PA                          : 600.00 sq. km Proposed ESZ area          : 932.45 sq. km            Proposed ESZ Extent      : Zero to 35.0 kms   2.        Askot Wildlife Sanctuary is situated near Indo Nepal border of District Pithoragarh, in Uttarakhand. The WLS is at an elevation ranging from 600 m to 7,000 m. It was also informed that after the publication of the draft notification, three rounds of public hearing / consultations were held at Block Meeting Hall, Dharchula on 20th June 2019; 5th July 2019 and 26th July 2019 respectively. Pursuant to these meetings, the proposal has been revised and presented before the Government on 12th September, 2019.   3.         In the revised proposal, the total area of ESZ has been reduced to 454.65 sq km and the ESZ extent varies from zero to 22.0 kms. There are no villages within the ESZ in the revised proposal. Zero extent of ESZ was justified by the State Government stating that towards Southern, Western and Eastern side of the Sanctuary, it has an International border; whereas, in other places, the zero extent is due to the resolution taken during the public consultations with local community and primitive tribal groups (Van Raaji) habituating in the area.   4.         The Committee desired to know how man-animal conflict can be avoided with a zero extent ESZ considering that major fauna available in the region seem to include common leopard, musk deer, snow leopard, Himalayan gorals, etc. in the WLS. To this the State Government representative stated that possible threat to animal by the zero ESZ extent in the Southern side of the Sanctuary is not foreseen as the animals are never seen in these areas due to human habitations. The representative also stated that in the Askot Wildlife Sanctuary, the faunal species are in the upper reaches of the Kanchenjunga base camp and Munshiari and till date no direct threat has been observed in these areas, where zero ESZ extent is proposed.   5.         The representative of the State Government also stated that the comments/objection and suggestion received from stakeholders in response to the draft notification have been duly considered by the State Government. Further no new area has been included in the revised proposal.   Based on the presentation made and deliberations held the Committee recommended for finalization of the draft notification with the

changes made by the State Government through the revised proposal.   Item No. 3.6: Veerangana Durgawati Wildlife Sanctuary, Madhya Pradesh.               The State Government representative made a presentation and informed that the draft ESZ notification in respect of Veerangana Durgawati Wildlife Sanctuary was re-notified on 12th March, 2021. The salient features of the draft ESZ notification are as follows:   Area of PA                          : 23.97 sq. km Proposed ESZ area          : 99.73 sq. km Proposed ESZ Extent      : 2.0 km all around the sanctuary.   2.         The Committee observed that the draft ESZ notification was first issued on 13.02.2017; however, expired due to non-submission of requisite information by the State Government. Subsequently, the draft was re-notified on 12.03.2021 and the comments/suggestions received were sent to the State Government for their response/comments; however, the same has not been received in the Ministry. In the absence of the response of the State Government, it was not felt appropriate to further consider the proposal. The State Government representative was requested to expedite submission of requisite response to the Ministry. It was noted that the State Government has submitted the shape /kml files of the Protected Area/ Eco-sensitive Zone and also the Gazette notification of the protected area to the Ministry.           Based on the deliberations held, further consideration of the proposal was deferred for want of response of the State Government on the suggestions/ comments of the stakeholders on draft notification.   Item No. 3.7:    Tokalo Wildlife Sanctuary, Mizoram.   The representative of the State Government made a presentation and informed that the draft ESZ notification of Tokalo Wildlife Sanctuary, in Mizoram was published on 28th January, 2021. The State Government has subsequently submitted the shape/kml files indicating the boundaries of the ESZ and Protected Area, including a copy of the Gazette Notification of the Protected Area to the Mininstry.   2.         On the issue regarding public consultation on the draft ESZ notification, it was stated by the State Government representative that three protected areas in Mizoram, including Tokalo Wildlife Sanctuary, were under the jurisdiction of Autonomous District Council and consultation report is pending at the District Council Authority. It was stated that the minutes of the meeting on the public consultation will be submitted to the Ministry soon.

Based on the deliberations held, further consideration of the proposal was deferred for want of response of the State Government  on the suggestions/ comments of the stakeholders on draft notification.   Item No. 3.8:    Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary Andhra Pradesh.   and informed that the draft notification for declaration of Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) around Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary was published on 21st January, 2020 for inviting public comments. Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary is situated at a distance of about 5.0 kms from Kakinada city, in East Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh. The salient features in the draft ESZ notification are as follows:   Area of PA                          : 235.70 sq. km Proposed ESZ area          : 187.14 sq. km Proposed ESZ Extent      : 0 to 11.5 kms   2.    It was informed that the draft notification was earlier deliberated during the 40th meeting of the ESZ Expert Committee held on 16.03.2020, wherein the Committee desired that the State Government may explore the possibility of extension of the ESZ towards land and the seaside in commensuration with the provisions laid in Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification.   3.    The State Government submitted the revised proposal. The representative of the State Government stated that a detailed discussion was held with the stakeholders at district level under the Chairmanship of the District Magistrate and responses from stakeholder were duly considered during the meeting. Following changes have been made in the draft ESZ notification:   i. extent of ESZ has been now revised from 50 m to 11.5 kms with revised ESZ area of 177.30 sq kms; ii. the minimum extent of the ESZ in the western direction has been changed from zero to 50 meters; iii.the boundary of the Sanctuary on northern side (up to northern tip of Hope Island) has been corrected as per Gazette notification of Protected Area and therefore, the extent of ESZ in northern direction is now proposed as 50 meters; iv.the width of ESZ towards North-Eastern side was proposed 500 meters instead of 0 (zero) proposed earlier.   4.    The representative of the State Government also stated that all objections and suggestions received from stakeholders on the draft notification have been duly taken into account while considering the

revision of the proposal. It was confirmed by the State Government that the finally proposed area is after due process of public consultation and taking into account the views/suggestions of the public. The Committee noted the same. It was also confirmed by the representative of the Wildlife Division of the Ministry that the revised proposal is in order and may be accepted for finalization.   Based on the presentation made and deliberations held the Committee recommended for finalization of the draft notification with the changes made by the State Government through the revised proposal.   Item No. 3.9:   Sri Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve Andhra Pradesh.   and informed that the draft Eco-sensitive Zone notification for the Nagarjuna sagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve was published on 11th February, 2020. The salient features in the said draft ESZ are as follows:   Area of PA                          : 3727.82 sq. km Proposed ESZ area          : 2149.68 sq. km Proposed ESZ Extent      : 0 to 5.0 kms (Zero extent of Eco-sensitive zone is due to Krishna River and interstate boundary with Telangana)   2.         The Committee noted that two Wildlife Sanctuaries viz. Rajiv Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and Gundla Brahmeswaram Wildlife Sanctuary (GBM) constitutes the area of Tiger Reserve. After bifurcation of the State of Andhra Pradesh into A.P and Telengana, Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve has also been divided into two halves separated by river Krishna. The Southern side of river is Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve in Andhra Pradesh and the Northern side is Amrabad Tiger Reserve in Telangana State. It was also noted that mutual consultations between the Government of A.P and the Government of Telangana, on the issue of declaration of ESZ took place on 23.06.2016 at Srisailam and on 22.08.2016 at Nagarjunasagar and details of the ESZ around NSTR was discussed.   3.         The representative of the State Government informed that the proposal was earlier discussed during the 41st meeting of the Expert Committee held on 23-24th June, 2020, wherein the Committee suggested for rationalization the area of ESZ by keeping boundary of buffer zone of Tiger Reserve apart from ESZ. It was also suggested by the Committee that suitable justification of ESZ extent lesser than 1 kilometres uniform cushion at two locations may be submitted. The required information has since been received in the Ministry. In addition, the shape/kml files of the

ESZ and PA as well as Gazette notification of the Protected Area have also been received.   4.         The Committee noted that no comments have been received on the draft ESZ notification. The Committee however suggested that a written statement may be submitted by the State Government stating that the State Government have taken due consultations with concerned stakeholders in accordance with the ‘Guidelines for declaration of National Parks/ Wildlife Sancturaies’ issued by MoEFCC, while framing the draft ESZ notification. The State Govt. agreed to submit such a statement in a day or two. The representative from NTCA informed the Committee that the Authority had earlier concurred the proposal.   5.         The Committee observed that there is a mismatch in the extent of ESZ as provided in the kml /shape files and draft notification. The maximum ESZ extent as per the draft ESZ notification is 5.0 kms, whereas, the kml /shape files of ESZ boundary submitted indicates a maximum ESZ extent of 26 km. The minimum ESZ is also 5 m instead of zero. The Committee observed discrepancies in the information provided and the records available; therefore, State Government was requested for rectification.   6.        Based on the presentation made and deliberations held the Committee requested the State Government representative to provide correct information for further consideration of the proposal.     Item No.3.10:            Ramgarh Vishdhari Wildlife Sanctuary, Rajasthan.   The representative of the State Government made a presentation and informed that the draft notification for declaration of ESZ around Ramgarh Vishdhari Wildlife Sanctuary was published on 30th December, 2020, for seeking public comments. The salient features of the draft Eco-Sensitive Zone Notification are as follows:   Area of PA                 :           303.43 sq. km Proposed ESZ area :           9.43 sq. km Proposed Extent      :           0.025 km to 0.40 km   [Extent of Eco-sensitive Zone is 25 m on the western side of the sanctuary boundary, mainly due to existence of Kabristan, Samsan and because of habitation of Bundi city and Old Kota- Jaipur National Highway No.12]     3.  The Committee noted the records of a deliberations in a meeting of the NBWL and desired response of the State Government on the issue of silica

sand mining in the area and the justification on such a short distance of the ESZ extent from the boundary of the Protected Area. The representative of the State Government could not justify it and the Committee therefore, decided that the State Government shall submit details of activities being undertaken at present in and around the proposed ESZ boundary and the action plan to address illegal encroachment and activities in the ESZ areas. The Committee also decided that the State Government shall review the extent of ESZ and submit details vis-à-vis a map indicating land-use information and activities being undertaken in the region close to the Protected Area boundary. Based on the deliberations held, the proposal was deferred for want of response of the State Government.   Item No. 3.11: Bhainsrodgarh Wildlife Sanctuary, Rajasthan.   The representative of the State Government(CCF, Wildlife Kota) made a presentation and informed that the draft notification for declaration of ESZ around Bhainsrodgarh Wildlife Sanctuary was first notified on 20th November, 2015. However, the period of validity of this draft lapsed due to non-submission of requisite information / revised proposal by the State Government. The draft was re-notified on 28th January, 2021 based on the revised proposal submitted by the State Government. The salient features of the draft Eco-Sensitive Zone are as follows:   Area of PA                 :           275.45 sq. km Proposed ESZ area:            304.70 sq. km Proposed Extent      :           0 km to 9.6 kms   [Zero extent towards Northern and North-Eastern side is due to presence of Jawahar Sagar Sanctuary and Mukundara National Park (MNP) Kota. The extent of 250 meters of Eco-Sensitive Zone from Rana Pratap Sagar dam to Chuliya Fall is due to river bed and habitations]   3.        It was informed that no comments/objections have been received on the draft notification from the public /stakeholders.   4.         The representative of the State Government informed that this Sanctuary has Mukundra National Park and Jawahar Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary in the North and North East. The Committee observed that the area of Wildlife Sanctuary is 275.46 sq. km while area of Eco-sensitive zone is 304.70 sq.km, which seem to indicate the areas under ESZ being quite large vis-à-vis the area notified as PA.  To this, the State Government representative stated that it is due to inclusion of submerged area of Rana Pratap Sagar Dam in the ESZ.   5. Based on the presentation made and deliberations held, the Committee

recommended finalization of draft notification of Bhainsrodgarh Wildlife Sanctuary.   Item No. 3.12:       Sariska Tiger Reserve (Sariska National Park and Sariska Sanctuary), Rajasthan.   and informed that the draft notification for declaration of ESZ around Sariska Tiger Reserve was published on 4th March, 2021, for seeking public comments. The salient features of the Eco-Sensitive Zone are as follows:   Area of PA                 :           1213.34 sq. km Proposed ESZ area :           207.77 sq. km Proposed ESZ          :           0 to 1.0 km   2.         The Committee was informed that in the North–East direction, the buffer area of Tiger Reserve is more than 1 km and Alwar city exists adjacent to forest boundary line. Therefore, the ESZ extent has been kept as zero in North-East direction. It was also stated that ESZ extent in South-West direction has also been kept as zero owing to large scale demand of the local population residing close by.   3.         The Committee noted that copy of notification for the Protected Area and kml /shape files of the PA and the ESZ boundary have been duly submitted by the State Government. The Committee observed that there are several representations received on the draft notification; however, response of the State Government to these representations have not been submitted to the Ministry by the State Government. The representative of the State Government informed that reply on the comments have been submitted for approval of the Competent Authority in the State Government and will be furnished once the same is obtained.   4               Based on the deliberations held, further consideration of the proposal was deferred for want of response of the State Government on the suggestions/ comments of the stakeholders on draft notification.   Item No. 3.13:           Bor Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra.   and informed that the draft notification for declaration of ESZ around Bor Tiger Reserve was published on 5th February, 2021, for seeking public comments. The salient features of the Eco-Sensitive Zone are as follows:   Area of PA                 :           138.11 sq km Proposed ESZ area :           678.14 sq km Proposed Extent      :           0.5 km to 26.50 kms

  1.         The Committee noted that copy of notification for the Protected Area and kml / shape files of the PA and the ESZ boundary have been duly submitted by the State Government. The Committee however observed that there are representations received on the draft notification but response of the State Government to these representations have not been received. To this the representative of the State Government replied that reply on the comments will be furnished as soon as possible. The Committee also noted that the concurrence of the NTCA is not available, which is ideally desired as the ESZ is proposed around a Tiger Reserve.   3.         Based on the deliberations held, further consideration of the proposal was deferred for want of response of the State Government on the suggestions/ comments of the stakeholders on draft notification and also concurrence of NTCA.   Item No.3.14: Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, Andaman & Nicobar Island   The draft notification for declaration of ESZ around Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park was published on 24th December, 2020, for seeking public comments. The salient features of the Eco-Sensitive Zone are as follows:   Area of PA                 :           281.5 sq.km Proposed ESZ area :           4.05 sq.km Proposed Extent      :           0 to 100 m [Zero extent is on account of where the boundary of the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park coincides with the boundary of the revenue villages and when the boundary passes through the sea water]
  2.         The Committee noted that copy of notification for the Protected Area and kml / shape file of the PA and the ESZ boundary have been duly submitted by the State Government.   3.         This item was taken up a couple of times but could not proceed as there seem to be severe technical issues in the VC system, either with the NIC at Delhi or at A&N server system. The Committee therefore decided that the proposal may be taken up separately in co-ordination with UT administration officials on a convenient date.   Item No.3.15: Balaram Ambaji Wildlife Sanctuary, Gujarat.   and informed that the draft notification for declaration of ESZ around Balaram Ambaji Wildlife Sanctuary was published on 5th January, 2021, for seeking public comments. The salient features of the Eco-Sensitive Zone are as follows:

Area of PA                 : 544.78 sq. km Proposed ESZ area: 282.18 sq. km Proposed Extent      : 0 to 3.519 km [Zero extent of the ESZ is due to interstate border with Rajasthan]   2.         The Committee noted that copy of notification for the Protected Area and kml / shape files of the PA and the ESZ boundary have been duly submitted by the State Government. The Committee however observed that there are representations received on the draft notification; however, response of the State Government to these representations have not been received. The representative of the State Government stated that the response will be furnished within 10 days.   3.        Based on the deliberations held, further consideration of the proposal was deferred for want of response of the State Government on the suggestions/ comments of the stakeholders on draft notification.   Item No.3.16: Surinsar-Mansar Wildlife Sanctuary, Jammu and Kashmir.   and informed that the  draft notification for declaration of ESZ around Surinsar-Mansar Wildlife Sanctuary was first notified on 20th July, 2017. However, its validity lapsed due to non-submission of revised proposal by the State Government. The draft was re-notified on 12th January, 2021 on receipt of revised proposal from the State Government. The salient features of the Eco-Sensitive Zone are as follows: Area of PA                 : 97.82 sq. km Proposed ESZ area: 72.42 sq. km Proposed Extent      : 0 to 3.459 km   [Zero extent of the Eco-sensitive zone is due to contiguous border with Nandani Wildlife Sanctuary on the Western side of the Surinsar-Mansar wildlife sanctuary]   2.         The Committee noted that copy of notification for the Protected Area and kml / shape files of the PA and the ESZ boundary have been duly submitted by the State Government. The Committee was also informed that there were no representations received on the draft notification by the Ministry. The representative of the State Government has however desired that they will place the draft notification in their website for comments of local stakeholders before a final decision is taken.   3.         In view of the above, the Committee decided to defer the proposal for re-consideration at a later stage once the state is ready.

Item No.3.17: Kishtewar High Altitude National Park, Jammu and Kashmir   The representative of the State Government(Regional Wildlife Warden) made a presentation and informed that the  draft notification for declaration of ESZ around Kishtewar National Park was published on 12th January, 2021, for seeking public comments. The salient features of the Eco-Sensitive Zone are as follows:   Area of PA                : 2191.50 sq. km Proposed ESZ area: 547.09 sq. km Proposed Extent    : 507.55 m to 10.106 km   [Zero extent of the Eco-sensitive zone is due to contiguous border with Nandani Wildlife Sanctuary on the Western side of the Surinsar-Mansar wildlife sanctuary]   2.     The Committee noted that copy of notification for the Protected Area and kml / shape files of the PA and the ESZ boundary have been duly submitted by the State Government. It was informed that there are no villages falling within the National Park and proposed Eco- sensitive zone. No comments have also been received on the draft ESZ notification. The State Government representative therefore desired that the draft notification may be finalized in its present form.   3.         Based on the presentation made and deliberations held the Committee recommended for finalization of draft notification of ESZ around Kishtewar High Altitude National Park.   Item No.3.18: Tata Kutti Wildlife Sanctuary, Jammu and Kashmir.   and informed that the draft notification for declaration of ESZ around Tata Kutti Wildlife Sanctuary was published on 28th January, 2021, for seeking public comments. The salient features of the Eco-Sensitive Zone are as follows:   Area of PA                 : 116.70 sq. km Proposed ESZ area: 67.456sq. km Proposed Extent      : 0 to 3.98 km   [zero extent of the Eco-sensitive zone is due to contiguous border with Hirpora Wildlife sanctuary towards the Eastern side and Kulian Conservation Reserve towards North-Western side of the Wildlife Sanctuary]

  1.         The Committee noted that copy of notification for the Protected Area and kml / shape files of the PA and the ESZ boundary have been duly submitted by the State Government. The representative of the State Government has however desired that they will place the draft notification in their website for comments of local stakeholders before a final decision is taken.   3.         In view of the above, the Committee decided to defer the proposal for re-consideration at a later stage once the State is ready.   Item No.3.19: Col. Sherjung National Park, Himachal Pradesh.   and informed that the draft notification for declaration of ESZ around Col. Sherjung National Park was first notified on 9th December, 2015. However, the validity of draft notification expired due to non-submission of requisite information by the State Government. The draft was re- notified on 24th December, 2020 on receipt of revised proposal from the State Government. The salient features of the Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) are as follows:   Area of PA                 :           27.88 sq. km Proposed ESZ area:            31.24sq. km Proposed Extent      :           0 to 8.064km   [Zero extent is due to contiguous border with Kalesar Wildlife Sanctuary and Kalesar National Park]   2.         It was informed thatzero extent of ESZ has been proposed on the South West and South East sides of the Protected Area, due to boundary of Haryana State and is also contiguous to the border of Kalesar Wildlife Sanctuary and Kalesar National Park. The Committee was also informed that no comments/objections were received on the draft notification from the public. The State Government submitted that the draft notification may be finalized without any changes.   3.         Based on the presentation made and deliberations held the Committee recommended for finalization of draft notification of ESZ around Col. Sherjung National Park Himachal Pradesh   Item No. 3.20:           Khokhan Wildlife Sanctuary, Himachal Pradesh.   The representative of the State Government (PCCF) made a presentation and informed that the draft notification for declaration of ESZ around Khokhan Willdife Sanctuary was first notified on 19th February,

  2. However, the validity of draft notification expired due to non- submission of requisite information by the State Government. On receipt of revised proposal from the State Government, the draft was re-notified on 24th December, 2020 for inviting public comments. The salient features of the draft Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) are as follows:   Area of PA                 : 14.94 sq. km Proposed ESZ area: 7.45sq. km Proposed Extent      : 0 to 1.75 km   [Zero extent of is due to contiguous border with Nargu Wildlife Sanctuary on north-western, western and south-western side]   2.     It was informed that no comments/objections have been received on the draft notification from the public.  

  3.         The Committee noted that zero extent of ESZ has been proposed on Western side of the Protected Area. It was clarified by the State Government representatives that the zero extent of ESZ is due to the continuity of the PA with Nargu Wildlife Sanctuary on North-Western, Western and South-Western sides. It was also stated that in the map provided, Mandi Forest Division has been wrongly written and should be read as Nargu Wildlife Sanctuary. The Committee decided that the State Government shall rectify the error on the map and submit a revised map as early as possible.   

  4.         Based on the presentation made and deliberations held the Committee recommended for finalization of draft notification of ESZ around Khokhan Wildlife Sanctuary subject to submission of rectified map.   Item No.3.21:     Shikari Devi Wildlife Sanctuary, Himachal Pradesh.   and informed that the draft notification for declaration of ESZ around Shikari Devi Wildlife Sanctuary was first notified on 24th February, 2016. However, the validity of draft notification expired due to non-submission of requisite information by the State Government. On receipt of revised proposal from the State Government, the draft was re-notified on 12th January,2021, for inviting public comments. The salient features of the draft Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) are as follows:   Area of PA                 :           29.94 sq. km Proposed ESZ area:            19.20sq. km Proposed Extent      :           50 m to 2.0 kms   2.         It was informed that Gram Panchayats of Pakhrot, Kandi, Jahal,

Gudah, Baryogi were involved during the formulation of the proposed ESZ and therefore based on their agreement the minimum extent of 50m has been retained. It was also stated man-animal conflict is not observed in the region and particularly in the proposed ESZ. It was further stated that no comments/objections have been received on the draft notification from the public. The State Government submitted that the draft notification may be finalized without any changes.   3.         Based on the presentation made and deliberations held the Committee recommended for finalization of draft notification of ESZ around Shikari Devi Wildlife Sanctuary   Item No.3.22:      Kais Wildlife Sanctuary, Himachal Pradesh.   and informed that the draft notification for declaration of ESZ around Kais Wildlife Sanctuary was first notified on 19th April, 2016. However, the validity of draft notification expired due to non-submission of requisite information by the State Government. On receipt of revised proposal from the State Government, the draft was re-notified on 5th February, 2021, inviting public comments. The salient features of the draft Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) are as follows:   Area of PA                 : 12.61 sq. km Proposed ESZ area: 24.651 sq. km Proposed Extent      : 50 m to 2.21 km   2.     It was informed that no comments/objections have been received on the draft notification from the public. The representative of the State Government has also stated that Panchayats of Gahar and Karadasu were involved in formulation of the proposed ESZ. The State Government submitted that the draft notification may be finalized without any changes.   3.         Based on the presentation made and deliberations held the Committee recommended for finalization of draft notification of ESZ around Kais Wildlife Sanctuary.   Item No.3.23:    Tundah Wildlife Sanctuary, Himachal Pradesh.   and informed that the draft notification for declaration of ESZ around Tundah Wildlife Sanctuary was first notified on 3rd June, 2016. However, the validity of draft notification expired due to non-submission of requisite information by the State Government.  On receipt of revised proposal from the State Government, the draft was re-notified on 12th March, 2021, inviting public comments. The salient features of the draft Eco- Sensitive Zone (ESZ) are as follows:

Area of PA                 :           64 sq. km Proposed ESZ area:            46.74 sq. km Proposed Extent      :           0 to 1 km   [Zero extent towards Northern and North Eastern side is due to presence of district boundary of Lahul and Spiti exhibiting snow bound mountains with glaciers and inaccessible terrains]   2.         It was informed that since Northern and North Eastern sides of the Protected Area exhibit snow bound mountain with glaciers and inaccessible terrain;therefore, no ESZ is proposed on these sides. It was also informed that copy of the notification for Protected Area and kml/shape files of the PA and the ESZ boundary have been submitted by the State Government.   3.         The Committee observed that there are several representations received against the draft ESZ notification and the response of the State Government to these representations have not been received. The Committee therefore decided that the proposal due may be deferred for reconsideration at a later stage once the response is received from the State Government.   4.         Based on the deliberations held, consideration of the proposal was deferred for the next meeting.    

ANNEXURE   46TH MEETING OF THE EXPERT COMMITTEE ON ESZ HELD ON 25TH JUNE, 2021   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. Dr. Gautam H. Talukdar, Scientist-‘E’, WII, Dehradun.
  6. Dr. G. Maheswaran, Scientist-E, Zoological Survey of India, Kolkata.
  7. Ms. Vishaish Uppal, Director, WWF India.
  8. Shri. Sanjay K. Agarwal, Deputy Director, Forest Survey of India.
  9. Dr. Hitendra Padalia, IIRS/ISRO, Dehradun. 10.Dr. Sanjay Singh, Scientist ‘D’, ICFRE. 11.Ms. Sonali Ghosh, DIG, NTCA. 12.Shri. P. K. Duria, TCPO, Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs.   Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, GOI   13.Shri. W. Bharat Singh, Director (SC-‘F’), MoEF& CC. 14.Dr. Shruti Rai Bhardwaj, Additional Director (Sc-E), MoEF&CC 15.Dr.Veenu Joon, Joint Director (SC-‘D’), MoEF&CC. 16.Shri. Avinash Basker, WL-Division,MoEF&CC. 17.Ms. Seema, WL-Division,MoEF&CC. 18.Dr. Shaikhom Inaotombi Singh (Consultant), ESZ-Division, MoEF&CC. 19.Ms. Ritu Narwaria, (Consultant), ESZ-Division, MoEF&CC.   Officials of Government of Rajasthan   20.Shri. Mohan Lal Meena, PCCF (Wildlife) & Chief Wildlife Warden, Government of Rajasthan. 21.The CCF (Wildlife) Kota, Government of Rajasthan. 22.The Field Director Mukundra, Government of Rajasthan. 23.Shri. RN Meena, Field Director Sariska, Government of Rajasthan. Officials of Government of Mizoram

24.Shri. Pu LiankimaLailung, IFS, CWLW, Government of Mizoram.   Officials of Government of Gujarat   25.The PCCF & CWLW, Government of Gujarat.   Officials of Government of Jammu & Kashmir   26.Dr. Kumar MK, Regional Wildlife Warden, Government of Jammu & Kashmir.   Officials of Government of Madhya Pradesh   27.The PCCF & CWLW, Government of Madhya Pradesh. 28.The CCF Sagar, Government of Madhya Pradesh. 29.Shri Vipin Kumar Patel, DFO, Government of Madhya Pradesh.   Officials of Government of Maharashtra   30.The APCCF Wildlife Nagpur, Government of Maharashtra. 31.Shri. Kalian Kumar, CCF T Nagpur, Government of Maharashtra. 32.Shri. Joy Thakur, Officials of Government of Andaman & Nicobar Islands   33.Shri. D. M. Shukla, PCCF & CWLW, Government of Andaman & Nicobar Islands.   Officials of Government of Kerala   34.The PCCF (Wildlife) & Chief Wildlife Warden, Government of Kerala. 35.The Wildlife Warden Munnar, Government of Kerala. 36.The Deputy Director (Prambikulam), Government of Kerala. 37.The DCF & Wildlife Warden, Wayanad, Government of Kerala.   Officials of Government of Andhra Pradesh   38.Shri N. Prateep Kumar, IFS, PCCF &HoFF, Government of Andhra Pradesh. 39.Sri PV. Chalapathi Rao, IFS., Special Secretary to Govt., EFS & T Dept., Government of Andhra Pradesh. 40.Sri Rahul Pandey, IFS., CCF (WL) O/o PCCF, Guntur, Government of Andhra Pradesh. 41.Sri N. Nageswararao, IFS., CCF, Rajahmundry Circle, Government of

Andhra Pradesh. 42.Sri C. Selvam, IFS., DFO, WLM Rajahmundry/ PA Manager of Coringa WLS, Government of Andhra Pradesh.   Officials of Government of Himachal Pradesh   43.Ms. Archana Sharma, PCCF (WL), Government of Himachal Pradesh. 44.Shri. Anil Thakur, CCF, Government of Himachal Pradesh. 45.The Divisional Forest Officer(WL), Chamba, Government of Himachal Pradesh. 46.The Divisional Forest Officer(WL), Kullu, Government of Himachal Pradesh.   Officials of Government of Uttarakhand   47.Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (wildlife)/Chief Wildlife Warden, Government of Uttarakhand. 48.The Divisional Forest Officer(WL), Pithoragarh, Government of Uttarakhand. 49.The Divisional Forest Officer(WL), East Godavari, Government of Uttarakhand. 50.The CCF, Kumaon, Government of Uttarakhand. 51.The DFO-Civil & Soyam, Government of Uttarakhand.    

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