Final Notification Declaring Eco Sensitive Zone S.O. No.4498(E) around Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, Tamil Nadu

EXTRAORDINARY PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY No. 4039] NEW DELHI, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2019/AGRAHAYANA 26, 1941 MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE NOTIFICATION New Delhi, the 13th December, 2019 S.O. 4498(E).— WHEREAS, a draft notification was published in the Gazette of India, Extraordinary, vide notification of the Government of India in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change number S.O. 3169 (E) dated the 29 th June, 2018, inviting objections and suggestions from all persons likely to be affected thereby within the period of sixty days from the date on which copies of the Gazette containing the said notification were made available to the public; WHEREAS, copies of the Gazette containing the said draft notification were made available to the public on the 29th June, 2018; AND WHEREAS, no objections and suggestions were received from persons and stakeholders in response to the draft notification; AND WHEREAS, Mudumalai Tiger Reserve comprising of the entire area of Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park lies between Latitude 11.50000 and 11.65000 N Longitude 76.45000 and 76.71670 E in the Nilgiris District of Tamil Nadu and extends over an area of 321.00 square kilometers. This is one of the protected areas brought under Project Tiger during 2007. Presently, the entire area (321.00 sq km) of Tiger Reserve has been declared as Core/Critical Tiger Habitat notified vide No:145, Environment and Forest (FR-5) Department, dated: 28 th December, 2007 as per section 38-V of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. The Reserve has 321.00 square kilometres as Core or Critical Tiger Habitat and 367.586 square kilometres as Buffer area. The total area of Reserve along with the Buffer area is 688.586 square kilometres; AND WHEAREAS, Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (Core) is not only a critical part of the 5500 square kilometers of the Nilgiris Biosphere Reserve but also forms an integral part of the Nilgiris Elephant Reserve under the Project Elephant. The area has very rich Faunal and Floral diversity. Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (Core) is situated at the tri-junction of three States namely, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala, juxtaposed with contiguous forests all around; AND WHEAREAS, It supports an area good for breeding of tigers and also acts as a good corridor for elephants from Western Ghats to Eastern Ghats and vice versa. This area forms a part of the designated elephant corridor which connects Moyar and Sathyamangalam. This area is also a part of Western Ghats which is a global bio-diversity hotspot renowned for their flora and fauna and for the phenomenon of endemism; AND WHEAREAS, the area supports an ecologically sustainable habitat in Western Ghats landscape for about 60-65 Tigers, 600 to 800 Asian Elephants and Gaurs apart from other animals of significance. This Reserve harbours 227 species of Bird 50 species of Fishes, 21 species of Amphibians, 34 species of Reptiles. Three Primate Species are found here. This Reserve has an endemic fish species namely, Puntius mudumalaiensis. Wild colonies of White Backed Vultures are found in the reserve; AND WHEAREAS, the area is an important and unique habitat and is an important in-situ conservation site of all flora and fauna in their eco-system to maintain genetic purity of population. It has a mosaic of habitat types. It has dry thorn forest in the eastern part with the vegetation type gradually changing from dry thorn forest to dry deciduous, moist deciduous and a patch of semi evergreen forests at the western part of the reserve. These forests are classified into following groups (Champion and Seth 1968) viz. 6A - Southern Tropical dry thorn forest, 5A - Southern Tropical dry deciduous forest, 3B - Southern Tropical moist deciduous forest, 2A - Southern Tropical semi evergreen forests, Moist bamboo brakes and 4E - Riparian fringing forest occurrence of wild varieties of cultivable plants. Presence of swamps or vayals, are characteristic features of unique biodiversity of Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (Core); AND WHEAREAS, vegetation comprises of Grewia tiliifolia, Anogeissus latifolia, Terminalia crenulata, Tilia tomentosa, Kediya calycina, Shorea roxburghii, Tectona grandis, Lagerstromia microcarpa, Butea monosperma, orchids, Amorphophallus, Zingiber, Curcuma etc., climbers like Toddalia asiatica, Gnetum ula, Entada scandens, Bambusa arundinacea, Dendrocalamus strictus, Mangifera indica, etc. Bamboos are also found in sparse in the central and western part of the Reserve. Lantana bushes often cover large area of the reserve run over almost all habitats as under growth invaded by several exotic plant species such as Lantana camara, Eupotorium odoratum, Ageratum congzoides, Titonia, Parthenium hysterophorus and Mikania micrantha; AND WHEAREAS, this protected area is the catchment of important perennial water sources such as Moyar River, which traverses along the Northern and Eastern boundaries of the Reserve and Maravakandi dam which is located right in the centre of the Masinagudi range. Averallah River and Moyar Flume channel apart from artificial perennial water source like Game hut, Ombetta and Methagal Vayal etc. are fed by the Reserve catchment; AND WHEAREAS, Mudumalai Tiger Reserve has a good diversity of flora as found in Western Ghats and being a good habitat for wildlife. The major species are Rusty mimosa (Accacia pennata), Axle Wood (Anogeissus latifolia), Burmese Silk Orchid (Bauhinia racemosa), Indian Olibanum (Boswellia serrata), Oppai (Canthium dicoccum), Indian Laburnum (Cassia fistula), Satin Wood (Chloroxylon swietenia), Indian Rose Wood (Dalbergia latifolia), Mountain persimmon (Diospyros montana), Bastard Sandal (Erythroxylum monogynum), Benyan tree (Ficus benghalensis), Dhaman (Grewia tiliifolia), Nandi Tree (Lagerstroemia lanceolata), Pongam Tree (Pongamia pinnata), Kadamba (Mitragyna parvifolia), Edala (Olea dioica) etc.; AND WHEAREAS, the Reserve has variety of birds, fishes and butterflies. Examples of birds present in the sanctuary are White-rumped Vultur Vulture (Gyps bengalensis), Long-billed Vulture (Gyps indicus), Indian peafowl (Pavo cristatus), Crested Serpent Eagle (Spilornis cheela), White-throated Kingfisher (Halcyon smyrnensis), etc; example of butterflies are Blue Mormon (Papilio polymnestor), Common Emigrant (Catopsilia crocale), Common Grass Yellow (Eurema hecabe), Common Bushbrown (Mycalesis perseus) etc; example of fishes are Indian Long-fin Eel (Anguilla bengalensis), Common carp (Ciprinus caprio), Tiger barb (Puntius tetrazona), Hill trout (Barillius bendelisis) etc.; AND WHEAREAS, the Reserve has many species of reptiles and amphibians. Examples of reptiles are Marsh Crocodile (Crocodylus palustris), Indian Star Tortoise (Geochelone elegans), Indian Black Turtle (Melanochelys trijuga), Indian Flapshell Turtle (Lissemys puntata), Indian Chameleon (Chamaeleon zeylonicus) etc; example of amphibians are Common Indian Toad (Duttaphrynus melanosticus), Common Indian tree frog (Polypedates maculates), Indian Skipper Frog (Euphlyctis cyanophlytis), Indian Bull Frog (Hoplobatrachus tigrinus), etc.; AND WHEAREAS, the Reserve has recorded many rare, endangered, threatened and endemic species. The rare species present in the Reserve are Cimai-velve (Acacia ferruginea), Etti (Dalbergia latifolia), Indian Star Tortoise (Geochelone elegans), King Cobra (Ophiophagus Hannah), Indian Rock Python (Python molurus), Nilgiri Wood Pigeon (Columba elphinstonii), etc; examples of endangered species are Aanai kuru (Persea macrantha), Pazhamkaachi (Prunus ceylanica), Kungiliyam (Shorea roxburghii), Hoarypea (Tephrosia angustissima), Vellai kundurukkam (Vateria indica) etc; examples of threatened species are Bi-Coloured Frog (Clinotarsus curtipes), Indian Black Turtle (Melanochelys trijuga), Red Sand Boa (Eryx johnii), Pallid Harrier (Circus macrourus), Darter (Anhinga melanogaster), Malabar Pied Hornbill (Anthracoceros coronatus) etc; examples of endemic species are Malavirinji (Actinodaphne malabarica), Mootapalam (Baccaurea courtallensis), Kattukaruvappattai (Cinnamomum malabatrum), Kattukaruvappattai (Cinnamomum malabatrum), Chembilaa (Cinnamomum wightii), Naagakesharam (Cinnamomum wightii), etc.; AND WHEAREAS, the Eco-sensitive Zone in the South-Western boundary of the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (Core) falling in Gudalur taluk having general demographic features such as mixed habitations that are fully developed with Plantation crops, Horticulture crops, dwellings, etc. Whereas, the Eco-sensitive Zone area along North Eastern region falling in and around Masinagudi village and within the outer boundary of buffer zone of MTR-core. The major source of the economy of the people is mainly depending on agriculture, tourism and animal husbandry apart of major industry like PUSHEP project at Singara and Hydro Electric Project at Moyar. The local tribal people engaged in various activities are encouraged by this Department to forms on conservation measures and improvement of their livelihood ; AND WHEREAS, it is necessary to conserve and protect the area, the extent and boundaries of Mudumalai Tiger Reserve which are specified in paragraph 1 as Eco-sensitive Zone from ecological, environmental and biodiversity point of view and to prohibit industries or class of industries and their operations and processes in the said Eco-sensitive Zone; NOW THEREFORE, in exercise of the power conferred by sub-section(1) and clauses (v) and (xiv) of sub-section (2) and sub-section (3) of section 3 of the Environment (Protection) Act 1986 (29 of 1986) (in this notification hereinafter in this notification referred to as the Environment Act) read with sub-rule (3) of rule 5 of the Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986, the Central Government hereby notifies an area with an extent varying from zero to 33.65 kilometres around the boundary of Mudumalai Tiger Reserve in the State of Tamil Nadu as the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve Eco-sensitive Zone (herein after referred to as the Eco-sensitive Zone) details of which are as under, namely:- 1. Extent and boundaries of Eco-sensitive Zone. - (1) The extent of Eco-sensitive Zone varies from zero (zero extent is toward the border of Kerala) to 33.65 kilometers around the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve. The total area of the Eco- Sensitive zone is 438.904 square kilometers consisting of Gudalur Forest Division (25.657 Sq Km), Nilgiris North Forest Division (409.825 Sq Km) and core zone (3.422 Sq Km). (2) The boundary description of the Eco Sensitive Zone is appended as Annexure I. (3) The map of the Protected Area demarcating the Eco-sensitive Zone boundary is at Annexure IIA-F. (4) List of geo co-ordinates of the boundary of the Protected Area and the Eco-Sensitive Zone is at Table -A and Table- B of Annexure III respectively. (5) The list of villages falling within the Eco-sensitive Zone along with their geo co-ordinates at prominent points is appended as Annexure IV. 2. Zonal Master Plan for Eco-sensitive Zone.- (1) The State Government shall, for the purposes of the Eco-sensitive Zone prepare a Zonal Master Plan within a period of two years from the date of publication of this notification in the Official Gazette, in consultation with local people and adhering to the stipulations given in this notification for approval of the Competent authority of State. (2) The Zonal Master Plan for the Eco-sensitive Zone shall be prepared by the State Government in such manner as is specified in this notification and also in consonance with the relevant Central and State laws and the guidelines issued by the Central Government, if any. (3) The Zonal Master Plan shall be prepared in consultation with the following Departments of the State Government, for integrating the ecological and environmental considerations into the said plan, namely:- (i) Environment; (ii) Forest and Wildlife; (iii) Agriculture; (iv) Revenue; (vi) Tourism; (vii) Rural Development; (viii) Irrigation and Flood Control; (ix) Municipal; (x) Panchayati Raj, and (xi) Public Works Department. (4) The Zonal Master Plan shall not impose any restriction on the approved existing land use, infrastructure and activities, unless so specified in this notification and the Zonal Master Plan shall factor in improvement of all infrastructure and activities to be more efficient and eco-friendly. (5) The Zonal Master Plan shall provide for restoration of denuded areas, conservation of existing water bodies, management of catchment areas, watershed management, groundwater management, soil and moisture conservation, needs of local community and such other aspects of the ecology and environment that need attention. (6) The Zonal Master Plan shall demarcate all the existing worshipping places, villages and urban settlements, types and kinds of forests, agricultural areas, fertile lands, green area such as, parks and like places, horticultural areas, orchards, lakes and other water bodies with supporting maps giving details of existing and proposed land use features. (7) The Zonal Master Plan shall regulate development in Eco-sensitive Zone and adhere to prohibited and regulated activities listed in the Table in paragraph 4 and also ensure and promote eco-friendly development for security of local communities’ livelihood. (8) The Zonal Master Plan shall be co-terminus with the Regional Development Plan. (9) The Zonal Master Plan so approved shall be the reference document for the Monitoring Committee for carrying out its functions of monitoring in accordance with the provisions of this notification. 3. Measures to be taken by the State Government. - The State Government shall take the following measures for giving effect to the provisions of this notification, namely:- (1) Land use.– (a) Forests, horticulture areas, agricultural areas, parks and open spaces earmarked for recreational purposes in the Eco-sensitive Zone shall not be used or converted into areas for commercial or residential or industrial activities: Provided that the conversion of agricultural and other lands, for the purpose other than that specified at part (a) above, within the Eco-sensitive Zone may be permitted on the recommendation of the Monitoring Committee, and with the prior approval of the competent authority under Regional Town Planning Act and other rules and regulations of Central Government or State Government as applicable and vide provisions of this Notification, to meet the residential needs of the local residents and for activities such as:- (i) widening and strengthening of existing roads and construction of new roads; (ii) construction and renovation of infrastructure and civic amenities; (iii) small scale industries not causing pollution; (iv) cottage industries including village industries; convenience stores and local amenities supporting eco- tourism including home stay; and (v) promoted activities given under paragraph 4: Provided further that no use of tribal land shall be permitted for commercial and industrial development activities without the prior approval of the competent authority under Regional Town Planning Act and other rules and regulations of the State Government and without compliance of the provisions of Article 244 of the Constitution or the law for the time being in force, including the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 (2 of 2007): Provided also that any error appearing in the land records within the Eco-sensitive Zone shall be corrected by the State Government, after obtaining the views of Monitoring Committee, once in each case and the correction of said error shall be intimated to the Central Government in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change: Provided also that the correction of error shall not include change of land use in any case except as provided under this sub-paragraph. (b) Efforts shall be made to reforest the unused or unproductive agricultural areas with afforestation and habitat restoration activities. (2) Natural water bodies.-The catchment areas of all natural springs shall be identified and plans for their conservation and rejuvenation shall be incorporated in the Zonal Master Plan and the guidelines shall be drawn up by the State Government in such a manner as to prohibit development activities at or near these areas which are detrimental to such areas. (3) Tourism or Eco-tourism.- (a) All new eco-tourism activities or expansion of existing tourism activities within the Eco-sensitive Zone shall be as per the Tourism Master Plan for the Eco-sensitive Zone. (b) The Eco-Tourism Master Plan shall be prepared by the State Department of Tourism in consultation with State Departments of Environment and Forests. (c) The Tourism Master Plan shall form a component of the Zonal Master Plan. (d) The Tourism Master Plan shall be drawn based on the study of carrying capacity of the Eco-Sensitive Zone; (e) The activities of eco-tourism shall be regulated as under, namely:- (i) new construction of hotels and resorts shall not be allowed within one kilometre from the boundary of the Wildlife Sanctuary or upto the extent of the Eco-Sensitive Zone whichever is nearer: Provided that beyond the distance of one kilometre from the boundary of the Wildlife Sanctuary till the extent of the Eco-Sensitive Zone, the establishment of new hotels and resorts shall be allowed only in pre-defined and designated areas for eco-tourism facilities as per Tourism Master Plan; (ii) all new tourism activities or expansion of existing tourism activities within the Eco-Sensitive Zone shall be in accordance with the guidelines issued by the Central Government in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the eco-tourism guidelines issued by National Tiger Conservation Authority (as amended from time to time) with emphasis on eco-tourism, eco-education and eco-development and based on the study of carrying capacity of the Eco-Sensitive Zone; (iii) until the Zonal Master Plan is approved, development for tourism and expansion of existing tourism activities shall be permitted by the concerned regulatory authorities based on the actual site specific scrutiny and recommendation of the Monitoring Committee and no new hotel, resort or commercial establishment construction shall be permitted within Eco-sensitive Zone area. (4) Natural heritage.- All sites of valuable natural heritage in the Eco-sensitive Zone, such as the gene pool reserve areas, rock formations, waterfalls, springs, gorges, groves, caves, points, walks, rides, cliffs, etc. shall be identified and a heritage conservation plan shall be drawn up for their preservation and conservation as a part of the Zonal Master Plan. (5) Man-made heritage sites.- Buildings, structures, artefacts, areas and precincts of historical, architectural, aesthetic, and cultural significance shall be identified in the Eco-sensitive Zone and heritage conservation plan for their conservation shall be prepared as part of the Zonal Master Plan. (6) Noise pollution. - Prevention and control of noise pollution in the Eco-sensitive Zone shall be complied with the provisions of the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000 under the Environment Act. (7) Air pollution.- Prevention and control of air pollution in the Eco-sensitive Zone shall be carried out in accordance with the provisions of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 (14 of 1981) and the rules made thereunder. (8) Discharge of effluents.- Discharge of treated effluent in Eco-sensitive Zone shall be in accordance with the provisions of the General Standards for Discharge of Environmental Pollutants covered under the Environment Act and the rules made thereunder or standards stipulated by State Government whichever is more stringent. (9) Solid wastes.- Disposal and Management of solid wastes shall be as under:- (i) the solid waste disposal and management in the Eco-sensitive Zone shall be carried out in accordance with the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, published by the Government of India in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change vide notification number S.O. 1357 (E), dated the 8 th April, 2016; the inorganic material may be disposed in an environmentally acceptable manner at site identified outside the Eco-sensitive Zone. (ii) Safe and Environmentally Sound Management (ESM) of Solid wastes in conformity with the existing rules and regulations using identified technologies may be allowed within Eco-sensitive Zone. (10) Bio-Medical Waste.– Bio Medical Waste Management shall be as under:- (i) the Bio-Medical Waste disposal in the Eco-sensitive Zone shall be carried out in accordance with the Bio- Medical Waste Management, Rules, 2016 published by the Government of India in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change vide notification number G.S.R 343 (E), dated the 28 th March, (ii) safe and Environmentally Sound Management of Bio-Medical Wastes in conformity with the existing rules and regulations using identified technologies may be allowed within the Eco-sensitive Zone. (11) Plastic waste management.- The plastic waste management in the Eco-sensitive Zone shall be carried out as per the provisions of the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, published by the Government of India in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change vide notification number G.S.R. 340(E), dated the 18 th March, 2016, as amended from time to time. (12) Construction and demolition waste management.- The construction and demolition waste management in the Eco-sensitive Zone shall be carried out as per the provisions of the Construction and Demolition Waste Management Rules, 2016 published by the Government of India in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change vide notification number G.S.R. 317(E), dated the 29 th March, 2016, as amended from time to time. (13) E-waste.- The e - waste management in the Eco-sensitive Zone shall be carried out as per the provisions of the E-Waste Management Rules, 2016, published by the Government of India in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, as amended from time to time. (14) Vehicular traffic.– The vehicular movement of traffic shall be regulated in a habitat friendly manner and specific provisions in this regard shall be incorporated in the Zonal Master Plan and till such time as the Zonal Master plan is prepared and approved by the Competent Authority in the State Government, the Monitoring Committee shall monitor compliance of vehicular movement under the relevant Acts and the rules and regulations made thereunder. (15) Vehicular pollution.- Prevention and control of vehicular pollution shall be in-compliance with applicable laws and efforts shall be made for use of cleaner fuels. (16) Industrial units.– (i) On or after the publication of this notification in the Official Gazette, no new polluting industries shall be permitted to be set up within the Eco-sensitive Zone. (ii) Only non-polluting industries shall be allowed within Eco-sensitive Zone as per the classification of Industries in the guidelines issued by the Central Pollution Control Board in February, 2016, unless so specified in this notification, and in addition, the non-polluting cottage industries shall be promoted. (17) Protection of hill slopes.- The protection of hill slopes shall be as under:- (a) the Zonal Master Plan shall indicate areas on hill slopes where no construction shall be permitted; (b) Construction on existing steep hill slopes or slopes with a high degree of erosion shall not be permitted. 4. List of activities prohibited or to be regulated within Eco-sensitive Zone.- All activities in the Eco sensitive Zone shall be governed by the provisions of the Environment Act and the rules made there under including the Coastal Regulation Zone Notification, 2011 and the Environmental Impact Assessment Notification, 2006 and other applicable laws including the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 (69 of 1980), the Indian Forest Act, 1927 (16 of 1927), the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972 (53 of 1972), and amendments made thereto and be regulated in the manner specified in the Table below, namely:- TABLE S. No. Activity Description A. Prohibited Activities 1. Commercial mining, stone quarrying and crushing units. (a) All new and existing (minor and major minerals), stone quarrying and crushing units are prohibited with immediate effect except for meeting the domestic needs of bona fide local residents including digging of earth for construction or repair of houses and for manufacture of country tiles or bricks for housing and for other activities. (b) The mining operations shall be carried out in accordance with the order of the Hon’ble Supreme Court dated 4 th August, 2006 in the matter of T.N. Godavarman Thirumalpad vs. UOI in W.P. (C) No. 202 of 1995 and dated 21 st April, 2014 in the matter of Goa Foundation vs. UOI in W.P. (C) No. 435 of 2012. 2. Setting of industries causing pollution (Water, Air, Soil, Noise, etc) New industries and expansion of existing polluting industries in the Eco-sensitive zone shall not be permitted. Provided that non-polluting industries shall be allowed within Eco- sensitive Zone as per classification of Industries in the guidelines issued by the Central Pollution Control Board in February 2016, unless so specified in this notification and in addition the non-polluting cottage industries shall be promoted. 3. Establishment of major hydroelectric project Prohibited (except as otherwise provided) as per the applicable laws. 4. Use or production or processing of any hazardous substances Prohibited (except as otherwise provided) as per the applicable laws. 5. Discharge of untreated effluents in natural water bodies or land area Prohibited (except as otherwise provided) as per the applicable laws. 6. Setting of new saw mills New or expansion of existing saw mills shall not be permitted within the Eco-sensitive Zone. 7. Setting up of brick kilns Prohibited (except as otherwise provided) as per the applicable laws. 8. Commercial establishment of hotels and resorts. No new commercial hotels and resorts shall be permitted within one kilometre of the boundary of the Protected Area or up to the extent of Eco-sensitive Zone, whichever is nearer, except for small temporary structures for Eco-tourism activities: Provided that, beyond one kilometre from the boundary of the protected Area or up to the extent of Eco-sensitive Zone whichever is nearer, all new tourist activities or expansion of existing activities shall be in conformity with the Tourism Master Plan and guidelines as applicable. 9. Construction activities (a) New commercial construction of any kind shall not be permitted within one kilometer from the boundary of the Protected Area or upto extent of the Eco-sensitive Zone, whichever is nearer: Provided that local people shall be permitted to undertake construction in their land for their use including the activities mentioned in sub-paragraph (1) of paragraph 3 as per building bye-laws to meet the residential needs of the local residents. Provided further that the construction activity related to small scale industries not causing pollution shall be regulated and kept at the minimum, with the prior permission from the competent authority as per applicable rules and regulations, if any. (b) Beyond one kilometre it shall be regulated as per the Zonal Master Plan. 10. Small scale non polluting industries Non polluting industries as per classification of industries issued by the Central Pollution Control Board in February, 2016 and non- hazardous, small-scale and service industry, agriculture, floriculture, horticulture or agro-based industry producing products from indigenous materials from the Eco-sensitive Zone shall be permitted by the competent authority. 11. Felling of Trees (a) There shall be no felling of trees in the forest or Government or revenue or private lands without prior permission of the competent authority in the State Government. (b) The felling of trees shall be regulated in accordance with the provisions of the concerned Central or State Act and the rules made there under. 12. Establishment of large scale commercial live stock and poultry farms by firms, corporate, companies Regulated under applicable laws. 13. Collection of Forest produce or Non- Timber Forest Produce. Regulated under applicable laws. 14. Erection of electrical and communication towers and laying of cables and other infrastructures Regulated under applicable laws. Underground cabling may be promoted. 15. Infrastructure including civic amenities Taking measures of mitigation, as per applicable laws, rules and regulation and available guidelines. 16. Widening and strengthening of existing roads and construction of new roads Taking measures of mitigation, as per applicable laws, rules and regulation and available guidelines. 17. Undertaking other activities related to tourism like over flying the Eco- sensitive Zone area by hot air balloon, helicopter, drones, Microlites, etc Regulated as per applicable laws in force. 18. Protection of hill slopes and river banks Regulated as per the applicable law. 19. Movement of vehicular traffic at night. Regulated for commercial purpose under applicable laws in force. 20. Ongoing agriculture and horticulture practices by local communities along with dairies, dairy farming, aquaculture and fisheries Permitted as per the applicable laws for use of locals. 21. Discharge of treated waste water/effluents in natural water bodies or land area. The discharge of treated waste water/effluents shall be avoided to enter into the water bodies and efforts to be made for recycling and reuse of treated waste water. Otherwise the discharge of treated waste water or effluent shall be regulated as per the applicable laws. 22. Commercial extraction of surface and ground water. Regulated under applicable law. 23. Open Well, Bore Well etc. for agriculture or other usage Regulated and the activity should be strictly monitored by the appropriate authority. 24. Solid Waste Management Regulated as per the applicable laws 25. Introduction of Exotic species Regulated as per the applicable laws. 26. Eco-tourism Regulated as per the applicable laws. 27. Use of polythene bags. Regulated as per the applicable laws. 28. Commercial sign boards and hoardings Regulated as per the applicable laws. 29. Rain water harvesting Shall be actively promoted. 30. Organic farming Shall be actively promoted. 31. Adoption of green technology for all activities Shall be actively promoted. 32. Cottage industries including village artisans, etc. Shall be actively promoted. 33. Use of renewable energy and fuels Bio-gas, solar light etc. to be actively promoted. 34. Agro-Forestry Shall be actively promoted. 35. Use of eco-friendly transport Shall be actively promoted. 36. Skill Development Shall be actively promoted. 37. Restoration of Degraded Shall be actively promoted. 38. Environmental awareness Shall be actively promoted. 5. Monitoring Committee for Monitoring the Eco-Sensitive Zone Notification:- For effective monitoring of the provisions of this notification under sub-section (3) of section 3 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, the Central Government hereby constitutes a Monitoring Committee, comprising of the following, namely:- 6. Terms of reference. – (1) The Monitoring Committee shall monitor the compliance of the provisions of this notification. (2) The tenure of the Monitoring committee shall be for three years or till the re-constitution of the new Committee by the State Government and subsequently the Monitoring Committee shall be constituted by the State Government. (3) The activities that are covered in the Schedule to the notification of the Government of India in the erstwhile Ministry of Environment and Forests number S.O. 1533 (E), dated the 14 th September, 2006, and are falling in the Eco-sensitive Zone, except for the prohibited activities as specified in the Table under paragraph 4 thereof, shall be scrutinised by the Monitoring Committee based on the actual site-specific conditions and referred to the Central Government in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change for prior environmental clearances under the provisions of the said notification. (4) The activities that are not covered in the Schedule to the notification of the Government of India in the erstwhile Ministry of Environment and Forests number S.O. 1533 (E), dated the 14 th September, 2006 and are falling in the Eco-sensitive Zone, except for the prohibited activities as specified in the Table under paragraph 4 thereof, shall be scrutinised by the Monitoring Committee based on the actual site-specific conditions and referred to the concerned regulatory authorities. (5) The Member-Secretary of the Monitoring Committee or the concerned Deputy Commissioner(s) shall be competent to file complaints under section 19 of the Environment Act, Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 against any person who contravenes the provisions of this notification. (6) The Monitoring Committee may invite representatives or experts from concerned Departments, representatives from industry associations or concerned stakeholders to assist in its deliberations depending on the requirements on issue to issue basis. (7) The Monitoring Committee shall submit the annual action taken report of its activities as on the 31 st March of every year by the 30 th June of that year to the Chief Wildlife Warden in the State as per proforma appended as Annexure V. S N Constituent of the Monitoring Committee Designation 1. Collector of Nilgirs, Udhagamandalam Chairman; 2. A representative of Non-government Organisation working in the field of wildlife conservation to be nominated by State Government Member; 3. An expert in Biodiversity nominated by the State Government Member; 4. An expert in Ecology and Environment to be nominated by the State Government Member; 5. A representative from State Public Works Department Member; 6. A representative from State Pollution Control Board Member; 7. Deputy Director, Mudumalai Tiger Reserve Member-Secretary. (8) The Central Government in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change may give such directions, as it deems fit, to the Monitoring Committee for effective discharge of its functions. 7. The Central Government and State Government may specify additional measures, if any, for giving effect to provisions of this notification. 8. The provisions of this notification shall be subject to the orders, if any passed or to be passed by the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India or High Court or the National Green Tribunal. ANNEXURE- I BOUNDARY DESCRIPTION OF ECO-SENSITIVE ZONE OF THE PROTECTED North The Northern boundary of the Reserve commence from tri-junction and runs easterly direction up to the point joining Moyar river and Segur river is surrounded by the interstate boundaries of Karnataka and abutting protected area of Bandipur Tiger Reserve. Therefore no proposal is being made for the Eco-sensitive zone on that front. North-East The North-east boundary is continuing from above point and runs along Moyar river being the border of Nilgiris North Division, Ooty and Bandipur Tiger Reserve (Part) and further continuous bordering Nilgiris North Division, Ooty and Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve and the said boundary also form the buffer zone of Mudumalai Tiger Reserve. East The Eastern boundary continuous from the above point and runs along Moyar river thence deviates along southern side and runs along the Nilgiris Eastern Slope Range boundary and runs up to Kodanadu and the said boundary also form the buffer zone of Mudumalai Tiger Reserve. South-East The boundary further continueus from the above point near Kodanad and runs along the boundary of buffer zone to reach the junction of Nilgiris Eastern Slope Range and Segur Range and thence runs along Segur Range boundary and then reaches at the junction of Segur and Singara Range boundary near Kookal and the said boundary also form the buffer zone of MTR. South The boundary again continuing from the junction of Segur and Singara Range boundary near Kookal and runs towards westerly direction along the Singara Range boundary which is also being the buffer zone boundary to reach near Leighwood Estate and further continuous along to reach near Thorapalli, the end point of buffer zone. South-West This boundary commence from the above point and runs towards western direction crossing natural boundaries such as streams, roads, pathways and nullahs etc. West This boundary commences from the above point and runs towards north westerly direction and reaches at Kerala border near Velleri and thence the boundary deviates along eastern direction to end near check post at Patta vayal merging core zone of MTR. North-West The zero radius zone along North-West boundary of the Reserve starts from western corner and runs towards north easterly direction, is surrounded by the interstate boundaries of Kerala abutting protected area of Waynaad Wildlife Sanctuary. Therefore no proposal is being made for the Eco- sensitive Zone on that front. ANNEXURE- IIA GOOGLE MAP OF ECO-SENSITIVE ZONE OF MUDUMALAI TIGER RESERVE ANNEXURE- IIB GOOGLE MAP OF ECO-SENSITIVE ZONE OF MUDUMALAI TIGER RESERVE ANNEXURE- IIC MAP OF ECO-SENSITIVE ZONE OF MUDUMALAI TIGER RESERVE ON SURVEY OF INDIA (SOI) TOPOSHEET ANNEXURE- IID LANDUSE MAP OF ECO-SENSITIVE ZONE OF MUDUMALAI TIGER RESERVE ALONG WITH 10 KM BUFFER ANNEXURE- IIE MAP OF ECO-SENSITIVE ZONE OF MUDUMALAI TIGER RESERVE ALONG WITH LATITUDE AND LONGITUDE OF PROMINENT LOCATIONS ANNEXURE-IIF MAP OF ECO-SENSITIVE ZONE OF MUDUMALAI TIGER RESERVE ANNEXURE-III TABLE A: Latitude-Longitude of Prominent Locations of Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, Tamil Nadu S. No. Identification of Prominent points Location / Direction of Prominent Points S. No. Identification of Prominent points Location / Direction of Prominent Points 42. 42. Near by elephant board N11°32'55.75704" E76°39'59.55156" S. No. Identification of Prominent points Location / Direction of Prominent Points TABLE B: Latitude-Longitude of Prominent Locations of Eco-Sensitive Zone S. No. Identification of Prominent points Location / Direction of Prominent Points ANNEXURE-IV LIST OF VILLAGE AREA COMING UNDER ECO-SENSITIVE ZONE OF MUDUMALAI TIGER RESERVE ALONG WITH GEO-COORDINATES S. No. Village Name Type of village Tehsil/ Taluka Villages falling Gudalur Forest Division Revenue village Pandalur Taluk The Nilgiris 2. Chembapalli 11°34'58.7568" 76°21'42.0552" 3. Cherunkunnu 11°34'50.1888" 76°21'49.9572" 4. Palapalli (part) 11°34'40.5768" 76°21'44.3736" 5. Bitherkadu Tea Estate Nelliyalam – II Revenue village Pandalur Taluk 6. Palapalli (part) 11°34'53.0184" 76°22'50.3652" 7. Kimson coffe estate 11°34'10.0416" 76°23'3.642" S. No. Village Name Type of village Tehsil/ Taluka 8. Muthirakolli 11°34'12.8676" 76°23'48.8508" 9. Velangur 11°33'49.6872" 76°24'36.5616" Revenue village Gudalur Taluk 11. Vadavayal 11°33'2.9448" 76°30'17.8344" 12. Bospara (part) Cherumulli – I Revenue village 13. Killur 11°32'37.6872" 76°30'8.9856" 14. Kurumbarbetta 11°32'30.768" 76°30'1.8756" 15. Mayfield (part) 11°33'36.3024" 76°25'47.1648" 16. Avandale Tea estate 11°33'34.4196" 76°25'20.2296" 17. Parankolli Sri Madhurai Revenue village 18. Melambalam 11°32'45.1536" 76°30'30.5136" 19. Manvayal 11°33'45.7272" 76°29'40.5636" 20. Achankolli 11°33'53.9496" 76°29'28.0392" 21. Kalikunnu 11°33'37.5336" 76°29'34.3248" 22. Devasamvayal 11°32'15.1296" 76°30'22.3416" 23. Odakolli 11°33'45.5904" 76°29'55.7556" 24. Karangamoola 11°34'5.016" 76°29'29.166" 25. Kunil Gudalur Revenue village 26. Thorapalli 11°31'59.286" 76°31'32.2968" 27. Girkmoyar 11°31'20.028" 76°31'19.2324" 28. Ambra 11°31'44.6664" 76°31'48.2232" Villages falling in Nilgiri North Division 29. Naidu estate Masinagudi Revenue village Udhagai Taluk The Nilgiris 30. Leighwood estate 11°32'20.994" 76°35'28.41" 31. Singara coffee estate 11°31'59.448" 76°36'47.1024" 32. Singara 11°32'1.464" 76°36'17.568" 33. Masinagudi 11°34'4.1412" 76°38'29.3244" 34. Chemmanatham 11°33'53.3988" 76°41'6.468" 35. Boothanatham 11°35'45.852" 76°42'6.1416" 36. Moyar 11°36'5.7312" 76°41'35.0808" 37. Vazhaithottam 11°31'40.7352" 76°42'17.6364" 38. Mavanallah 11°32'39.516" 76°40'47.6184" 39. Chadapatti 11°32'3.714" 76°41'37.86" 40. Hossur 11°31'47.2728" 76°41'57.3432" 41. Glentain estate 11°30'27.7092" 76°41'58.3044" 42. Thoddalingi Sholur Revenue village Udhagai Taluk 43. Bokkapuram 11°31'47.6832" 76°38'30.7104" 44. Westbury coffee estate 11°31'38.5788" 76°39'27.6696" 45. Anaigatty Ebbanadu Revenue village 46. Sirur Kookal Revenue village 47. Chokkanalli Kadanad Revenue village 48. Thengumarahada Thengumara Hada Revenue village 49. Hallimoyar 11°33'4.7196" 76°57'10.0476" 50. Kallampalayam 11°30'50.0508" 77°0'10.5012" Annexure –V Performa of Action Taken Report: - 1. Number and date of meetings 2. Minutes of the meetings: mention noteworthy points. Attach minutes of the meeting as separate Annexure. 3. Status of preparation of Zonal Master Plan including Tourism Master Plan 4. Summary of cases dealt with rectification of error apparent on face of land record (Eco-sensitive Zone wise). Details may be attached as Annexure. 5. Summary of cases scrutinised for activities covered under the Environment Impact Assessment Notification, 2006. Details may be attached as separate Annexure. 6. Summary of cases scrutinised for activities not covered under the Environment Impact Assessment Notification, Details may be attached as separate Annexure. 7. Summary of complaints lodged under section 19 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. 8. Any other matter of importance. and Published by the Controller of Publications, Delhi-110054. ALOK KUMAR