S. O. 4685(E) 15.10.2025 Final Notification declaring Eco Sensitive Zone around Rupi Bhaba WLS, Himachal Pradesh

EXTRAORDINARY PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY No. 4556] NEW DELHI, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2025/ASVINA 23, 1947 MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE NOTIFICATION New Delhi, the 15th October 2025 S.O. 4685(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. 734 (E), dated the 12th February, 2025, 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; And whereas, copies of the Gazette containing the said draft notification were made available to the public on 12th February, 2025; And whereas, no objections, comments and suggestions were received from persons and stakeholders in respect of the said draft notification; And whereas, the Rupi Bhaba Wildlife Sanctuary is spread over an area of 503 square kilometres and is located in the Nichar sub-division of Kinnaur district in Himachal Pradesh. It is situated along the Upper Sutlej valley spreading between 31°35′ and 31°45′ N latitudes and between 77°49′ and 78°07′ E longitudes. Reckong Peo (Kalpa), the headquarters of Kinnaur district lies about 40 kilometers on the eastern side of the sanctuary; And whereas, the Rupi Bhaba Wildlife Sanctuary is positioned between the Shrikhand mountains of the Dhauladhar range in the West and North and the Sutlej River in the South. The sanctuary was given the status of a Wildlife Sanctuary by the Government of Himachal Pradesh vide Notification No. FFE-B- F(6)II/2005-11 dated the 7th June, 2013; And whereas, the Rupi-Bhaba wildlife Sanctuary enjoys the privilege of being situated in the Middle Himalayas and confirm to Zone 2 B (Western Himalayas) biographic zone. The Rupi-Bhaba WildLife Sanctuary together with Great Himalayan National Park and Pin Valley National Park form a continuous and compact block of Protected area network and is suitable to be constituted into a Western Himalayan Biosphere Reserve and is a suitable are to be declared as a world heritage site (Garson and Gaston 1992) Himachal Pradesh Wild life Project-III; And whereas, the Sanctuary is known for its vast alpine pastures and meadows. The general impression is of thick Deodar, Kali and broad leaved forests (2000 meters and above), Fir-Spruce combination with bamboo dominating the under growth on higher attitude (2800 Meters and above). The alpine zone starts from above 3500 meters altitude; And whereas, the Rupi Bhaba Wildlife Sanctuary provides one of the most beautiful panoramic views of the Middle Himalayas to the nature lovers and has large members of trekking routes, mountain peaks and high passes to the delight of adventure seekers. There are more than fifteen peaks within the Sanctuary which are above 5000 meters of altitude. The highest Peak (5914 meters) is on Chikim Dhar on the eastern boundary. The Pandoswar Peak (5806 meters) is the second highest peak and a very important geographical landmark in Kinnaur District. On the northern boundary there are three high mountain passes, namely, Shakarog Khango (5100 meters), Nimish Khango (4890 meters) and Tari Khango (4865 meters), all of which connect Rupi-Bhaba Wildlife Sanctuary with Pin Valley National Park of Spiti Sub-Division of Lahaul and Spiti District; And whereas, the alpine region of the Rupi-Bhaba Wildlife Sanctuary is abundant in medicinal herbs, and the local communities supplement their income by gathering and selling these plants.The most-important herbs collected profusely are Karu (Picrorhiza Kurooa), Patish (Aconitum heterophyllum) Banafsa (Viola canescens), Kuth (Dolomiaea costus) Mushaqbala (Valeriana wallichii), Reward Chini (Rheum emodii), Bankakri (Podophyllum emodii) etc. For Ayurvedic medicines, all the herbs found in alpine pastures of this Sanctuary are of great economic value and importance; And whereas, the major faunal species found in the sanctuary are musk deer (Moschus moschiferus),goral (Nemorrhaedus goral), bharal (Pseudois nayaur), serow (Capricornis sumatraensis), Himalayan thar (Hemitragus jemlahicus), Himalayan weasel (Mustela siribica), snow leopard (Uncia uncia), common leopard (Panthera pardus), leopard cat (Felis bengalensis), red fox (Vulpes vulpes), small Kashmir flying squirrel (Hylopetes fimbriatus), Asiatic Black bear (Ursus thibetanus), Western tragopan (Tragopan melanocephalus), cheer pheasant (Catreus wallichi), Himalayan monal (Lophophorus impejanus), Himalayan griffon (Gyps himalayensis), Woodcock etc.; And whereas, the Rupi Bhaba Wildlife Sanctuary harbours key floral species such as are brown oak (Quercus semicarpifolia), spruce (Picea smithiana), fir (Abies pindrow), chilgosa (Pinus gerardiana), maple (Acer pentapomicum), ash or olive (Fraxinus xanthoxyloides), Alnus nitida, Betula anoides, Buxus wallichiana, Cornus sp., pink rhododendron, Berberis sp., Artemisia vulgaris, Indigofera, Daphne olioides, Lonicera augustifolia, Ephdera gerardiana, Plactranthus sp., Voila sepens, Cupress sp., Juniperus indica etc.; And whereas, it is necessary to conserve and protect the area, extent and boundary which is specified in paragraph 1 of this notification around the protected area 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 powers 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) read with sub- rule (3) of rule 5 of the Environment (Protection) Rules,1986, the Central Government hereby notifies an area extending from 0 kilometer to 3.45 kilometers from the boundary of the Rupi Bhaba Wildlife Sanctuary in Kinnaur district in the State of Himachal Pradesh as the Rupi Bhaba Eco-sensitive Zone (hereinafter referred to as the Eco-sensitive Zone) details of which are as under, namely:- 1. Extent and boundaries of Eco-Sensitive Zone.- (1) The Eco-sensitive Zone extends from 0 kilometer to 3.45 kilometers around the boundary of Rupi Bhaba Wildlife Sanctuary and the area of the Eco-sensitive Zone is approximately 85.53 square kilometer. Note: The Rupi-Bhaba Wildlife Sanctuary shares its boundaries on three sides with the Eco-Sensitive Zone of the Lippa-Asarang Wildlife Sanctuary to the east. To the north, it borders the Eco-Sensitive Zone of the Pin Valley National Park, as well as the park itself. On the north-western side, the sanctuary adjoins the Great Himalayan National Park. Therefore, there is no Eco-Sensitive Zone on these three sides of the Rupi- Bhaba Wildlife Sanctuary. (2) The boundary description of the Eco Sensitive Zone is appended as Annexure-I. (3) The Maps of the Eco-sensitive Zone around Rupi Bhaba Wildlife Sanctuary is appended as Annexure- (4) Geo Coordinates on the boundary of Rupi Bhaba Wildlife Sanctuary and its Eco-sensitive zone are appended at Annexure -III. (5) The list of villages falling under the Eco-sensitive Zone are appended as Annexure-IV. (6) The detailed list of Flora, Fauna and Rare, Endangered, and Threatened species present in the area is appended as Annexure-V. 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 in the State Government. (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:- (i) Environment; (ii) Forest and Wildlife; (iii) Agriculture; (iv) Revenue; (vi) Tourism; (vii) Rural Development; (viii) Irrigation and Flood Control; (x) Municipality; and (xi) Himachal State Pollution Control Board (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, green area, such as, parks, 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. (10) Pending preparation and approval of the Zonal Master Plan, any new developmental activities shall be governed by provisions specified at sub-para (1) and (2) of paragraph 6. 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 purposes 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 the Central Government or the 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 in 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 Tourism Master Plan shall be prepared by the State Department of Tourism in consultation with the 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 protected area or upto the extent of the Eco-sensitive Zone, whichever is nearer; Provided that beyond the distance of one kilometer from the boundary of the protected area 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 and the eco-tourism guidelines issued by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (as amended from time to time) with emphasis on eco-tourism, eco-education and eco-development; (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 carried out in accordance with the provisions of the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000 and its amendments. (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 Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and the rules made there under these Acts. (8) Discharge of effluents.- The discharge of treated effluent in Eco-sensitive Zone shall be in accordance with the provisions of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 (6 of 1974) and Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and the rules made there under these Acts. (9) Solid wastes.- Disposal and Management of solid wastes shall be as under:- (a) 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 8th April, 2016 and as amended from time to time; the inorganic material may be disposed in an environmental acceptable manner at site identified outside the Eco-sensitive Zone; (b) Safe and Environmentally Sound Management (ESM) of solid wastes in conformity with the existing rules and regulations using identified technologies may be allowed within the Eco-Sensitive zone. (10) Bio-Medical Waste.– Bio-Medical Waste Management shall be as under:- (a) 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 number G.S.R. 343 (E), dated the 28th March, 2016 as amended from time to time; (b) 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 18th 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 29th 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 incompliance with applicable laws and efforts shall be made for use of cleaner fuels. (16) Industrial units.– (a) 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; (b) 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, as amended from time to time, 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 Environmental Impact Assessment Notification, 2006 (or the latest notification) 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 mining (minor and major minerals), stone quarrying and crushing units shall be 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 within Eco- sensitive Zone; (b) The mining operations shall be carried out in accordance with the orders of the Hon’ble Supreme Court, dated the 4th August, 2006 in the matter of T.N. Godavarman Thirumulpad Vs. Union of India in W.P.(C) No.202 of 1995; dated 21st April, 2014 in the matter of Goa Foundation Vs. Union of India in W.P.(C) No.435 of 2012; and dated the 28th April, 2. Setting of industries causing pollution (Water, Air, Soil, Noise, etc.). No new or expansion of existing polluting industries in the Eco-sensitive Zone shall be permitted. 3. Establishment of major hydroelectric project. Prohibited. 4. Use or production or processing of any hazardous substance. a) No hazardous waste treatment facility shall be located within the Eco-sensitive Zone b) All hazardous waste generated inside the Eco-sensitive Zone shall be taken outside the Eco-sensitive Zone. No hazardous waste generated outside the Eco-sensitive Zone will be allowed to be handled, processed or treated inside the ESZ 5. Discharge of untreated effluents in natural water bodies or land area. Prohibited. 6. Setting up 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. 8. Use of polythene or plastic bags. Prohibited. 9. Commercial use of firewood. Prohibited. 10. Undertaking other activities related to tourism like over flying over the Eco-sensitive Zone area by hot air balloon, helicopter, drones, Microlites, etc. Prohibited. 11. Fishing by Mechanical means. Prohibited. 12. Commercial establishment of hotels and resorts. No new commercial hotels and resorts shall be permitted within one kilometer of the boundary of the Protected Area or upto the extent of Eco-sensitive zone, whichever is nearer, except for small temporary structures for Eco-tourism activities: Provided that, beyond one kilometer from the boundary of the protected Area or upto 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. 13. 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 listed in sub-paragraph (1) of paragraph 3 as per building bye-laws to meet the residential needs of the local residents: Provided 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 kilometer it shall be regulated as per the Zonal Master Plan. 14. Small scale non-polluting industries. Non-polluting industries as per classification of industries issued by the Central Pollution Control Board in February, 2016, as amended from time to time, 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. 15. 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. 16. Collection of Forest Produce or Regulated under applicable laws. 17. Erection of electrical and communication towers and laying of cables and other infrastructures. Regulated under applicable laws of underground cabling may be promoted. 18. Infrastructure including civic amenities. Taking measures of mitigation, as per applicable laws, rules and regulation and available guidelines. 19. Widening and strengthening of existing roads and construction of new roads. Taking measures of mitigation with proper Environment Impact Assessment, as per applicable laws, rules and regulation and available guidelines. 20. Protection of Hill Slopes and river banks. Regulated as per the applicable laws. 21. Movement of vehicular traffic at night. Regulated as per applicable laws 22. 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. 23. Establishment of large-scale commercial livestock and poultry farms by firms, corporate and companies. Regulated as per applicable laws except for meeting local needs. 24. Open Well, Bore Well, etc. for agriculture or other usage. Regulated and the activity should be strictly monitored by the appropriate authority. 25. Discharge of treated waste water or effluents in natural water bodies or land area. The discharge of treated waste water or effluents shall be avoided to enter into the water bodies and efforts shall be made for recycle and reuse of treated waste water. Otherwise, the discharge of treated waste water or effluent shall be regulated as per the applicable laws. 26. Eco-tourism. Regulated as per the applicable laws. 27. Commercial Sign boards and hoardings. Regulated as per the applicable laws. 28. Introduction of exotic species. Regulated as per the applicable laws. 29. Water Transportation. Regulated as per the applicable laws. 30. Fencing of existing premises and hotel. Regulated as per the applicable laws. 31. Collection of small fodder. Regulated as per the applicable laws. 32. Migratory Grazing. Regulated as per the applicable laws. 33. Fishing. Regulated as per the applicable laws. 34. Construction of Sewerage line. Regulated as per the applicable laws. 35. Grant of Nautor Land. Regulated as per the applicable laws. 36. Traditional Dwellers Rights. Regulated as per the applicable laws. 37. Commercial extraction of surface and ground water. Regulated as per the applicable laws. 5. Monitoring Committee.- For effective monitoring of the provisions of this notification, the Central Government hereby constitutes a Monitoring Committee, comprising of the following, namely:- S.No. Constituent of the Monitoring Committee Designation 1. Conservator of Forest, (Territorial), Rampur Forest Circle Chairman, ex-officio; 2. Deputy Conservator of Forest, Kinnaur Forest Division Member, ex-officio; A representative of Non-governmental Organization working in the field of environment (including heritage conservation) to be nominated by the State Government of Himachal Pradesh from time to time every three years Member; Executive Engineer, Himachal Pradesh Pollution Control Board, having jurisdiction of the area Member, ex-officio; 5. Sub Divisional Magistrate having jurisdiction of the area Member, ex-officio;; One expert from tourism Department to be nominated by the State Government of Himachal Pradesh Member, ex-officio; One expert in ecology and environment from a reputed State University or Institution to be nominated by the State Government of Himachal Pradesh from time to time every three years Member; 38. Snow and Rain water harvesting. Shall be actively promoted. 39. Organic farming. Shall be actively promoted. 40. Adoption of green technology for all activities. Shall be actively promoted. 41. Cottage industries including village artisans, etc. Shall be actively promoted. 42. Use of renewable energy and fuels. Bio-gas, solar light etc. shall be actively promoted. 43. Agro-Forestry. Shall be actively promoted. 44. Plantation of Horticulture and Herbals. Shall be actively promoted. 45. Use of eco-friendly transport. Shall be actively promoted. 46. Skill Development. Shall be actively promoted. 47. Restoration of Degraded Land or Forests or Habitat. Shall be actively promoted. 48. Environmental Awareness. Shall be actively promoted. 8. Conservator of Forests, Wildlife Division, Sarahan Member-Secretary, ex-officio 6. Functions of the Monitoring Committee.– (1) The Monitoring Committee shall, based on the actual site-specific conditions scrutinise, the activities covered in the Schedule to the notification of the Government of India in the erstwhile Ministry of Environment and Forest, vide number S.O. 1533 (E), dated the 14th September, 2006, and are falling in the Eco-sensitive Zone, except for the prohibited activities as specified in the Table under paragraph 4 thereof, and referred to the Central Government in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change or the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority, as the case maybe, for prior environmental clearances under the provisions of the said notification. (2) The activities not covered in the Schedule to the notification of the Government of India in the erstwhile Ministry of Environment and Forests vide number S.O. 1533 (E), dated the 14th September, 2006 and 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. (3) The Member-Secretary of the Monitoring Committee or the concerned Collector or the concerned Deputy Conservator of Forests shall be competent to file complaint under section 19 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 against any person who contravenes the provisions of this notification. (4) The Monitoring Committee may invite representative or expert from concerned Department, representative from industry associations or concerned stakeholders to assist in its deliberations depending on the requirements on case to case basis. (5) The Monitoring Committee shall submit the annual action taken report of its activities for the period up to the 31st March of every year by the 30th June of that year to the Chief Wildlife Warden of the State in pro-forma specified in Annexure-VI, appended to this notification. (6) The Central Government may give such directions in writing, as it deems fit, to the Monitoring Committee for effective discharge of its functions. 7. Additional Measures.- The Central Government and State Government may specify additional measures, if any, for giving effect to provisions of this notification. 8. Supreme Court, etc. orders.- 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 A: BOUNDARY DESCRIPTION OF ECO-SENSTIVE ZONE AROUND RUPI BHABA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY S.No. Direction Boundary Description NORTH The Northern boundary of the proposed Eco-sensitive Zone starts from The Northern boundary of Rupi Bhaba Wildlife Sanctuary has important corridor or connectivity or ecologically sensitive patches with Great Himalayan National Park and Pin Valley National Park on North and North Western side respectively. EAST The Eastern boundary of the proposed Eco-sensitive zone starts from sides of Eco-sensitive Zone flanked with Eco-sensitive Zone of Lippa – Asrang Wildlife Sanctuary and Katgaon Range of Kinnaur territorial Forest Division. SOUTH The Southern boundary of the proposed Eco-sensitive zone starts from Southern side of Eco-sensitive Zone is Nichar Range of Kinnaur territorial Forest Division. WEST Starts from 77045’9.77’’E 31044’10.864’’N upto 77049’52.904’E 31035’12.306’’N. Western side of Eco-sensitive Zone is aligned with Eco- sensitive Zone of Great Himalayan National Park and Sarahan Range of Rampur Territorial Forest Division B. LIST OF FORESTS (Urban and Peri-Urban Forestry) FALLING UNDER PROPOSED ECO- SENSITIVE ZONE The list of the Urban and Peri-Urban Forestry within area of suitable width of the boundary of Rupi-Bhaba WildLife Sanctuary in the Eco-sensitive Zone are as follows: Sr.No. Name of Division Name of Range Name of Beat Name of Forest Compartment Area 1 Wildlife Division Sarahan Un-classified pasture Land Urni Kanda Un-classified pasture Land Ulla Kanda Un-classified pasture Land Roghi Beat Un-classified pasture Land Pangi Beat Bhaba nager Chhota Kamba Unclassified pasture Land koot beat. hectare Total:- 7562 hectare LOCATION MAP OF RUPI BHABA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY MAP OF ECO SENSITIVE ZONE AROUND RUPI BHABA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY Land Use Land Cover MAP OF ECO SENSITIVE ZONE AROUND RUPI BHABA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY Village MAP OF influence in 10 kilometers radius around RUPI BHABA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY AND ECO SENSITIVE ZONE AROUND RUPI BHABA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY Annexure III TABLE A: GEO COORDINATES OF THE IMPORTANT POINTS ON THE BOUNDARY AROUND RUPI BHAB A WILDLIFE SANCTUARY Point Longitude Latitude TABLE-B: GEO COORDINATES OF THE IMPORTANT POINTS ON THE ECO SENSITIVE ZONE BOUNDARY OF RUPI BHABA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY Point Longitude Latitude Annexure IV LIST OF VILLAGES FALLING UNDER ECO-SENSITIVE ZONE 1 Kandar Nichar Kinnaur 31°34'28.52"N, 77°59'18.00"E 2. Kacharang 31°34'38.12"N, 77°56'37.50"E 3. Nathapa 31°34'25.49"N, 77°58'2.25"E 4. Rockcharang 31°34'47.32"N, 77°56'0.71"E 5. Salaring 31°35'49.33"N, 77°55'52.44"E 6. Gurguri 31°36'28.77"N, 77°50'27.15"E 7. Majhgaon 31°36'18.64"N, 77°50'17.42"E 8. Naling 31°36'12.10"N, 77°50'27.46"E 9. Shigarcha 31°35'55.99"N, 77°50'39.24"E 10. Huruwa 31°35'36.54"N, 77°50'59.56"E 77°53'12.88"E 12. Shorang 31°35'58.38"N, 77°52'30.89"E 13. Gharashu 31°34'19.04"N, 77°55'9.09"E Annexure V LIST OF FLORA AND FAUNA PRESENT IN THE RUPI BHABA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY Herbs S.No. Scientific name Local name 1. Aconitum heterophyllum Patish, mohra 2. Agrimonia eupatorium Kanaula 3. Asparagus filicinus Sahasimuli 4. Cannabis sativa Bhang 5. Carum carvi Zira 6. Chenopodium album Dankhar 7. Datura stramonium Datura 8. Delphinium denudatum Nirvisi 9. Dipasacus inermis Tori 10. Foeniculumvulzare Saunf 11. Gentiana kurroo Karu 12. Geranium nepalense Tirrahani 13. Gerbera lanuginosa Kopra 14. Gerardiana heterophylla Bechhubuti 15. Halenia elliptica Pitpara 16. Jurinea macrocephalla Dhup 17. Mentha sylvestris Podina 18. Polygonatum verticillatum Salam mishri 19. Polygonum alatum Molora 20. Primula denticulta Hanatigoo 21. Salvia glutinosa Gwadra 22. Saussurea lappa Kuth 23. Strobilanthus dalhousiams Mashian 24. Swerita chirata Charaita 25. Tanacetum longifolium Bhutkesi 26. Thalictrum prnduculatum Mamiri 27. Thalictrum neurocarpum Barmot 28. Valeriana haedwickii Nakh 29. Valeriana wallichii Mushkbala 30. Viola serpens Banafsha Shrub S.No. Scientific name Local Name 1. Aristemisia roxburghiana Seski 2. Berberis chitria Chutram 3. Bosiaam herstiana Khasbar 4. Colebrookia oppositifolia Bhamber 5. Caragana brevispina Shameh 6. Coriaria nepalensis Masuri 7. Cotoneaster bacillaris Raonsh 8. Crataegusoxyacantha Bat sagli 9. Dapphne papyracea Gandiri 10. Desmodium samuense Safedkathi 11. Elsholtzia polystachya Pothijaunkara 12. Flemingia fruticulosa Chopru 13. Indigofera hebepetala Kastiarang 14. Juniperus recurva Guggal 15. Jasminum humile Chameli 16. Loranthus elatus Banda 17. Lonicera angustifolia Pirlu 18. Plectranthus coesta Bangra 19. Rhussemi alara titar 20. Rhododendron campanulatum Sirmang 21. Salix hastata Buins 22. Skimmia laureola Shuru 23. Spiraea canescens Takol 24. Staphylea emodi Nag Duan 25. Woodfordia floribunda Dhan Trees S.No. Scientific Name Local/Common Name 1. Pinus roxbhurghii Chir pine 2. Pinus wallichiana Blue pine, Kail 3. Abies pindrow Silver fir, Tosh 4. Abies spectabilis Silver fir, Tosh, sapan 5. Cedrus deodara Deodar 6. Picea smithiana Spruce, Rai 7. Taxus baccata Common Yew, Rakhal 8. Quercus leucotrichophora Ban oak 9. Quercus glauca Bani oak 10. Quercus floribunda Moru oak 11. Quercus semecarpifolia Kahrsu oak 12 Alnus nitida Alder, Kunees, Kosh 13. Betula alnoides Kathbhoj 14. Betula utilis Birch, Bhoj 15. Julglans regia Walnut, akhrit 16. Ulmus wallichiana Maldung 17. Symplocos paniculata Lodh 18. Prunus cerasoides Panja 19. Prunus armeniaca Chulli 20. Prunus persica Reg, Baimi 21. Prunus cornuta Him. Bird-Cherry, Jamun 22. Pyrus pashia Shagal 23. Acer acuminatum Manderang, unn Acer caesium Him. Maple, Chirandru, Manderang 25. Acer sterculiaceum Unn, Kanjal 26. Acer cappadocicum Unn, Knajal Aesculus indica Him. Horse chestnut, 28. Rhododendron arboreum Baras List of Major Fauna in the Protected Area S.No. Common Name Scientific Name 1. Himalayan Water Shrew Chimarrogale himalayica 2. Hodgson's Brown-toothed shrew Soriculus caudatus 3. Horsfield's Shrew Crocidura horsfieldii 4. Greater Horseshoe Bat Rhinolophus ferrumequinum 5. Great Himalayan Leaf-nosed Bat Hipposideros armiger 6. Hodgson's Bat Myotis formosus 7. Rhesus Macaque Macaca mulatta 8. Common Langur Semnopithecus entellus 9. Common Leopard Panthera pardus 10. Snow Leopard Uncia uncia 11. Jungle Cat Felis chaus 12. Leopard Cat Prionailurus bengalensis 13. Himalayan Palm Civet Paguma larvata 14. Common Indian Mongoose Herpestes edwardsii 15. Stone Marten Martes foina 16. Yellow Throated Marten Martes flavigula 17. Pale Weasel Mustela altaica 18. Himlayan Weasel Mustela sibirica 19. Yellow -Billied Weasel Mustela kathiah 20. Red Fox Vulpes vulpes 21. Himlayan Brown Bear Ursus arctos 22. Asiatic Black Bear Ursus thibetanus 23. Himalayan Musk Deer Moschus chrysogaster 24. Ghoral Naemordedus goral 26. Himlayan Tahr Hemitragus jemlahicus 27. Asiatic Ibex Capra ibex 28. Blue Sheep(Bharal) Pseudois nayaur 29. Red Gaint Flying Squirrel Petaurista petaurista 30. Small Kashmir Flying Squirrel Hylopetes fimbriatus 31. House Rat Rattus rattus 32. Turkestan Rat Rattus turkestanicus 33. Chest nut Rat Niviventer fulvescens 34. White-bellied Rat Niviventer niviventer 35. Indian Crested Porcupine Hystrix indica 37. Large-eared Pika Ochotona macrotis List of Important Birds in the Protected Area S. No. Name of the Bird Scientific Name 1 Western Tragopan Tragopan melanocephalus 2 Koklass Pheasant Pucrasia macrolopha 3 Himalayan Monal Lophophorus impejanus 4 Kalij Pheasant Lophura leucomelanos 5 Chukar partridges Alectoris chukar 6 Himalayan Snowcock Tetraogallus himalayensis 7 Lammergeier Gypaetus barbatus 8 Himalayan Griffon Vulture Gyps himalayensis 9 Golden Eagle Aquila chrysaetos 10 Eurasian Sparrowhawk Accipiter nisus 11 Himalayan Buzzard Buteore fectus 12 Common kestrel Falco tinnunculus 13 Oriental turtle Dove Streptopelia orientalis 14 Snow Pigeon Columba leuconota 15 Mountain Scops Owls Otuss pilocephalus 16 Asian barred Owlet Glaucidium cuculoides 17 Himalayan Switlet Aerodramus brevirostris 18 Himalayan Woodpecker Dendrocopos himalayensis 19 Scaly-belled Woodpecker Picus squamatus 20 Spotted Nutcracker Nucifraga caryocatactes 21 Coal tit Periparus ater 22 Black and yellow Grosbeak Mycero basicterioides 23 Brownish flanked Bush Warbler Horornis fortipes 24 Grey headed canary Flycatcher Culicic apaceylonensis 25 Long-billed Thrush Zoothera monticola 26 Common Rosefinch Carpodacus erythrinus 27 Red headed Bullfinch Pyrrhula erythrocephala 28 Fire fronted Serin Serinus pusillus 29 Plain Mountain finch Leucosticte nemoricola 30 Rock bunting Emberiza cia List of the other important species (Butterfly, insects, reptiles etc) in the Protected Area Amphibians 1. Himalayan Toad (Duttaphrynus himalayanus) 2. Beautiful torrent frog (Amolops formosus) 3. Stoliczka’s frog (Paa vicina) Reptiles 1. Kashmir rock Agama (Laudakia tuberculata) 2. Himalayan Ground Skink (Asymblepharus himalayanus) 3. Ice Field Skink (Asymblepharus ladacensis) 4. Himalayan Keelback (Amphiesma platyceps) 5. Himalayan Pit viper (Gloydius himalayanus) Invertebrates There is no document or information available on invertebrate fauna of Rupi-Bhaba WLS, and it is presumably similar to other part of Western Himalayas List of endemic species Plants 1. Deodar Cedrus deodara 2. Kail Pinus wallichiana 3. Chir Pine Pinus roxburghii 4. Khanor (Chestnut) Aesculus hippocastranum Mammals (1) Himalayan Goral (Naemorhedus goral): The Himalayan Goral is a small ungulate species that inhabits the mountainous regions of the western Himalayas, including parts of Himachal Pradesh. (2) Himalayan Blue Sheep (Pseudois nayaur): Also known as Bharal or Himalayan Blue Sheep, this species is endemic to the Himalayan region and can be found in parts of Himachal Pradesh. Birds (1) Himalayan Snowcock (Tetraogallus himalayensis): This large game bird is endemic to the western Himalayas and can be found in rocky and alpine habitats, including parts of Himachal Pradesh. (2) Himalayan Quail (Ophrysia superciliosa): This elusive and critically endangered bird species is endemic to the western Himalayas, including parts of Himachal Pradesh. It prefers dense grasslands and shrubby habitats. (3) Himalayan Monal (Lophophorus impejanus): The Himalayan Monal is a colorful pheasant species endemic to the western Himalayas, including parts of Himachal Pradesh. It inhabits forests and alpine meadows. List of Rare, Endangered, and Threatened species 1) Himalayan Brown Bear (Ursus arctosisabellinus): Vulnerable 2) Himalayan Monal (Lophophorus impejanus): Vulnerable 3) Asiatic Black Bear (Ursus thibetanus): Vulnerable 4) Himalayan Musk Deer (Moschus chrysogaster): Endangered 5) Himalayan Tahr (Hemitragus jemlahicus) : Near Threatened Annexure VI Proforma of the 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, 2006. 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. GORAKHA NATH YADAVA