Final Notification declaring Eco Sensitive Zone S.O. No. 3150 around Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary, Gujarat

EXTRAORDINARY PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE NOTIFICATION New Delhi, the 29th August, 2019 S.O. 3150(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. 4775 (E) dated the 10 th September, 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; AND WHEREAS, copies of the Gazette containing the said draft notification were made available to the public on the 11 th September, 2018; AND WHEREAS, no objections and suggestions were received from persons and stakeholders in response to the draft notification; AND WHEREAS, the Kachchh Desert Wildlife Sanctuary is spread over an area of 7506.22 square kilometres and situated in Bhuj, Anjar, and Bhachau and Rapar Taluka/Tehsil of Kachchh district in the State of Gujarat; AND WHEREAS, the Greater Rann of Kachchh is the north-eastern region of Kachchh district bordering Indo- Pak border. The most saline desert is almost flat with highlands known as ‘beyts’ having floral as well as faunal diversity of the region. Rann is a unique salt-crusted wasteland and the depositional plain of the recent time. Enormous volume of detritus was discharged into it by several small, seasonal streams flowing from Rajasthan area also, which drained this arid region towards the east and north-east (Gazetteer, 1965). The coarser sediments might have been deposited in the inlet channels at their heads while the finer sediments might have been carried further and spread over the flooded areas and got deposited as mud-flats. Thus, the mud flats of the Rann have gradually built up year after year. During dry period, except for some perennially wet patches, the whole region gets practically covered with salt encrustation to varying degrees. Rising only a few meters above the Rann surface area certain islands like features termed as “Beyts”. The beyts are easily distinguished from the low lying plain by means of the scanty vegetation that they support in contrast to the lack of it in the later; AND WHEREAS, recognizing the ecological, faunal, floral and geo-morphological significance, and for the purpose of protecting, conserving and developing wildlife and their habits, Government of Gujarat vide its notification no. GSABN-41-85-WLP-1386-207-V-2, dated 28th February’ 1986 declared an area of 7506.22 km² as “Kutch Desert Wildlife Sanctuary” in Kachchh District. It lies between 23° 25’ and 24 °30’ N latitude and 69 ° 53’ and 70 °55’ E longitude. Greater Rann of Kachchh is a true saline desert in low-lying flats with average altitude of 15 m above mean sea level. Kaladungar is the highest point (438 m) within the Sanctuary. The area comprises of villages of Bhuj, Rapar, Anjar and Bhachau Blocks of Kachchh District. Out of total area of the Sanctuary, 109.00 km² is forest area, 1313.07 km² revenue wasteland while remaining area is wetland; AND WHEREAS, right in the midst of the Greater Rann of Kachchh, there is a slightly raised ground where large numbers of Flamingos build their mud nests and breed. The area is known as “Hunj beyt” or “Flamingo City”. The area may not be considered very rich in diversity but it support one of the magnificent “Ecological phenomena” and largest congregation of greater flamingos. As per the management plan of the sanctuary, area is exposed to threats mainly from poaching, illicit cutting, encroachment and illegal activities. Hence areas around the sanctuary require control through declaration of Eco-sensitive Zone. It will ultimately decrease the man animal conflict and in future local population will be benefitted. By declaring this area as Eco-sensitive zone, we can restore the eco-system of wild animals and its habitat; AND WHEREAS, the important flora recorded from the Sanctuary are Ran bhindi, (Abelmoschus manihot), Gunja (Abrus precatorius), Khapat, Dabliar (Abutilon indicum), Bhonykhanski (Abutilon theophrasti Medic), Australian Baval (Acacia auriculiformis), Talbavari (Acacia jacquemontii), Runchalo dadro (Acalypha ciliata Forsk.), Dadari (Acalypha indica), Aghado (Achyranthes aspera Var. aspera L.), Ardusi (Adhatoda zeylanica L. Nees), Gorakhganjo (Aervapersica Burm.f.), Ramban, Ketaki (Agave americana L.), Moto arduso (Ailanthus excelsa Roxb.), Ankol, Ankoli (Alangium salvifolium), Shirish (Albizia amara Boivin.), Sasalozad (Albizia odoratissima), Dongari (Allium cepa), Gingwar (Aloe barbadensis Mill.), Samervo (Alysicarpus tetragonolobus Edgew.), Tandaljo (Amaranthus lividus), Kandharo tandarbhe (Amaranthus spinosus), Rajgaro Adbau Rajgaro (Amaranthus viridis), Lai agio (Ammannia baccifera), Kariyatu (Andrographis echioides), Suwa (Anethum graveolens), Chodharo (Anisomeles indica) Ramphal (Annona reticulata), Sitaphal (Annona squamosa), Bhoysingh (Arachis hypogaea), (Araucaria sp.), Aredi, Daradi (Argemone mexicana L.), Samudrasok, Samadar, Sog (Argyreia nervosa (Burm. f.) Boj), Lamp (Arisitida histricula Edgew.), Norvel (Aristolochia bracteolata Lam.), (Aristolochia sp.), Ekalkati (Asparagus racemosus Willd.), Neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss.), Kanta aserio (Barleria prionitis), Poi (Basella rubra), Boganvel (Bougainvillea glabra Choisy), Boganvel (Bougainvillea spectabilis Willd), Motu-Dharmanu (Cenchrus biflorus Roxb.), Dhaman (Cenchrus ciliaris L), Safed musli (Chlorophytum borivilianum Sant. & Fernand), Ghana (Cicer arietinum), Phadvel (Cissampelos pareira L.), Tankaro (Clerodendrum phlomidis), Parwatti (Cocculus pendulus), Shishmuliu (Commelina albescens Hassk.), Sishmuliu (Commelina benghalensis), Sangetaro (Crotalaria burhia Buch.-Ham.), Pardeshi thuvar (Croton bonplandianum Baill.), Rabarvel (Cryptostegia grandiflora), Jim (Cuminum cyminum), Amarvel (Cuscuta chinensis), Denai (Dichanthium annulatum), Ambliejezad (Dipteracanlhus patulus) Patdudhi (Euphorbia thymifolia), etc; AND WHEREAS, The fauna recorded from the protected area are Indian wild ass (Equus hemionus khur), jungle cat (Felis chaus), striped hyena (Hyaena hyaena), honey badger / Indian ratel (Mellivora capensis), Indian flying fox (Pteropus giganteus), small Indian civet (Viverricula indica), desert cat (Felis silvestris), caracal(Felis caracal), Indian wolf (Canis lupus Pallipes), Desert Fox (Vulpes vulpes), Indian pangolin (Manis crassicaudata), gray mongoose (Herpestes edwardsi), jackal (Canis aureus), bengal fox (Vulpes bengalensis), longeared hedgehog (Hemiechinus Collaris), Asian musk shrew (Suncus murinus), greater Asiatic yellow house bat (Scotophilus Heathii), five-striped palm squirrel (Funambulus pennanti), Indian desert jird (Meriones hurrianae), Indian creasted porcupine (Hystrix indica), Indian hare (Lepus nigricollis), Chinkara (Gazella Bennettii), blue bull (Boselaphus tragocamelus), wild pig (Sus scrofa), greater bandicoot rat (Bandicota indica), Indian hedgehog (Paraechinus micropus),lesser Asiatic yellow bat (Scotophilus kuhli) etc. While, bird species of the Kachchh Desert Wildlife Sanctuary are greater flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber), lesser flamingo (Phoeniconaias minor), comb duck (Sarkidiornis melanotos), gadwall(Anas strepera), great crested grebe (Podiceps cristatus), little grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis), dalmatian pelican (Pelecanus crispus), great white pelican (Pelecanus onocrotalus), great cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo), grey heron (Ardea cinerea), Indian pond heron (Ardeola grayii), purple heron (Ardea purpurea), cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis), great egret (Casmerodius albus), Intermediate egret (Mesophoyx intermedia), black-necked stork (Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus), painted Stork (Mycteria leucocephala), White Stork (Ciconia ciconia), Eurasian Spoonbill (Platalea leucorodia), Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus), Black Ibis (Pseudibis papillosa), black-headed Ibis (Threskiornis melanocephalus), Northern Shoveler (Anas clypeata), red-headed Vulture (Sarcogyps calvus), saker falcon (Falco Cherrug), black Francolin (Francolinus francolinus), grey francolin (Francolinus pondicerianus), sarus crane (Grus antigone), common coot (Fulica atra), Baillon’s crake (Porzana pusilla), common moorhen (Gallinula chloropus), water rail (Rallus aquaticus), purple swamphen (Porphyrio porphyrio), white-breasted waterhen (Amaurornis phoenicurus), great Indian bustard or Indian bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps), houbara or Macqueen's bustard (Chlamydotis undulata), lesser florican (Sypheotides indica), jack snipe (Lymnocryptes minimus), little stint (Calidris minuta), spotted redshank (Tringa erythropus), temminck’s stint (Calidris temminckii), alpine swift (Tachymarptis melba), Europian roller (Coracias garrulus), common hoopoe (Upupa epops), wire-tailed swallow (Hirundo smithii), grey-necked bunting (Emberiza buchanani), house bunting or striolated bunting (Emberiza strailota), Indian star tortoise (Geochelone elegans), Hardwicke’s marsh crocodile (Crocodylus palustris), banded rock gecko (Cyrtodactylus kacchensis) etc; AND WHEREAS, the rare and endangered species found in the Sanctuary are Convolvulus stocksii, Helichrysum cutchicum, Heliotropium bacciferum, Commiphora wightii, Heliotropium rariflorum, Pavonia ceratocarpa, Sida tiagii Bhandari, Sara hardwickii, Vanellus gregarius, Hemiechinus collaris, Sypheotides indica, Felis silvestris, Gazella bennettii, etc; AND WHEREAS, it is necessary to conserve and protect the area, the extent and boundaries of Kachchh Desert Wildlife Sanctuary 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 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) (hereafter 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 to an extent varying from 0 (zero) to 1 kilometre around the boundary of Kachchh Desert Wildlife Sanctuary, in Kachchh district in the State of Gujarat as the Eco-sensitive Zone (hereafter in this notification 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 shall be to an extent of 0 (zero) to 1 kilometre around the boundary of Kachchh Desert Wildlife Sanctuary and the area of the Eco-sensitive Zone is 733.48 square kilometres. (Zero extent of Eco-sensitive Zone is due to international border with Pakistan towards northern boundary of the Sanctuary). a. The boundary description of Kachchh Desert Wildlife Sanctuary and its Eco-sensitive Zone is appended in Annexure-I. b. The maps of the Kachchh Desert Wildlife Sanctuary demarcating Eco-sensitive Zone along with boundary details and latitudes and longitudes are appended as Annexure-IIA, Annexure-IIB and c. List of geo-coordinates of the boundary of Kachchh Desert Wildlife Sanctuary and Eco-sensitive Zone are given in Table A and Table B of Annexure-III. d. The list of villages falling in 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:- (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 protected area 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 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 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. (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 in accordance 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 compiled 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:- (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 8 th April, 2016; 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 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 notification number G.S.R 343 (E), dated the 28th March, (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 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 incompliance 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, 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 mining (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 personal consumption; (b) The mining operations shall be carried out in accordance with the order of the Hon’ble Supreme Court dated the 4 th August, 2006 in the matter of T.N. Godavarman Thirumulpad Vs. UOI in W.P.(C) No.202 of 1995 and dated the 21st 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 otherwise specified in this notification and in addition the non-polluting cottage industries shall be promoted. 3. Establishment of major hydro-electric 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 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 (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 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. 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 kilometer 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 thereunder. 12. Collection of Forest produce or Non- Timber Forest produce. Regulated as per the applicable laws. 13. Erection of electrical and communication towers and laying of cables and other infrastructures. Regulated under applicable laws (underground cabling may be promoted). 14. Infrastructure including civic amenities. Taking measures of mitigation as per the applicable laws, rules and regulations available guidelines. 15. Widening and strengthening of existing roads and construction of new roads. Taking measures of mitigation as per the applicable laws, rules and regulation and available guidelines. 16. Undertaking other activities related to tourism like flying over the Eco- sensitive Zone area by hot air balloon, helicopter, drones, Microlites, etc. Regulated as per the applicable laws. 17. Protection of hill slopes and river banks. Regulated as per the applicable laws. 18. Movement of vehicular traffic at night. Regulated for commercial purpose under applicable laws. 19. 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. 20. Establishment of large-scale commercial livestock and poultry farms by firms, corporate and companies. Regulated (except otherwise provided) as per the applicable laws except for meeting local needs. 21. 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. 22. Commercial extraction of surface and ground water. Regulated as per the applicable laws. 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. Salt making by the bonafide local or communities to meet the residential needs. Regulated as per the applicable laws. 30. Rain water harvesting. Shall be actively promoted. 31. Organic farming. Shall be actively promoted. 32. Adoption of green technology for all activities. Shall be actively promoted. 33. Cottage industries including village artisans, etc. Shall be actively promoted. 34. Use of renewable energy and fuels. Bio-gas, solar light etc. shall be actively promoted. 35. Agro-Forestry. Shall be actively promoted. 36. Plantation of Horticulture and Herbals. Shall be actively promoted. 37. Use of eco-friendly transport. Shall be actively promoted. 38. Skill Development. Shall be actively promoted. 39. Restoration of degraded land/ forests/ habitat. Shall be actively promoted. 40. 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:- (ii) Ecologist/ Scientist, Gujarat Institute of Desert Ecology, Bhuj Member; (iii) A representative of Non-governmental Organization working in the field of wildlife conservation to be nominated by the State Government Member; (iv) Official of Panchayat: Block Development Officer of Concern block. Member; (v) Official of Revenue Department: Mamlatdar of Concern block. Member; (vi) Official of Geology Department : Geologist, Bhuj Member; (vii) Assistant Conservator of Forests, Kachchh East Division, Bhuj Member; (viii) Range Forest Officers of Concern Ranges Member; (ix) Deputy Conservator of Forests, Kachchh East Division, Bhuj Member-Secretary. 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 Forest 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, 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 at Annexure V. (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 KACHCHH DESERT WILDLIFE SANCTUARY AND ITS ECOSENSITIVE ZONE IN THE STATE GUJARAT North Greater Rann of Kachchh (International Boundary) South Villages of Bhuj, Anjar, Bhachau, Rapar Talukas. East Little Rann of Kachchh and Border of Wild Ass Sanctuary. West Villages of Bhuj Taluka and Greater Rann of Kachchh. ANNEXURE- IIA GOOGLE MAP OF ECO-SENSITIVE ZONE OF KACHCHH DESERT WILDLIFE SANCTUARY ALONG WITH LATITUDE AND LONGITUDE OF PROMINENT LOCATIONS ANNEXURE- IIB MAP OF ECO-SENSITIVE ZONE OF KACHCHH DESERT WILDLIFE SANCTUARY ALONG WITH LATITUDE AND LONGITUDE OF PROMINENT LOCATIONS ANNEXURE- IIC LANDUSE MAP OF ECO-SENSITIVE ZONE OF KACHCHH DESERT WILDLIFE SANCTUARY ALONG WITH LATITUDE AND LONGITUDE OF PROMINENT LOCATIONS ON SURVEY OF INDIA (SOI) TOPOSHEET ANNEXURE-III TABLE A: GEO- COORDINATES OF PROMINENT LOCATIONS OF KACHCHH DESERT WILDLIFE SANCTUARY Sr. No. Identification of Prominent Points Location/ Direction of Prominent point TABLE B: GEO-COORDINATES OF PROMINENT LOCATIONS OF ECO-SENSITIVE ZONE S. No. Identification of Prominent Points Location/ Direction of Prominent point ANNEXURE-IV LIST OF VILLAGES COMING UNDER ECO-SENSITIVE ZONE OF KACHCHH DESERT WILDLIFE SANCTUARY ALONG WITH GEO-COORDINATES S. No. Village Name Type of 2 Devisar Revenue Anjar 23°21'05.24" 70°06' 14.26" 3 Dhamadka Revenue Anjar 23°21'10.38" 70°09' 26.40" 4 Amarapar Revenue Bhachau 23°22'43.37" 70°08' 22.71" 5 Bambhanka Revenue Bhachau 23°48'39.24" 70°20' 02.66" 6 Bandhadi Revenue Bhachau 23°23'27.04" 70°19' 05.04" 7 Baniari Revenue Bhachau 23°23'41.66" 70°10' 30.95" 8 Bapuari Revenue Bhachau 23°50'27.56" 70°20' 20.26" 9 Bharudia Revenue Bhachau 23°33'39.89" 70°24' 57.44" 10 Chobari Revenue Bhachau 23°51'45.29" 70°23' 44.34" 11 Dholavira Revenue Bhachau 23°52'54.97" 70°12' 50.03" 12 Gadhada Revenue Bhachau 23°54'29.25" 70°23' 43.47" 13 Ganeshpar Revenue Bhachau 23°51'44.57" 70°23' 43.96" 14 Janan Revenue Bhachau 23°49'49.51" 70°18' 26.71" 15 Kalyanpar Revenue Bhachau 23°51'52.22" 70°16' 56.93" 16 Kabrau Revenue Bhachau 23°19'26.12" 70°14' 48.36" 17 Kadol Revenue Bhachau 23°28'56.62" 70°16' 34.56" 18 Kakarva Revenue Bhachau 23°29'34.78" 70°24' 43.23" 19 Kankhoi Revenue Bhachau 23°33'29.23" 70°22' 39.42" 20 Kharoda Revenue Bhachau 23°52'15.99" 70°14' 48.24" 21 Kumbhardi Revenue Bhachau 23°20'18.32" 70°16' 14.04" 22 Manfara Revenue Bhachau 23°28'31.23" 70°21' 13.93" 23 Morgar Revenue Bhachau 23°20'26.45" 70°12' 23.16" 24 Ratanpar Revenue Bhachau 23°53'11.69" 70°21' 14.88" 25 Andhau Revenue Bhuj 23°45'31.85" 69°49' 47.29" 26 Berdo Revenue Bhuj 23°29'38.61" 69°55' 49.37" 27 Bhojardo Revenue Bhuj 23°35'37.23" 69°48' 47.50" 28 Daddhar Moti Revenue Bhuj 23°42'06.90" 69°52' 17.70" 29 Daddhar Nani Revenue Bhuj 23°41'32.84" 69°48' 00.48" 30 Dhoravar Revenue Bhuj 23°50'24.54" 69°50' 31.33" 31 Dhrobana Revenue Bhuj 23°56'08.23" 69°45' 09.54" 32 Dinara Revenue Bhuj 23°53'14.96" 69°43' 42.96" 33 Fulay Revenue Bhuj 23°24'16.47" 69°49' 05.54" 34 Goro Dungar Revenue Bhuj 23°47'44.19" 69°49' 05.54" 35 Jawaharnagar Revenue Bhuj 23°21'46.04" 70°01' 14.05" 36 Juna Juriya Revenue Bhuj 23°45'25.31" 69°56' 35.25" 37 Kharod Revenue Bhuj 23°26'30.31" 70°03' 38.46" 38 Kunariya (Jam) Revenue Bhuj 23°49'40.07" 69°53' 16.88" 39 Kuran Revenue Bhuj 23°57'24.27" 69°46' 56.28" 40 Lodai Revenue Bhuj 23°23'58.31" 69°53' 11.29" 41 Misariyado Revenue Bhuj 23°38'37.03" 69°46' 37.01" 42 Meri Revenue Bhuj 23°38'37.03" 69°47' 38.78" 43 Sadhara Revenue Bhuj 23°44'39.91" 69°52' 27.96" 44 Udai (Bani) Revenue Bhuj 23°35'55.42" 69°51' 14.21" 45 Vagura (Banni) Revenue Bhuj 23°44'39.91" 69°52' 27.96" 46 Vatra Revenue Bhuj 23°21'52.43" 69°56' 56.36" 47 Anandpar Revenue Rapar 23°49'06.88" 70°46' 07.42" 48 Balasar Revenue Rapar 23°50'32.41" 70°40' 03.99" 49 Bela Revenue Rapar 23°52'28.42" 70°48' 16.72" 50 Jatavada (Jilar Vand Revenue Rapar 23°50'15.02" 70°42' 55.17" 51 Jesda Revenue Rapar 23°37'50.32" 70°32' 17.69" 52 Lakda Vandh Revenue Rapar 23°52'25.65" 70°37' 50.43" Lodrani (Parkara Van) Revenue Rapar 23°53'25.65" 70°37' 50.43" Mauvana (Shivagadh) Revenue Rapar 23°49'41.95" 70°52' 00.94" 55 Nandasar Revenue Rapar 23°36'41.63" 70°38' 11.77" 56 Ramvav Revenue Rapar 23°33'02.12" 70°28' 11.09" 57 Rav Moti Revenue Rapar 23°39'33.71" 70°28' 47.02" 58 Surbavandh Revenue Rapar 23°42'47.49" 70°36' 13.42" 59 Suvai Revenue Rapar 23°36'52.49" 70°29' 31.78" 60 Trambau Revenue Rapar 23°34'53.04" 70°33' 22.32" 61 Khari Jatavada Revenue Rapar 23°50'14.81" 70°45'3.77" 62 Kalyanpar Revenue Rapar 23°36'11.30" 70°40' 25.46" 63 Vanoi Revenue Rapar 23°36'48.72" 70°26' 56.08" 64 Vrajvani Revenue Rapar 23°48'57.73" 70°47' 33.01" 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, 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. MANOJ KUMAR VERMA