Final Notification Declaring Eco Sensitive Zone S.O. No.412(E) around Kodaikanal Sanctuary Tamil Nadu

EXTRAORDINARY PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY No. 380] NEW DELHI, TUESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2020/MAGHA 8, 1941 8 कौकल 10° 17’ 09.23” 77°21’ 48.04” MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE NOTIFICATION New Delhi, the 23rd January, 2020 S.O. 412(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. 5834 (E) dated the 22nd November, 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 26nd November, 2018; AND WHEREAS, no objections and suggestions were received from persons and stakeholders in response to the draft notification; AND WHEREAS, Kodaikanal Wildlife Sanctuary is spread over an area of 608.95 square kilometres and located in Kodaikanal and Palani Taluks of Dindigul District and Periyakulam Taluk of Theni District in the State of Tamil Nadu; AND WHEREAS, Kodaikanal Forest Division was formed after bifurcating erstwhile Madurai North Division with headquarters at Kodaikanal with effect from 19th April, 1982 as per G.O.Ms. No.468 and as ordered in G.O.Ms. No. 261 dated 21st March, 1977. On bifurcation of Madurai Revenue District into Madurai and Dindigul districts as per G.O. Ms. No. 640 Revenue dated 22nd April, 1985, the forest areas under the control of Theni Forest Division were transferred to Kodaikanal Forest division and the division forms contiguous and compact block, lying in Kodaikanal Taluk and part of Palani Taluk in Dindigul district and part of Periyakulam Taluk of Theni district and the Kodaikanal Forest Division have been declared as Kodaikanal Wildlife Sanctuary in G.O. No.143 Environment and Forest (FR-5) AND WHEREAS, forests of Kodaikanal Forest Division falling between 77016’ and 770 45’ of East longitude and 100 20’ and 1005’ of North latitude, is surrounded by Kerala State in the West, Coimbatore Revenue district in the North-West, Dindigul Forest Division on the North-East, Madurai Revenue district in the South – East and Theni Forest Division on the South; AND WHEREAS, Kodaikanal Wildlife Sanctuary is an important and unique habitat for varied flora and fauna which provide an ecologically sustainable habitat for about 44 species of mammals including endangered species like tiger, elephant, nilgiri tahr etc. It supports more than 150 species of birds, 40 species of reptiles, 8 species of amphibians, 202 species of butterflies and wide variety of ecosystems such as grasslands, fresh water ecosystem, marsh ecosystem, dry deciduous forest, tropical evergreen forest and shola forests and it is necessary to conserve the physical and biological diversity around the protected area of Kodaikanal Wildlife Sanctuary; AND WHEREAS, the Sanctuary’s floral diversity is extraordinary. The biota of the region is highly diverse with over 2478 species of flowering plant in 201 families of which 1758 are indigenous species, 161 species are naturalized in the area, 344 are cultivated species and 215 are garden species and examples of the floras are Pachai savukku (Acacia decurrens), Sokkala (Aglaia elaeagnoidea), Asiatic pennywort (Centella asiatica), Arabian jasmine (Jasminum sambac), etc; AND WHEREAS, the Sanctuary has variety of birds, butterflies, insects, reptiles, amphibians and mammals and the examples of mammals are Tiger (Panthera tigris), Indian gaur (Bos gaurus), Elephant (Elephas mazimus), Wildboar (Sus scrofa), common Langur (Semnopithecus) etc. and the examples of birds are Red-whiskered bulbul (Phycnonotus jocous), common Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis), Bebra Sparrow-hawk (Virgatus besra) etc. while amphibians of the Sanctuary are common Asian Toad (Bufo melanostictus), Indian Skipper Frog (Euphlyatis cyanophlyetis), etc; AND WHEREAS, the Kodaikanal Wildlife Sanctuary has 32 species of rare, endangered and threatened species and 49 endemic species which includes birds (29 species), butterfly (12 species), amphibians (8 species) and some endemic floral species which has become endangered and endemic to shola forest of this Sanctuary; AND WHEREAS, it is necessary to conserve and protect the area, the extent and boundaries of Kodaikanal 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 0.0 (zero) kilometre to 1.0 kilometre around the boundary of Kodaikanal Wildlife Sanctuary, in Dindigul and Theni districts in the State of Tamil Nadu 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 0.0 (zero) to 1.0 kilometre around the boundary of Kodaikanal Wildlife Sanctuary and the area of the Eco-Sensitive Zone is 106.78 square kilometres. (Zero extent of Eco-Sensitive Zone is due to inter-State border with Kerala and presence of a township). 2. The boundary description of Kodaikanal Wildlife Sanctuary and its Eco- Sensitive Zone is appended as Annexure-I. 3. The maps of the Eco-Sensitive Zone of Kodaikanal Wildlife Sanctuary along with boundary details and latitudes and longitudes are appended as and Annexure-IIF. 4. List of geo-coordinates of the boundary of Eco-Sensitive Zone of Kodaikanal Wildlife Sanctuary and prominent locations of zero extent of Eco-Sensitive Zone are given in Table A, Table B and Table C of Annexure-III. 5. The list of villages falling in the proposed 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 effective management 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; (xi) Public Works Department; (xii) Highways; and (xiii) Tamil Nadu 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 and degraded 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. (10) The said Master Plan shall regulate development in Eco-Sensitive Zone so as to ensure eco-friendly development for security of local community development. 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 major 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) adove, 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 or rivers 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 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 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; (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 8th 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, 2016. 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 fuel (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 4th 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 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: S. No. Activity Description 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 Regulated as per the applicable laws. 13. Establishment of large-scale commercial livestock and poultry farms by firms, corporate and Regulated (except otherwise provided) as per the applicable laws except for meeting local needs. S. No. Activity Description companies. 14. Erection of electrical and communication towers and laying of cables and other infrastructures. Regulated as per the applicable laws (underground cabling may be promoted). 15. Infrastructure including civic amenities. Taking measures of mitigation as per the applicable laws, rules and regulations available guidelines. 16. 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. 17. 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. 18. Protection of hill slopes and river banks. Regulated as per the applicable laws. 19. Movement of vehicular traffic at night. Regulated for commercial purpose as per the applicable laws. 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 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. 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. S. No. Activity Description 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. shall be actively promoted. 34. Agro-Forestry. Shall be actively promoted. 35. Plantation of Horticulture and herbals. Shall be actively promoted. 36. Use of eco-friendly transport. Shall be actively promoted. 37. Skill development. Shall be actively promoted. 38. Restoration of degraded land/ forests/ habitat. Shall be actively promoted. 39. 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:- S N Constituent of the Monitoring Committee Designation (i) District Collector Chairman, ex officio (ii) District Forest Officer, Dindigul Division Member; (iii) Assistant Director, Mines and Minerals Member; (iv) Executive Engineer, Public Work Department and Ground Water Member; (v) A representative of Non-government Organization working in the field of wildlife conservation to be nominated by State Government Member; (vi) An expert in Biodiversity nominated by the State Government Member; (vii) An expert in Ecology and Environment to be nominated by the State Government Member; (viii) A representative from State Public Works Department Member; (ix) A representative from State Pollution Control Board Member; (x) Deputy Director, Town Planning Member; (xi) District Forest Officer, Kodaikanal 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 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, 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 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, 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 31st March of every year by the 30th 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 KODAIKANAL WILDLIFE SANCTUARY AND ITS ECOSENSITIVE ZONE IN THE STATE TAMIL NADU North The Northern boundary of the Eco-Sensitive Zone commences from the Palani – Perumalmalai Road to Anna Junction (Palani – Perumalmalai) at Id – F14 to F15 runs crossing the prominent places as mentioned in the map from North to North East in Palani Range. In North Eco sensitive Zone runs from in North East Id-G1 to id-G3 runs towards west crossing from the prominent places. (Anchuran mandai to Nagamarathalai) in Palani Range. North East The North East boundary of the Sanctuary from North east to East corner is surrounded by the Boundary of Dindigul Forest Division in Dindigul District. No proposal is being made for the Eco-Sensitive Zone on that front in Perumpallam Range. Because they are cliffs. East The eastern boundary of the Eco-Sensitive Zone commences from the (Id-G11) and extend to Periyavarai (Id-B11) and runs towards South East crossing the prominent places as mentioned in the map and key location in Kodaikanal Range. And the other part of Eco sensitive zone commences from the Krishnan kovail and staring point of Dindingul – Theni Districts boundary at id – H1 and runs towars south east crossing the prominent places as mentioned in the map with Global Positioning System (GPS) readings in order of Id – H2 to Id – H7 and finally reach Batalagundu – Periyakulam Road at Id - H8 in Perumpallam and Devathanapatty Ranges. South East The South east boundary of the Eco-Sensitive Zone commences from the Batalagundu – Periyakulam Road at Id - H8 towards south crossing the prominent places as mentioned in the map with Global Positioning System (GPS) readings in order of Id – H9 to Id – H18 and finally reach the Sothuparai Reservoir at Id – H19. South The South boundary of the sanctuary from South corner to South West corner is surrounded by the Boundary of Theni Forest Division in Theni District. No proposal is being made for the Eco-Sensitive Zone on that front in Devathanapatty, Berijam and Vandaravu Ranges. South West The South West boundary of the Eco-Sensitive Zone commences from the id- 11(Gurusamy medu) extend towards west up to 10 (Zero Eco-Sensitive Zone) and from 9 (Zero Eco-Sensitive Zone) runs towards at id- G9 (Kulatta kanavay Falls) crossing the prominent places as mentioned in the map. And, also interstate boundary of Kerala Buffer and core area of Anamalai Tiger Reserve located from Northwest towards west. Therefore, no proposal is being made for the Eco-Sensitive Zone on that front in Vandaravu, Mannavanur and Poombarai Ranges. West The West boundary of the Eco Sensitive Zone commences from the Kulatta kanavay Falls to Ulrapulran Kanavai at id – G9 to id- G4 towards Northwest crossing the prominent places as mentioned in the map in Palani Range. And, also Anamalai Tiger Reserve located from West corner to Northwest corner. No proposal is being made for the Eco-Sensitive Zone on that front in Poombarai and Palani Ranges. North West The northern west boundary of the Eco-Sensitive Zone commences from the Bi-junction of Anamalai Tiger Reserve and Kodaikanal Wildlife Sanctuary boundary at Id – F1 and runs towards north crossing the prominent places along the natural boundaries such as Streams, roads, path way and nullahsetc with Global Positioning System (GPS) reading in order of id’s viz F2 (Naval Odai DGL – Thiruppur District Boundary) to F11 (Vannatti odai).And also from Mottaiparai to Palar-Porandalar Reservoir-zero point at id-F12 to id-F13 in Palani Range. ANNEXURE- IIA LOCATION MAP OF KODAIKANAL WILDLIFE SANCTUARY AND ITS ECO-SENSITIVE ZONE ALONG WITH LATITUDE AND LONGITUDE OF PROMINENT LOCATIONS ANNEXURE- IIB GOOGLE MAP OF ECO-SENSITIVE ZONE OF KODAIKANAL WILDLIFE SANCTUARY ALONG WITH LATITUDE AND LONGITUDE OF PROMINENT LOCATIONS ANNEXURE- IIC GOOGLE MAP OF ECO-SENSITIVE ZONE OF KODAIKANAL WILDLIFE SANCTUARY SHOWING 10 KM BUFFER ALONG WITH LATITUDE AND LONGITUDE OF PROMINENT LOCATIONS ANNEXURE- IID MAP OF ECO-SENSITIVE ZONE OF KODAIKANAL WILDLIFE SANCTUARY ALONG WITH LATITUDE AND LONGITUDE OF PROMINENT LOCATIONS ON SURVEY OF INDIA (SOI) TOPOSHEET ANNEXURE- IIE MAP SHOWING LANDUSE PATTERN OF ECO-SENSITIVE ZONE OF KODAIKANAL WILDLIFE SANCTUARY AND 10 KM BUFFER ALONG WITH LATITUDE AND LONGITUDE OF PROMINENT LOCATIONS ANNEXURE- IIF MAP SHOWING FOREST LAND OF ECO-SENSITIVE ZONE OF KODAIKANAL WILDLIFE SANCTUARY ANNEXURE-III TABLE A: GEO- COORDINATES OF PROMINENT LOCATIONS OF KODAIKANAL WILDLIFE SANCTUARY Key Points along Kodaikanal Wildlife Sanctuary Boundary A1 North West corner of Andipatti 10.40220 77.31670 A3 Pachaiyar River enters Revenue land 10.36820 77.40970 B1 North East Corner of PV Valley 10.38530 77.54230 B2 Savarikadu 10.36580 77.54590 B6 Kukal - Pazhmputhur Road 10.28540 77.37920 B8 Kodai - Poomparai Road Near Oothu 10.23000 77.46150 C2 Pannaikadu - Thandikudi Road 10.29490 77.65130 C3 Dindigul - Theni District Junction 10.21480 77.70650 D1 Ghat Road Near Kamakkapatti 10.19200 77.66860 D2 Manjalar River enters in Revenue land 10.21840 77.61990 D3 Periyakulam - Kumbakarai Road 10.17890 77.53240 E2 Kilavarai - Kadavarai Path 10.21370 77.28920 TABLE B: GEO-COORDINATES OF PROMINENT LOCATIONS OF ECO-SENSITIVE ZONE F1 Bi-junction of Anamalai TR and KKL WLS 10.40220 77.31670 F6 Kudiraiyar Reservoir Zero Point (Western) 10.39100 77.37260 F7 Kudiraiyar Reservoir Zero Point (Eastern) 10.38690 77.37870 F8 Kudiraiyar Reservoir Road 10.39990 77.38330 F13 Palar - Porandalar Reservoir - Zero Point 10.36850 77.47210 F14 Palani- Perumalmalai Road 10.36580 77.51230 G3 Nagamaratalai 10.29910 77.48160 G5 Attivayal 10.32350 77.40730 G7 Kundupatti Metal Road 10.30280 77.38050 G8 Kukal - Pazhamputhur Road 10.28800 77.38120 G12 Palamalai 10.23400 77.57380 G13 Perumalmalai - Adukkam Road 10.25260 77.55650 H1 Krishnan Koil-Starting point of DGL-Then 10.21720 77.70630 H4 Manjalar Zero point- Northern Side 10.20070 77.63630 H6 Devadanapatti - Manjalar Road 10.18030 77.63840 H7 Siphon Near Devadanapatti 10.15030 77.63980 H8 Batlagundu - Periyakulam Road 10.14650 77.63770 H9 Entrance of Horticultural College 10.12970 77.58760 H10 Endapuli - Murugamalai Metal Road 10.13430 77.57840 H11 Murugamalai Main Road 10.13990 77.56480 H14 Kumbakarai - Adukkam Road 10.18410 77.53870 H15 Kumbakari -Periyakulam Road 10.17700 77.53560 TABLE C: GEO-COORDINATES OF PROMINENT LOCATIONS OF KODAIKANAL WILDLIFE SANCTUARY HAVING ZERO EXTENT OF ECO-SENSITIVE ZONE ID Latitude Longitude ID Latitude Longitude Justification 1 10.39100 77.37270 to 2 10.38700 77.37860 Kudaraiyar reservoir 3 10.37090 77.41880 to 4 10.37280 77.43640 PeriyaAmmapatty Reserve Forest 5 10.36860 77.47210 to 6 10.36590 77.51230 Palar - Porunthalar Reservoir 7 10.38580 77.54220 to 8 10.31350 77.53930 Ayakudi RL 9 10.25110 77.38950 to 10 10.25210 77.42030 Poombarai village 11 10.24970 77.47090 to 12 10.23780 77.53460 Kodaikanal Township Area 12 10.23780 77.53460 to 13 10.23715 77.53513 Tiger Shola RF 14 10.25260 77.55650 to 15 10.28000 77.55140 Perumalmalai Village 15 10.28000 77.55140 to 16 10.29900 77.56360 Perumalmalai Shola RF 16 10.29900 77.56360 to 17 10.31610 77.61940 Ayakudi RL 17 10.31610 77.61940 to 18 10.28070 77.67260 Vertical Slope Area 18 10.28070 77.67260 to 19 10.26840 77.67050 Kannivadi Block II RF 19 10.26840 77.67050 to 20 10.23710 77.70770 Vertical Slope Area 20 10.23710 77.70770 to 21 10.21720 77.70640 Mankaradu RF 22 10.13000 77.46440 to 23 10.11990 77.26660 Bodi North Hills RF and Kotakudi RF 23 10.11990 77.26660 to 24 10.21620 77.29410 Tamilnadu Kerala Interstate Boundary 24 10.21620 77.29410 to 25 10.26100 77.33840 Anamalai Tiger Reserve Buffer Area 25 10.26100 77.33840 to 26 10.40220 77.31680 Anamalai Tiger Reserve ANNEXURE-IV LIST OF VILLAGES COMING UNDER ECO-SENSITIVE ZONE OF KODAIKANAL WILDLIFE SANCTUARY ALONG WITH GEO-COORDINATES S. No Division Name of the Villages Geo – Coordinates Latitude Longitude Kodaikanal Andipatty 10°26’ 13.2” 77°22’ 42.96” 2 Velayudampalayampudur 10° 15’ 44.78” 77° 15’ 11.88” 3 Pappampatty 10° 15’ 44.12” 77° 14’ 33.39” 4 Kavalpatty 10° 15’ 43.63” 77° 15’ 14.99” 5 Annanagar 10°23’ 9.97” 77° 32’ 28.12” 6 Adukkam 10° 14’ 16.98” 77° 33’ 08.21” 7 Kodaikanal 10° 14’ 16.07” 77° 29’ 20.85” 8 Kookal 10° 17’ 09.23” 77°21’ 48.04” 9 Poomparai 10° 15’ 23.10” 77°24’ 28.13” 10 Thandikudi 10° 18’ 35.32” 77° 38’ 35.11” 11 Pannaikadu 10° 16’ 43.47” 77° 37’ 42.81” 12 Poolathur 10° 13’ 27.03” 77° 39’ 56.51” Vellagavi – Periyar 10° 9’ 26.54” 77°26’ 26.95” Vellagavi - Chinnur 10° 11’ 50.49” 77° 29’ 59.70” 14 Devathanapatty 10° 08’ 47.86” 77° 38’ 36.90” 15 Ganguvarpatty 10° 10’ 14.58” 77° 41’ 52.86” 16 Vadakarai 10° 08’ 53.50” 77° 31’ 02.62” 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, 8. Any other matter of importance. and Published by the Controller of Publications, Delhi-110054. MANOJ KUMAR VERMA