Final Notification Declaring Eco Sensitive Zone S.O. No.3654 around Achanakmar Wildlife Sanctuary, Chhattisgarh

EXTRAORDINARY PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE NOTIFICATION New Delhi, the 10th October, 2019 S.O. 3654(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. 1654(E), dated the 16th April, 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 draft notification were made available to the public on the 17th April, 2018; AND WHEREAS, no objections and suggestions were received from persons and stakeholders in response to the draft notification; WHEREAS, The Achanakmar Tiger Reserve is spread over an area of 914.017 square kilometres and situated in Lormi Tehsil of Mungeli district in the State of Chhattisgarh; AND WHEREAS, the Achanakmar Tiger Reserve is known for its rich habitat consisting of a variety of flora and fauna including mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, fish, varieties of butterflies and insects and a number of waterfalls such as Maniyari, Kasanai, Rakchhachhak, Matinala adding richness to the scenic beauty of the natural landscape endowed with rich biodiversity and forests. The important flora from the Achanakmar Tiger Reserve are Sal (Shorea robusta), Saja (Terminalia tomentosa), Bija (Pterocarpus marsupium), Dhaura (Anogeissus latifolia), Haldu (Adina cardiflora), Harra (Terminelia chebula), Kusum (Scheichera oleosa), Padar (Stereopsermum suaveolens), Kasai (Bridelia retusa), Landia (Lagerstroemia parviflora ), Jamun (Syzygium cumini), Mahua (Madhuca indica), Kala – siris (Albizia lebbek), Sisam (Dalbergia latifolia), Khair (Acacia catechu), Kullu (Stereculia urens) etc. While, shrubs and Bushes from the Tiger Reserve are Achar (Buchanania lanzan ), Baranga (Kydia calycina), Tondri (Casearia tomentosa ), Kachanar (Bauhinia variegate), Apamarg (Achyranthus aspera), Bibidang (Embelia robusta ), Bantulsi (Grewia rothii ), Dhawai (woodfordia floribunda ), Chirota (Cassia tora), Baibirang (Embelia tejeramcottam) etc. Mahul (Bauhinia vahlii), Palasbel (Butea superb), Ramdatoon (Similax macrophylla), Paibel (Combretum decandrum), Raoni (Acacia pennata), Dokarbel (Cissus repanda) etc. are climbers recorded from the protected area; AND WHEREAS, important grasses and bamboo from the Achanakmar Tiger Reserve are Bans (Dendrocalamus strictus), Chhira (Themeda ouadrivalvis ), Chhir (Imperata cylindrical), Mushel (Iseilema nervosum ), Bhurbhuri (Eragrostis tenella), Khas (Vetivera zizanioides), Kusal (Hetaropogon contortus), Sabai (Eulaiopsis binata), etc. Safed musli (Chlorophtum tuberosum), Kali musli (Curuligo orchioides), Tikhur (Curcuma ungustifoliya), Kewanch (Macuna pruriens), Marorfalli (Helictres isora), Satavar (Asparagus racemosus ), etc. the medicinal plants recorded from the Achanakmar Tiger Reserve; AND WHEREAS, Achanakmar Tiger Reserve is very rich in wildlife as it has very vast grasslands which provides an ideal habitat for herbivore and has a rich potential prey base for Tiger, Panthers and other carnivore. The important fauna recorded from the Tiger Reserve are Bagh (Panthera tigris), Tendua (Panthera pardus), Bhalu (Melursus ursinus), Wild dog (Cuon alpines), Gaur (Bos gaurus), Cheetal (Axix axis), Sambar (Cervus unicolor), Barking deer (Muntiacus muntjak), Chousinga (Tetracerus quadricornis), Wild pig (Sus scrofa), Jackal (Canis aureus), Ratel (Millivora capensis), Ajghar (Python molurus), Moniter Lizard (Varanus moniter), Nag (Naja naja), Ahiraj (Bungarus fasciatus), Russell's viper (Vipera russelli), etc. The major bird species found in the protected area are Bater (Perdicula asiatica), Harial (Treron phoenicoptera ), Peacock (Pavo cristatus ), Sarus (Grus atigona), Teetar (Kala) (Frankolinus pictus), Finga (Dicrurus leucophaeus), Zakki (Muscicapa daurika ), Koel (Eudynamys scolopacea), Pachanak (Lanius vittatus), Kotwal (Dicrurus macrocercus ), Mayur, Mor (Pavo cristatus), Pilak (Oriolus kundoo), Katphodwa (Dinopium benghalense), Shama (Copsyshus malabaricus), Shakari munia (Lonchura striata), Nilranga (Cyornis tickelliae), Chittkabara (Padki) (Streptopelia chinensis), Pulak (Calandrella brachydactyla ), Lybar Tota (Psittacula krameri ), Neelkanth (Caracias benghalensis), etc.; AND WHEREAS, important endangered and threatened species from the Achanakmar Tiger Reserve are Gudmar (Gymnema sylvestris) Hadjod (Cissus quadrangularis, Satpuda leopard gecko (Eublepharis hardwickii), Banded Krait (Bungarus fasciatus), Pangolin (Manis crassicaudata), Wolf (Canis lupus pallipes), Chausingha or Four horned antelope (Tetracerus quadricornis), Indian Wild Dog (Cuon alpines), etc.; AND WHEREAS, the Achanakmar Tiger Reserve is cradled and nested in the unique feature of Achanakmar- Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve. The Achanakmar Tiger Reserve is at the confluence of many conduits (corridors) of tiger linking it to the major tiger reserves in the region and is a hub of tiger activity. Apart from this the area has rich historical and cultural attributes elevating and enhancing the ecotourism potential in the area. The area also has attributes like education and research which is yet to be promoted in the right persecution; AND WHEREAS, it is necessary to conserve and protect the area, the extent and boundaries of Achanakmar Tiger Reserve which are specified in paragraph 1 as Eco-sensitive Zone from ecological, environmental and biodiversity point of view and to prohibit industries or class of industries and their operations and processes in the said Eco-sensitive Zone; NOW, THEREFORE, in exercise of the 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) kilometre to 8.49 kilometres around the boundary of Achanakmar Tiger Reserve, in Mungeli district in the State of Chhattisgarh as Achanakmar Tiger Reserve 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 zero kilometre to 8.49 kilometres around the boundary of Achanakmar Tiger Reserve and the area of the Eco-sensitive Zone is 438.95 square kilometres. Zero extent of Eco-sensitive Zone at North-west direction is due to adjoining of interstate border with Madhya Pradesh. Extent of Eco-sensitive Zone in different directions are: (2) The boundary description of Achanakmar Tiger Reserve and its Eco-sensitive Zone is appended in Annexure-I. (3) The maps of the Achanakmar Tiger Reserve demarcating Eco-sensitive Zone along with boundary details and latitudes and longitudes are appended as Annexure-IIA, Annexure-IIB, Annexure-IIC, Annexure-IID, (4) Lists of geo-coordinates of the boundary of Achanakmar Tiger Reserve and Eco-sensitive Zone are given in Table A and Table B of Annexure-III. (5) 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 North 4.1 kms East 6.2 kms South 1.0 kms West 2.1 kms 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 18th 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 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 shall not be permitted on existing steep hill slopes or slopes with a high degree of erosion. 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 thereunder 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 th August, 2006 in the matter of T.N. Godavarman Thirumulpad Vs. UOI in W.P.(C) No. 202 of 1995 and dated the 21 st April, 2014 in the matter of Goa Foundation Vs. UOI in W.P.(C) No. 435 of 2012. 2. Setting of industries causing pollution (Water, Air, Soil, Noise, etc.). New industries and expansion of existing polluting industries in the Eco-sensitive Zone shall not be permitted: Provided that non-polluting industries shall be allowed within Eco-sensitive Zone as per classification of Industries in the guidelines issued by the Central Pollution Control Board in February, 2016, unless 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. 23. Open Well, Bore Well, etc. for agriculture or other usage. Regulated under applicable laws and the activity shall be strictly monitored by the concerned authority. 24. Solid waste management. Regulated as per the applicable laws. 25. Introduction of exotic species. Regulated as per the applicable laws. 26. Eco-tourism. Regulated as per the applicable laws. 27. Use of polythene bags. Regulated as per the applicable laws. 28. Commercial sign boards and hoardings. Regulated as per the applicable laws. 29. Rain water harvesting. Shall be actively promoted. 30. Organic farming. Shall be actively promoted. 31. Adoption of green technology for all activities. Shall be actively promoted. 32. Cottage industries including village artisans, etc. Shall be actively promoted. 33. Use of renewable energy and fuels. Bio-gas, solar light, etc. 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. No. Constituent of the Monitoring Committee Designation 1. Collector Mungeli Chairman, ex officio; An expert in the area of ecology and environment to be nominated by the Government of Chhattisgarh for a period of one year. Member; 3. Chief Executive Officer, District Panchayat, Mungeli Member; Representative of Non-Governmental Organization working in the field of natural conservation (including heritage conservation) to be nominated by the Government of Chhattisgarh for a period of one year in each case. Member; 5. Superintendent Engineer , Public Works Department , Mungeli Member; 6. Superintendent Engineer Public Health Engineering, Mungeli Member; 7. Executive Engineer, Chhattisgarh environment conservation board Member; 8. Member, State Biodiversity Board Member; 9. Assistant Director, Achanakmar Tiger Reserve (Buffer) Lormi Member; 10. Deputy Director, Achanakmar Tiger Reserve, Lormi 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 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 the National Green Tribunal. ANNEXURE- I BOUNDARY DESCRIPTION OF ACHANAKMAR TIGER RESERVE AND ITS ECOSENSITIVE ZONE IN THE STATE CHHATTISGARH North — Common boundary of Bilaspur and Dindori district of Madhya Pradesh, Common point of RF compt. no. 407 and 416 to southern boundary of RF compt. no. 259 and western boundary of RF compt. No. 260, 265, 266 of Lamani range & southern boundary of PF compt. no. 1215, 1214, 1213, 1218 of Gaurella range. East — Western boundary of the PF compt. No. 1205, 1207 & 1133 of Gaurella rsnge, Western boundary of PF compt. No. 1135, 1139, 1141, 1150, 1151 south-west boundary of PF compt. No. 1159, southern boundary of PF compt. No. 1159, southern boundary of PF compt. No. 1163 of Belgahana renge, western boundary of village Sargod and Parasapani and common boundary of Bilaspur and Marwahi forest division up to eastern boundary of compt. No. 172. South — Western boundary of RF compt. No. 172 of Lormi range, nothern boundary of RF compt. No. 168, 173, 174, 166, 165, 164, 163, 143, western boundary of RF compt. No. 142, 125, 104, then northern boundary of RF compt. No. 103, 93, 94, 96 and PF compt. No. 1537, eastern boundary of village Ramhepur, northern boundary of PF compt. No. 550, northern boundary of village Aghariya Bargan, northern boundary of RF compt. No. 1535, 1534, northern boundary of village Gunapur, northern boudary of PF compt. No. 1533, RF 556 PF 1529 RF 534, 537, 532, 499 eastern boundary of RF compt. No. 499 and 530 and eastern boundary of Maniyari Tank up to meeting point of RF compt. No. 502 East — Northern boundary of Maniyari Tank that starts from meeting point of RF compt. No. 502, to meeting point of 474, northern boundary of RF compt. No. 474 and forest village Bijrakachhar, eastern boundary of RF compt. No. 475, 476, 469, 463 village Salgi, RF compt. No. 424, 421, 420 forest village Aurapani and RF compt. No. 416 which meets the common boundary of Bilaspur and Dindori district. ANNEXURE- IIA MAP OF ACHANAKMAR TIGER RESERVE AND ITS ECO-SENSITIVE ZONE ALONG WITH LATITUDE AND LONGITUDE OF PROMINENT LOCATIONS ANNEXURE- IIB LOCATION MAP OF ACHANAKMAR TIGER RESERVE AND ITS ECO-SENSITIVE ZONE ALONG WITH COMPARTMENT BOUNDARY AND LATITUDE AND LONGITUDE OF PROMINENT LOCATIONS ANNEXURE-IIC MAP OF ECO-SENSITIVE ZONE OF ACHANAKMAR TIGER RESERVE ALONG WITH PROMINENT POINTS AND GEO-COORDINATES ANNEXURE-IID GOOGLE EARTH IMAGE OF ECO-SENSITIVE ZONE OF ACHANAKMAR TIGER RESERVE ALONG WITH PROMINENT LOCATIONS ANNEXURE-IIE LANDSCAPE MAP OF ECO-SENSITIVE ZONE OF ACHANAKMAR TIGER RESERVE ANNEXURE-IIF FOREST COVER MAP OF ECO-SENSITIVE ZONE OF ACHANAKMAR TIGER RESERVE ANNEXURE-III TABLE A: GEO- COORDINATES OF PROMINENT LOCATIONS OF ACHANAKMAR TIGER RESERVE S.N. TIGER RESERVE DISCRIPTION TYPE LATITUDE LONGITUDE TABLE B: GEO-COORDINATES OF PROMINENT LOCATIONS OF ECO-SENSITIVE ZONE OF ACHANAKMAR TIGER RESERVE ANNEXURE-IV LIST OF VILLAGES COMING UNDER ECO-SENSITIVE ZONE OF ACHANAKMAR TIGER RESERVE ALONG WITH GEO-COORDINATES S.N Point ID Name of Village Tahsil District Latitude DMS Longitude DMS XXXI V I II III XXXI X DMS: Degree, Minutes and Seconds. 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. ALOK KUMAR