Full Text
REGD. No. D. L.-33004/99
THE GAZETTE OF INDIA
CG-DL-E-12122025-268446
EXTRAORDINARY
PART II—Section 3—Sub-section (ii)
PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY
NEW DELHI, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2025/AGRAHAYANA 14, 1947
MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
NOTIFICATION
New Delhi, the 5th December, 2025
S.O. 5642(E).— WHEREAS a draft notification was published in the Gazette of India, Extraordinary, Part II, section-3,sub-section(ii), vide notification of the Government of India in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change number S.O. 5638 (E), dated the 30th December, 2024, 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 30th December, 2024;
AND WHEREAS no objections, comments and suggestions were received from persons and stakeholders in response to the said draft notification;
AND WHEREAS Lothian Island Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the South 24 Parganas District of West Bengal with an area of 38 square kilometers and the Sanctuary is situated at the mouth of the Ganga- Brahmaputra river system, both in India and Bangladesh. It is bounded by the Saptamukhi River in northern, eastern and western sides and the Bay of Bengal from the southern side;
AND WHEREAS Lothian Island Wildlife Sanctuary is a part of the Sundarbans, which is the largest single chunk of deltaic mangrove forest and provides shelter to animals of schedule - I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 which includes the Gangetic Dolphin (Platinista gangetica), Water Monitor Lizard (Varanus salvator), etc.;
AND WHEREAS Lothian Island Wildlife Sanctuary supports a number of faunal species specified under the Red Data Book of the International Union for Conservation of Nature that inter alia includes Fishing Cat (Felis viverrina Bennett), Estuarine otter (Lutra lutra), Bengal Monitor Lizard (Varanus bengalis), Estuarine Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus), Olive Ridley Turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea), Civet Cat (Vivera zibetha), Jacal (Coins aureus), Irrawaddy Dolphin (Oracella brevirostris), Indian Python (Python molurus), Rhesus macaque (Macaca speciosa), Chital (Axix axix), Wild pig (Sus scrofa) etc.;
AND WHEREAS Lothian Island Wildlife Sanctuary is a paradise for birds such as Fulvous Breasted Woodpecker (Dendrocopos macei), Stripe Breasted Woodpecker (Dendrocopos atratus), Blackrumped Flameback (Dinopium benghalense), Blue Throated Barbet (Psilopogon asiaticus), Stork billed Kingfisher (Pelargopsis capensis), White Throated Kingfisher (Halcyon smyrnensis), Yellow Wagtail (Motacilla flava), Black Redstart (Phoenicurus ochruros), Tickell’s Flowerpecker (Dicaeum erythrorhynchos), Paradise Flycatcher (Terpsiphone), Ashy Swallow Shrike (Artamus fuscus), Long-tailed Nightjar (Caprimulgus climacurus), Swamp Patridge (Resident) (Francolinus gularis), Eurasian Eagle Owl (Bubo bubo), Greyheaded Fish Eagle (Ichthyophaga ichthyaetus), Cotton pygmy goose (Nettapus Coromandelianus), Eurasian Wigeon (Anas Penelope), Lesser Whistling Teal (Dendrocygna javanica), White-eyed Pochard (Aythya nyroca) etc.;
AND WHEREAS the fish species found in the area includes Ganges Shark (Glyphis gangeticus), Hammer head Shark (Sphyrna blochi), Guitar fish (Rhinobatos annandalei), Hangar (Dasyatis sephors), Butter Fish (Stromateus sinensis), Silver Pomfret ( Pampus chirensis), Bengal Tongue Fish (Cynoglossus cynoglossus), Gangetic Hairfin Anchovy (Setipinna phasa (Hamilton), Mottled Eel (Anguilla bengalensis), Blackfin Sea Cat Fish (Arius jella), Spot Tail Needle Fish (Strongylura strongylura), Kalagachhi Bhagone (Liza tade (Forsskal), Chanda ( Etroplus suratensis (Bloch) etc.;
AND WHEREAS Lothian Island Wildlife Sanctuary is having the wide bio-diversities of floral species. The floral species recorded from the area includes Harguza (Acanthus ilicifolius L), Lata Harguza (A.volubilis), Tora (Aegialitis rotundifolia), Khalsi (Aegiceras carniculatum), Piara Baen (Avicennia alba (Blume), Kala Baen (A. marina), Jat Baen (A. officinalis), Amur (Aglaie cuculata), Hodo (Acrostichum aureum), Bakul (Brugruiera cylindrical), Kankra (B. gymnorhiza), Kankra (B. sexangula (Lour) Poirot), Lata Sundari (B. parviflora), Bakul (Brownlowia tersa (L)), Dakor (Cerbera manghas Geartn), Banjai (Clerodendrum inerme), Nate (Caesalpinia bunducella), Jhamti (Ceriops decandra), Math Goran (C. Tagal (Prrottet) C.S. Robinson), Singra Kalilata ( Cynometra iripa kostel ), Dalbergia spinosa, Kalilata (D. heterophylia), Gila Entada scandens, Genwa (Excoecaria agollocha), Dudhilata (Finlaysonia obovata), Fimbristylis ferruginea, Garjan (Rhizophora apiculata Blume) etc.;
AND WHEREAS for effective conservation and protection of floral and faunal biodiversity of Lothian Island Wildlife Sanctuary, the extent of anthropogenic pressure in the periphery of the park has to be regulated as the immediate area adjoining this fragile ecosystem is ecologically sensitive and exert great impact on this Protected Area;
AND WHEREAS the dynamic nature of main river Saptamukhi River in northern, eastern and western sides and southern side is bounded by the Bay of Bengal has a direct impact on the wildlife in the park;
AND WHEREAS it is necessary to conserve and protect the area, surrounding the boundaries of Lothian Island 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), clauses (v) and (xiv) of sub-section (2) and sub-section (3) of section 3 of the Environment (Protection) Act 1986 (29 of 1986) (herein after 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 1.0 kilometer to 2.0 kilometers from the boundary of Lothian Island Wildlife Sanctuary in South 24 Parganas District, in the State of West Bengal as Lothian Island Wildlife Sanctuary Eco-sensitive Zone (herein after referred to as the Eco-sensitive Zone) details of which are as under, namely:-
1. Extent and boundaries of Eco-Sensitive Zone. - (1) The Eco-sensitive Zone shall be to an extent varying from 1.0 kilometer to 2.0 kilometers from the boundary of Lothian Island Wildlife Sanctuary and the area of the Eco-sensitive Zone is approximately 49.13 square kilometer.
(2) The boundary description of the Eco-sensitive Zone of Lothian Island Wildlife Sanctuary is appended as Annexure-I.
(3) The Maps of the Eco-sensitive Zone of Lothian Island Wildlife Sanctuary with geo-coordinates of the important points are appended as Annexure- II A and Annexure-II B.
(4)The list of Geo-coordinates on the boundary of Lothian Island Wildlife Sanctuary and its Eco-sensitive zone is appended as Annexure- III.
(5) No revenue villages are located within the Eco-sensitive Zone.
2. Zonal Master Plan for Eco-sensitive Zone.- (1) The State Government shall, for the purposes of the Eco-sensitive Zone, prepare a Zonal Master Plan within a period of two years from the date of publication of this notification in the Official Gazette in consultation with local people and adhering to the stipulations given in this notification for approval of the competent authority in the State Government.
(2) The Zonal Master Plan for the Eco-sensitive Zone shall be prepared by the State Government in such manner as is specified in this notification and also in consonance with the relevant Central and State laws and the guidelines issued by the Central Government, if any.
(3) The Zonal Master Plan shall be prepared in consultation with the following Departments of the State Government, for integrating the ecological and environmental considerations into the said plan, namely: -
(i) Forest;
(ii) Environment;
(iii) Agriculture;
(iv) Fisheries;
(v) Tourism;
(vi) Irrigation and Waterways;
(vii) Disaster Management and Civil defence;
(viii) Inland Waterways Department, Government of West Bengal;
(ix) Panchayats and Rural Development;
(x) Sundarban Affairs.
(4) The Zonal Master Plan shall not impose any restriction on the approved existing land use, infrastructure and activities, unless so specified in this notification and the Zonal Master Plan shall factor in improvement of all infrastructure and activities to be more efficient and eco-friendly.
(5) The Zonal Master Plan shall provide for restoration of denuded areas, conservation of existing water bodies, management of catchment areas, watershed management, groundwater management, soil and moisture conservation, needs of local community and such other aspects of the ecology and environment that need attention.
(6) The Zonal Master Plan shall demarcate all the existing worshipping places, villages and urban settlements, types and kinds of forests, agricultural areas, green area, such as, parks, horticultural areas, orchards, lakes and other water bodies with supporting maps giving details of existing and proposed land use features.
(7) The Zonal Master Plan shall regulate development in Eco-sensitive Zone and adhere to prohibited and regulated activities listed in the Table in paragraph 4 and also ensure and promote eco-friendly development for security of local communities' livelihood.
(8) The Zonal Master Plan shall be co-terminus with the Regional Development Plan.
(9) The Zonal Master Plan so approved shall be the reference document for the Monitoring Committee for carrying out its functions of monitoring in accordance with the provisions of this notification.
(10) Pending preparation and approval of the Zonal Master Plan, any new developmental activities shall be governed by provisions specified in sub-paragraph (1) and (2) of paragraph 6.
3. Measures to be taken by the State Government. - The State Government shall take the following measures for giving effect to the provisions of this notification, namely: -
(1) Land use.- Forests, horticulture areas, agricultural areas, parks and open spaces earmarked for recreational purposes in the Eco-sensitive Zone shall not be used or converted into areas for commercial or residential or industrial activities:
Provided that the conversion of agricultural and other lands, for the purposes other than that specified at above, within the Eco-sensitive Zone may be permitted on the recommendation of the Monitoring Committee, and with the prior approval of the competent authority under Regional Town Planning Act and other rules and regulations of the Central Government or the State Government as applicable and vide provisions of this notification, to meet the residential needs of the local residents and for activities such as-
(i) bank stabilization or protection structure and measures;
(ii) widening and strengthening of existing roads or jetty and construction of new road, jetty including bridges, culverts etc;
(iii) river dredging and dredging of waterways;
(iv) construction and renovation of socially desirable public infrastructure, electricity, drinking water, irrigation and other basic civic amenities;
(v) construction and renovation of disaster shelter and related works to protect people from natural disaster viz. cyclone, storm, etc.;
(vi) small scale industry with limited pollution potential;
(vii) cottage industries including village artisans etc.,
(viii) local amenities supporting eco-tourism including home stay;
(ix) construction and renovation of security forces camp and patrolling camps;
(x) Promoted activities given in paragraph 4:
Provided further that no use of tribal land shall be permitted for commercial and industrial development activities without the prior approval of the competent authority under Regional Town Planning Act and other rules and regulations of the State Government and without compliance of the provisions of article 244 of the Constitution or the law for the time being in force, including the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 (2 of 2007):
Provided also that any error appearing in the land records within the Eco-sensitive Zone shall be corrected by the State Government, after obtaining the views of Monitoring Committee, once in each case and the correction of said error shall be intimated to the Central Government in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change:
Provided also that the correction of error shall not include change of land use in any case except as provided under this sub-paragraph:
Provided also that there shall be no consequential reduction in green area, such as forest area and agriculture area and Efforts shall be made to reforest the unused or unproductive agricultural areas with afforestation and habitat restoration activities.
(2) Natural water bodies.-The catchment areas of all natural springs shall be identified and plans for their conservation and rejuvenation shall be incorporated in the Zonal Master Plan and the guidelines shall be drawn up by the State Government in such a manner as to prohibit development activities at or near these areas which are detrimental to such areas.
(3) Tourism or eco-tourism.- (a) All new eco-tourism activities or expansion of existing tourism activities within the Eco-sensitive Zone shall be as per the Tourism Master Plan for the Eco-sensitive Zone:
(b) The Tourism Master Plan shall be prepared by the State Department of Tourism in consultation with the State Departments of Environment and Forests;
(c) The Tourism Master Plan shall form a component of the Zonal Master Plan;
(d) The Tourism Master Plan shall be drawn based on the study of carrying capacity of the Eco- sensitive Zone;
(e) The activities of eco-tourism shall be regulated as under, namely:-
(i) new construction of hotels and resorts shall not be allowed within one kilometre from the boundary of the protected area or upto the extent of the Eco-sensitive Zone, whichever is nearer:
Provided that beyond the distance of one 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 and the eco-tourism guidelines issued by the National Tiger Conservation Authority 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 recommendations 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.-The buildings, structures, artefacts, areas and precincts of historical, architectural, aesthetic and cultural significance shall be identified in the Eco-sensitive Zone and heritage conservation plan for their conservation shall be prepared as part of the Zonal Master Plan.
(6) Noise pollution. - Prevention and control of noise pollution in the Eco-sensitive Zone shall be carried out in accordance with the provisions of the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000 made under the environment Act.
(7) Air pollution.- Prevention and control of air pollution in the Eco-sensitive Zone shall be carried out in accordance with the provisions of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 (14 of 1981) and the Environment Act and the rules made under these Acts.
(8) Discharge of effluents.- The discharge of treated effluent in Eco-sensitive Zone shall be in accordance with the provisions of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 (6 of 1974) and the Environment Act and the rules made under these Acts.
(9) Solid wastes.- Disposal and Management of solid wastes shall be as under, -
(a) the solid waste disposal and management in the Eco-sensitive Zone shall be carried out in accordance with the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, published by the Government of India in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change vide notification number S.O. 1357 (E), dated the 8th April, 2016; the inorganic material may be disposed in an environmentally acceptable manner at site identified outside the Eco- Sensitive Zone;
(b) No solid waste generated outside the Eco-sensitive Zone will be allowed to be treated or processed within the Eco-sensitive Zone
(10) Bio-medical waste.– Bio-medical waste Management shall be as under. -
(a) the Bio-medical waste disposal in the Eco-sensitive Zone shall be carried out in accordance with the Bio- Medical Waste Management, Rules, 2016 published by the Government of India in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change vide notification number G.S.R 343 (Ε), 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.
(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.
(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.
(14) Vehicular traffic. – The vehicular movement of traffic shall be regulated in a habitat friendly manner and specific provisions in this regard shall be incorporated in the Zonal Master Plan and till such time as the Zonal Master plan is prepared and approved by the competent authority in the State Government, the Monitoring Committee shall monitor compliance of vehicular movement under the relevant Acts and the rules and regulations made thereunder.
(15) Vehicular pollution.- Prevention and control of vehicular pollution shall be incompliance with applicable laws and efforts shall be made for use of cleaner fuels.
(16) Industrial units.– (a) On or after the publication of this notification in the Official Gazette, new polluting industries shall not be permitted to be set up within the Eco-sensitive Zone;
(b) only non-polluting industries shall be allowed within Eco-sensitive Zone as per the classification of Industries in the guidelines issued by the Central Pollution Control Board in February, 2016, 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 thereunder including 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 be regulated in the manner specified in the Table below, namely:-
TABLE
A. Prohibited Activities
+------+----------------------------------------------------------+-----------------------------------------------------------+
| S. No. | Activity | Description |
+======+==========================================================+===========================================================+
| 1. | Commercial mining, stone quarrying and crushing units. | (a) All new and existing mining (minor and major |
| | | minerals), stone quarrying and crushing units shall be |
| | | prohibited with immediate effect except for meeting |
| | | the domestic needs of bona fide local residents |
| | | including digging of earth for construction or repair of |
| | | houses within Eco- sensitive Zone; |
| | | (b) The mining operations shall be carried out in |
| | | accordance with the order(s) 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; dated the 21st April, 2014 in the matter of Goa |
| | | Foundation Vs. UOI in W.P.(C) No.435 of 2012; and |
| | | IA No. 1000 of 2003 dated the 03rd June, 2022 and |
| | | subsequent IA No. 131377 of 2022 judgment dated the |
| | | 26th April, 2023 and the 28th April, 2023. |
+------+----------------------------------------------------------+-----------------------------------------------------------+
| 2. | Setting of industries causing pollution (Water, Air, | New or expansion of polluting industries in the Eco- |
| | Soil, Noise, etc.). | sensitive Zone shall be not permitted. Pollution prevention |
| | | technologies and noise barriers should be installed by |
| | | existing industries. |
+------+----------------------------------------------------------+-----------------------------------------------------------+
| 3. | Establishment of major hydroelectric project. | Prohibited. |
+------+----------------------------------------------------------+-----------------------------------------------------------+
| 4. | Use or production or processing of any hazardous | Prohibited. |
| | substance. | |
+------+----------------------------------------------------------+-----------------------------------------------------------+
| 5. | Discharge of untreated effluents in natural water bodies | Prohibited. |
| | or land area. | |
+------+----------------------------------------------------------+-----------------------------------------------------------+
| 6. | Setting up of new saw mills. | New or expansion of existing saw mills shall not be |
| | | permitted within the Eco-sensitive Zone. |
+------+----------------------------------------------------------+-----------------------------------------------------------+
| 7. | Setting up of brick kilns. | Prohibited. |
+------+----------------------------------------------------------+-----------------------------------------------------------+
| 8. | Use of polythene bags and plastics. | Prohibited. For other commercial establishment, plastic |
| | | below 50 microns shall be prohibited. |
+------+----------------------------------------------------------+-----------------------------------------------------------+
| 9. | Commercial use of firewood. | Prohibited. |
+------+----------------------------------------------------------+-----------------------------------------------------------+
| 10. | Commercial extraction of surface and ground water. | Prohibited. |
+------+----------------------------------------------------------+-----------------------------------------------------------+
| 11. | Introduction of Exotic species. | Prohibited. |
+------+----------------------------------------------------------+-----------------------------------------------------------+
12. Establishment of Solid waste treatment facility.
(a) the bio-degradable 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 environmentally acceptable manner at site identified outside the Eco- Sensitive Zone.
(b) No solid waste generated outside the Eco-sensitive Zone will be allowed to be treated or processed within the Eco-sensitive Zone
13. Establishment of Bio-Medical waste treatment Facility.
(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 (Ε), dated the 28th March, 2016. No Bio Medical Waste treatment facility shall be located within the Eco- sensitive Zone
(b) All waste generated from bio-medical units within the Eco-sensitive Zone shall be taken outside the Eco- sensitive Zone for treatment and disposal. No Bio-medical waste generated outside the Eco-sensitive Zone will be allowed to be handled, processed or treated inside the Eco- sensitive Zone.
14. Establishment of Plastic waste treatment facility.
(a) 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. Additional site-specific restrictions may be prescribed in the Zonal Master Plan. No plastic waste treatment facility should be located inside the Eco- sensitive Zone
(b) All plastic waste generated inside the Eco-sensitive Zone shall be taken outside the Eco-sensitive Zone. No plastic waste generated outside the Eco-sensitive Zone shalll be allowed to be handled, processed or treated inside the Eco-sensitive Zone.
15. Establishment of E-waste waste treatment facility.
(a) 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, Specifications and additional site-specific restrictions may be prescribed in the Zonal Master Plan. No e-waste treatment facility should be located inside the Eco- sensitive Zone.
(b) All e-waste generated inside the Eco-sensitive Zone shall be taken outside the Eco-sensitive Zone. No e-waste generated outside the Eco-sensitive Zone shall be allowed to be handled, processed or treated inside the Eco-sensitive Zone.
B. Regulated Activities
+------+---------------------------------------------------------+-----------------------------------------------------------+
| 16. | Commercial establishment of hotels and resorts. | New commercial hotels and resorts shall not 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 kilometre 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. |
+------+---------------------------------------------------------+-----------------------------------------------------------+
| 17. | Construction activities. | (a) New commercial construction of any kind shall not be |
| | | permitted within one kilometer from the boundary of |
| | | the Protected Area or upto extent of the Eco-sensitive |
| | | Zone whichever is nearer: |
| | | Provided that local people shall be permitted to |
| | | undertake construction in their land for their use |
| | | including the activities listed in sub-paragraph (1) of |
| | | paragraph 3 as per building bye-laws to meet the |
| | | residential needs of the local residents: |
| | | Provided further that the construction activity |
| | | related to small scale industries not causing pollution |
| | | shall be regulated and kept at the minimum, with the |
| | | prior permission from the competent authority as per |
| | | applicable rules and regulations, if any. |
| | | (b) Beyond one kilometre it shall be regulated as per the |
| | | Zonal Master Plan. |
+------+---------------------------------------------------------+-----------------------------------------------------------+
| 18. | Small scale non-polluting industries. | Non-polluting industries as per classification of |
| | | industries issued by the Central Pollution Control Board |
| | | in February, 2016, 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. |
+------+---------------------------------------------------------+-----------------------------------------------------------+
| 19. | Felling of trees. | (a) There shall be no felling of trees in the forest or |
| | | Government or revenue or private lands without |
| | | prior permission of the competent authority in the |
| | | State Government. |
| | | (b) The felling of trees shall be regulated in accordance |
| | | with the provisions of the concerned Central or State |
| | | Act and the rules made there under. |
+------+---------------------------------------------------------+-----------------------------------------------------------+
| 20. | Collection of Forest Produce or Non-Timber Forest | Regulated as per the applicable laws. |
| | Produce. | |
+------+---------------------------------------------------------+-----------------------------------------------------------+
| 21. | Erection of electrical and communication towers and | Regulated as per the applicable laws of underground |
| | laying of cables and other infrastructures. | cabling may be promoted. |
+------+---------------------------------------------------------+-----------------------------------------------------------+
| 22. | Infrastructure including civic amenities. | Taking measures of mitigation, as per applicable laws, |
| | | rules and regulation and available guidelines. |
+------+---------------------------------------------------------+-----------------------------------------------------------+
| 23. | Widening and strengthening of existing roads and | Taking measures of mitigation |
| | construction of new roads. | with proper Environment Impact Assessment, as per |
| | | applicable laws, rules and regulation and available |
| | | guidelines. |
+------+---------------------------------------------------------+-----------------------------------------------------------+
C. Promoted Activities
+------+---------------------------------------------------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| 24. | Undertaking other activities related to tourism like over | Regulated as per the applicable laws. |
| | flying over the Eco-sensitive Zone area by hot air | |
| | balloon, helicopter, drones, Microlites, etc. | |
+------+---------------------------------------------------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| 25. | Protection of Hill Slopes and river banks. | Regulated as per the applicable laws. |
+------+---------------------------------------------------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| 26. | Movement of vehicular traffic at night. | Regulated for commercial purpose as per the applicable |
| | | laws. |
+------+---------------------------------------------------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| 27. | Ongoing agriculture and horticulture practices by local | Permitted as per the applicable laws for use of locals. |
| | communities along with dairies, dairy farming, | |
| | aquaculture and fisheries. | |
+------+---------------------------------------------------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| 28. | Discharge of treated waste Water or effluents in natural | The discharge of treated waste water or effluents shall |
| | water bodies or land area. | 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. |
+------+---------------------------------------------------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| 29. | Establishment of large-scale commercial livestock and | Regulated as per applicable laws except for meeting |
| | poultry farms by firms, corporate and companies. | local needs. |
+------+---------------------------------------------------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| 30. | Open Well, Bore Well, etc. for agriculture or other | Regulated and the activity shall be strictly monitored |
| | usage. | by the appropriate authority. |
+------+---------------------------------------------------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| 31. | Eco-tourism. | Regulated as per the applicable laws. |
+------+---------------------------------------------------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| 32. | Commercial Sign boards and hoardings. | Regulated as per the applicable laws. |
+------+---------------------------------------------------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| 33. | Movement of Timber. | Shall be regulated as per the West Bengal Transit |
| | | Rules, 2019. |
+------+---------------------------------------------------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| 34. | Pisciculture. | Not permitted inside the forest area. In other areas, |
| | | species cultivated and method of cultivation will be |
| | | regulated in the River Waters of Eco-sensitive Zone. |
+------+---------------------------------------------------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| | C. Promoted Activities | |
+------+---------------------------------------------------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| 35. | Rain water harvesting. | Shall be actively promoted. |
+------+---------------------------------------------------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| 36. | Organic farming. | Shall be actively promoted. |
+------+---------------------------------------------------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| 37. | Adoption of green technology for all activities. | Shall be actively promoted. |
+------+---------------------------------------------------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| 38. | Cottage industries including village artisans, etc. | Shall be actively promoted. |
+------+---------------------------------------------------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| 39. | Use of renewable energy and fuels. | Bio-gas, solar light etc. shall be actively promoted. |
+------+---------------------------------------------------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| 40. | Agro-Forestry. | Shall be actively promoted. |
+------+---------------------------------------------------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| 41. | Plantation of Horticulture and Herbals. | Shall be actively promoted. |
+------+---------------------------------------------------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| 42. | Use of eco-friendly transport. | Shall be actively promoted. |
+------+---------------------------------------------------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| 43. | Skill Development. | Shall be actively promoted. |
+------+---------------------------------------------------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| 44. | Restoration of Degraded Land or Forests or Habitat. | Shall be actively promoted. |
+------+---------------------------------------------------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| 45. | Environmental Awareness. | Shall be actively promoted. |
+------+---------------------------------------------------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| 46. | Establishment of Cyclone Embankment protection. | Permitted. |
+------+---------------------------------------------------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| 47. | Embankment protection. | Permitted. |
+------+---------------------------------------------------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| 48. | Soil and moisture conservation works including | Shall be actively promoted. Vegetative bank protection |
| | riverbank protection measures. | measures will be promoted. |
+------+---------------------------------------------------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| 49. | Sustainable forest management activities. | Shall be actively promoted. |
+------+---------------------------------------------------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| 50. | Apiary. | To be actively encouraged. |
+------+---------------------------------------------------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
| 51. | Eco friendly alternate livelihood. | To be actively encouraged. |
+------+---------------------------------------------------------+---------------------------------------------------------+
5. Monitoring Committee- For effective monitoring of the provisions of this notification, the Central Government hereby constitutes a Monitoring Committee, comprising of the following, namely:-
+--------+----------------------------------------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| S. No. | Constituent of the Monitoring Committee | Designation |
+========+================================================================+===================================+
| (i) | The District Collector 24 Parganas (South) District, | Chairman, ex officio,; |
| | Government of Bengal. | |
+--------+----------------------------------------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| (ii) | A representative of Non-governmental Organisation working in | Member; |
| | the field of wildlife conservation (including heritage | |
| | conservation) to be nominated by the State Government of West | |
| | Bengal from time to time every three years. | |
+--------+----------------------------------------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| (iii) | An expert in the area of Biodiversity from a reputed University| Member, |
| | or Institution to be nominated by the State Government of West | |
| | Bengal from time to time every three years. | |
+--------+----------------------------------------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| (iv) | An expert in Ecology to be nominated by the State Government | Member; |
| | of West Bengal from time to time every three years. | |
+--------+----------------------------------------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| (v) | A representative from Irrigation and Waterways Department, | Member, ex officio; |
| | Government of West Bengal. | |
+--------+----------------------------------------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| (vi) | A representative from Sundarban Affairs Department. | Member, ex officio; |
+--------+----------------------------------------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| (vii) | A representative from West Bengal State Pollution Control | Member, ex officio; |
| | Board. | |
+--------+----------------------------------------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| (vii) | A representative from Fisheries Department. | Member, ex officio; |
+--------+----------------------------------------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| (viii) | Representative of Panchayats and Rural Development | Member, ex officio; |
| | Department, Government of West Bengal. | |
+--------+----------------------------------------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| (x) | The Divisional Forest Officer, 24 Parganas (South) Division | Member-Secretary ex officio. |
+--------+----------------------------------------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
6. Functions of the Monitoring Committee. – (1) The Monitoring Committee shall, based on the actual site-specific conditions scrutinise the activities covered in the Schedule to the notification of the Government of India in the erstwhile Ministry of Environment and Forest, vide number S.O. 1553 (E), dated the 14th September, 2006 and are falling in the Eco-sensitive Zone, except for the prohibited activities as specified in the Table under paragraph 4 thereof, and refer to the Central Government in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change or the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority, as the case may be, for prior environmental clearances under the provisions of the said notification.
(2) The activities not covered in the Schedule to the notification of the Government of India in the erstwhile Ministry of Environment and Forests published vide number S.O. 1533 (E), dated the 14th September, 2006 and falling in the Eco-sensitive Zone, except for the prohibited activities as specified in the Table under paragraph 4 thereof, shall be scrutinised by the Monitoring Committee based on the actual site-specific conditions and referred to the concerned Regulatory Authorities.
(3) The Member-Secretary of the Monitoring Committee or the concerned Collector or the concerned Deputy Conservator of Forests shall be competent to file complaint under section 19 of the Environment Act against any person who contravenes the provisions of this notification.
(4) The Monitoring Committee may invite representative or expert from concerned Department, representative from industry associations or concerned stakeholders to assist in its deliberations depending on the requirements on case to case basis.
(5) The Monitoring Committee shall submit the annual action taken report of its activities for the period up to the 31st March of every year by the 30th June of that year to the Chief Wildlife Warden of the State in pro-forma specified in Annexure-IV, appended to this notification.
(6) The Central Government may give such directions in writing, as it deems fit, to the Monitoring Committee for effective discharge of its functions.
7. Additional Measures: The Central Government and State Government may specify additional measures, if any, for giving effect to provisions of this notification.
8. Supreme Court, etc. orders. The provisions of this notification shall be subject to the orders, if any passed or to be passed by the Hon'ble Supreme Court of India or High Court or the National Green Tribunal.
[F. No. 25/04/2024-ESZ]
DR. S. KERKETTA, Scientist 'G'
Annexure I
Boundary Description of the Eco-Sensitive Zone of Lothian Island Wildlife Sanctuary
+----------------+-------+--------------+-----------------+----------------------------+------------------------------+---------------+
| Name of the | Side | Width | Island/Range/ | Villages | Specific Areas | Rivers |
| Eco-sensitive | | | Area | | (Reserve Forest | |
| Zone | | | | | Compartment) | |
+================+=======+==============+=================+============================+==============================+===============+
| Lothian Island | North | 1 kilometre | Prentice Island | Brajaballabpur | Prentice and | Saptamukhi |
| Wildlife | | | | | Bhagbatpur | |
| Sanctuary | | | | | Reserve Forest | |
| Eco-sensitive | East | 2 kilometre | G-Plot Island | Indrapur, G-Plot | Nil | Saptamukhi |
| Zone | | | | | | |
| | South | 2 kilometre | Bay of Bengal | Nil | Nil | Bay of Bengal |
| | West | 2 kilometre | Chandanpiri | Uttar Chandanpiri, | Nil | Saptamukhi |
| | | | | Dakshin Chandanpiri, | | |
| | | | | Haripur, Shibpur | | |
+----------------+-------+--------------+-----------------+----------------------------+------------------------------+---------------+
Annexure II A
Topographic Map of the Lothian Island Wildlife Sanctuary and Its Eco-Sensitive Zone with Geo- coordinates of the Important points
Lothian Island WLS & 2km ESZ (on Topographic Map)
Legend
GPS on WLS Boundary and 1 km to 2km ESZ Boundary
Lothian Island WLS
Lothian Island ESZ Boundary (1km to 2km)
Annexure II B
Google Imagery Map of the Lothian Island Wildlife Sanctuary and its Eco-sensitive Zone with Geo- coordinates of the important points
Legend
GPS on WLS Boundary and 1 km to 2km ESZ Bourdary
Lothian Island WLS
Lothian Island ESZ Boundary (1mto 2km)
Annexure III
TBALE A: GEO COORDINATES OF THE IMPORTANT POINTS ON THE BOUNDARY OF LOTHIAN ISLAND WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
+-------+--------------------------+----------------------+----------------------+
| S. No | Waypoint on WLS Boundary | Latitude | Longitude |
+=======+==========================+======================+======================+
| 1. | 1 | 21°42'7.881"N | 88°17'59.943"E |
+-------+--------------------------+----------------------+----------------------+
| 2. | 2 | 21°42'24.228"N | 88°19'42.7"E |
+-------+--------------------------+----------------------+----------------------+
| 3. | 3 | 21°40'39.915"N | 88°21'2.102"E |
+-------+--------------------------+----------------------+----------------------+
| 4. | 4 | 21°38'52.488"N | 88°21'7.551"E |
+-------+--------------------------+----------------------+----------------------+
| 5. | 5 | 21°36'49.492"N | 88°19'17.789"E |
+-------+--------------------------+----------------------+----------------------+
| 6. | 6 | 21°37'27.636"N | 88°18'20.962"E |
+-------+--------------------------+----------------------+----------------------+
| 7. | 7 | 21°40'9.555"N | 88°18'59.106"E |
+-------+--------------------------+----------------------+----------------------+
TABLE B: GEO COORDINATES OF THE IMPORTANT POINTS ON THE ECO-SENSITIVE ZONE BOUNDARY OF LOTHIAN ISLAND WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
+-------+--------------------------+----------------------+----------------------+
| S. No | Waypoint on ESZ Boundary | Latitude | Longitude |
+=======+==========================+======================+======================+
| 1. | 1A | 21°42'0.868"N | 88°17'27.38"E |
+-------+--------------------------+----------------------+----------------------+
| 2. | 2A | 21°42'48.795"N | 88°19'55.27"E |
+-------+--------------------------+----------------------+----------------------+
| 3. | 3A | 21°40'40.076"N | 88°21'43.448"E |
+-------+--------------------------+----------------------+----------------------+
| 4. | 4A | 21°38'56.006"N | 88°22'16.313"E |
+-------+--------------------------+----------------------+----------------------+
| 5. | 5A | 21°35'47.036"N | 88°19'45.685"E |
+-------+--------------------------+----------------------+----------------------+
| 6. | 6A | 21°37'22.89"N | 88°17'21.903"E |
+-------+--------------------------+----------------------+----------------------+
| 7. | 7A | 21°40'4.473"N | 88°18'23.524"E |
+-------+--------------------------+----------------------+----------------------+
Annexure IV
Proforma of Action Taken Report - Lothian Island Wildlife Sanctuary Eco sensitive zone monitoring Committee
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.
Uploaded by Dte. of Printing at Government of India Press, Ring Road, Mayapuri, New Delhi-110064 and Published by the Controller of Publications, Delhi-110054.
GORAKHA NATH YADAVA
Digitally signed by GORAKHA NATH YADAVA
Date: 2025.12.12 15:13:47 +05'30'