Full Text
REGD. No. D. L.-33004/99
The Gazette of India
CG-DL-E-29042025-262755
EXTRAORDINARY
PART II-Section 3-Sub-section (ii)
PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY
No. 1876]
NEW DELHI, MONDAY, APRIL 28, 2025/VAISAKHA 8, 1947
MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
NOTIFICATION
New Delhi, the 28th April,2025
S.O. 1918 (E).— The following draft notification, which the Central Government proposes
to issue in exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (1), read withclause (v) and clause (xiv) of sub-
section (2) and sub-section (3) of section 3 of theEnvironment (Protection) Act, 1986 (29 of 1986) is
hereby published, as requiredunder sub-rule (3) of rule 5 of the Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986, for
theinformation of the public likely to be affected thereby; and notice is hereby giventhat the said draft
notification shall be taken into consideration on or after the expiryof a period of sixty days from the date on
which copies of the Gazette containingthis notification are made available to the public;
Any person interested in making any objections or suggestions on theproposals contained in
the draft notification may forward the same in writing, forconsideration of the Central Government within
the period so specified to theSecretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Indira
ParyavaranBhawan, Jorbagh Road, Aliganj, New Delhi-110 003, or send it to the e-mailaddress of the
Ministry at esz-mef@nic.in
Draft Notification
WHEREAS, the West Sundarban Wildlife Sanctuary is part of the Sundarbans, which is the largest single
chunk of deltaic mangrove forest formed at the mouth of the Ganga- Brahmaputra river system, both in
India and Bangladesh. The area is also the only mangrove tiger-land on the globe, where the world famous
'Royal Bengal Tiger' (Panthera Tigris) is found.
AND WHEREAS, the West Sundarban Wildlife Sanctuary was notified by the Department of Forests,
Government of West Bengal on 11th September, 2013 vide notification number 1828-FOR/11M-
86/2012(Pt.1) covering an area of 556.45 sq km. The Sanctuary is bounded by the Rivers Ajmalmari,
Thakuran in the North, River Matla in the East, River Thakuran in the West, and the Bay of Bengal in the
South;
AND WHEREAS, the West Sundarban Wildlife Sanctuary provides shelter and protection to various
species of Wildlife included in Red Data Book of ICUN and the appendices of CITES. It is the home of
the endangered Royal Bengal Tiger (Panthera tigris) and various globally threatened species namely
Fishing Cat (Prionailurus viverrinus), Estuarine Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus), etc. It is the nesting
ground for marine turtles like Olive ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea), Green Turtle (Chelonia mydus), etc.
The endangered Gangetic Dolphin (Platanista gangetica) lives within the creeks, canals of these mangrove
forests. This Sanctuary is a paradise for birds such as Fulvous Breasted Woodpecker (Dendrocopos macei),
Stripe Breasted Woodpecker (Dendrocopos atratus), Blackrumped Flameback (Dinopium benghalense),
Stork Billed Kingfisher (Pelargopsis capensis), etc.
AND WHEREAS, West Sundarban Wildlife Sanctuary supports a number of vulnerable faunal species
such as Estuarine otter (Lutra lutra), Bengal Monitor (Varanus bengalensis), Water Monitor Lizard
(Varanus salvator), Olive Ridley Turtle (Lepidochelys olivacea), Irrawaaddy Dolphin (Orcaella
brevirostris), Gangetic Dolphin (Platanista gangetica), Indian Python (Python molurus), Rhesus Macaque
(Macaca speciosa), Civet Cat (Viverra zibetha), Jackal (Canis aureus), Chital (Axis axis), Wild Pig (Sus
scrofa).
AND WHEREAS, the protected area has a rich and wide biodiversity of floral species and supports about
84 mangrove species. Some of the floral species present in the area are Harguza(Acanthus ilicifolius L.),
Khalsi (Aegiceras carniculatum), Kala Baen (A. marina (Forsk) Vierh.), Hodo (Acrostichum aureum L),
Bakul (Brugruiera cylindrica (L)), Nate (C. cristata (L).), Gila (Entada scandens Benth), Dudhilata
(Finlaysonia obovata L.), Kripe (Lumnitzera racemosa Wild), Hental (Phoenix paludosa Roxb.),
Keya(Pandanus tectorius Soland), Nonaguri (S. meritima Dumort) etc,
AND WHEREAS, the multitude of water bodies, including rivers channels and creeks that criss-cross the
mangrove forests of West Sundarban Sanctuary supports many species of fish. The fallen leaves of
mangrove plants enrich the soil-water phase and the environment creates an ideal nursery ground for
innumerable species of fish. Some of 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, for effective conservation and protection of floral and faunal biodiversity of West
Sundarban Wildlife Sanctuary, the extent of different anthropogenic pressures in its vicinity to be
regulated as the immediate area adjoining this fragile ecosystem is very ecologically sensitive;
AND WHEREAS, the dynamic nature of rivers Ajmalmari, Thakuran, Matla, Bay of Bengal in the South
has a direct impact on the wildlife in the Sanctuary; and therefore, it is necessary to conserve and protect
the areas around West Sundarban Wildlife Sanctuary for improvement and development the wildlife habitat
therein and in the landscape;
AND WHEREAS, it is necessary to conserve and protect the area, surrounding the boundaries of West
Sundarban 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) clause (v) and clause (xiv)
of sub-section (2) and sub-section (3) of Section 3 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 (29 of 1986)
read with sub-rule (3) of rule 5 of the Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986, the Central Government
hereby intends to notify an area up to 2 kms. from the boundary of the West Sundarban Wildlife Sanctuary
in South 24 Parganas District in the State of West Bengal as the Eco-sensitive Zone (hereafter in this
notification referred to as Eco-sensitive zone) details of which are as under, namely:-
1. Extent and boundaries of Eco-Sensitive Zone-
(1) The Eco-sensitive Zone is extends to 2 kilometers around the boundary of West Sundarban Wildlife
Sanctuary and the area of the Eco-sensitive Zone is approximately 207.35 square kilometer.
(2) The boundary description of the Eco Sensitive Zone of West Sundarban Wildlife Sanctuary is appended
as Annexure-I.
(3) The Maps of the Eco-sensitive Zone of West Sundarban Wildlife Sanctuary and Geo- coordinates of
the important way points is appended as Annexure- II A and Annexure II B.
(4) Geo Coordinates on the boundary of West Sunderban Wildlife Sanctuary and its Eco sensitive zone are
appended at Table A and B of Annexure -III
(5) No 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:-
(i) Forest;
(ii) Environment;
(iii) Agriculture;
(iv) Fisheries;
(v) Tourism;
(vi) Irrigation and Waterways;
(vii) Disaster Management & Civil defence;
(viii) Inland Waterways Department, Govt. of West Bengal;
(ix) Panchayat 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. Any activity upstream up to 10 kms. over the rivers passing through
the West Sundarban Wildlife Sanctuary, which may increase the likelihood of bank erosion, flooding,
water pollution, stoppage of ecological and natural flow which require a prior clearance from the
Authority of the West Sundarban Wildlife Sanctuary.
(6) The Zonal Master Plan shall demarcate all the existing worshipping places, villages and urban
settlements, types and kinds of forests, agricultural areas, green area, such as, parks, horticultural
areas, orchards, lakes and other water bodies with supporting maps giving details of existing and
proposed land use features.
(7) The Zonal Master Plan shall regulate development in Eco-sensitive Zone and adhere to prohibited
and regulated activities listed in the Table in paragraph 4 and also ensure and promote eco-friendly
development for security of local communities' livelihood.
(8) The Zonal Master Plan shall be co-terminus with the Regional Development Plan.
(9) The Zonal Master Plan so approved shall be the reference document for the Monitoring Committee
for carrying out its functions of monitoring in accordance with the provisions of this notification.
(10) Pending preparation and approval of the Zonal Master Plan, any new developmental activities shall
be governed by provisions specified at paragraph 6 of sub-para (1) and (2).
3. Measures to be taken by the State Government. - The State Government shall take the following
measures for giving effect to the provisions of this notification, namely: -
(1) Land use.– (a) Forests, horticulture areas, agricultural areas, parks and open spaces earmarked for
recreational purposes in the Eco-sensitive Zone shall not be used or converted into areas for
commercial or residential or industrial activities:
Provided that the conversion of agricultural and other lands, for the purposes other than that
specified at part (a) above, within the Eco-sensitive Zone may be permitted on the recommendation
of the Monitoring Committee, and with the prior approval of the competent authority under
Regional Town Planning Act and other rules and regulations of the Central Government or the
State Government as applicable and vide provisions of this notification, to meet the residential
needs of the local residents and for activities such as-
(i) Bank stabilization/protection structure and measures.
(ii) widening and strengthening of existing roads/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 / patrolling camps, and
(x) promoted activities given in paragraph 4:
(b) Effort shall be made to reforest / afforest the unused land, unproductive agricultural lands and
river banks with mangrove species.
Provided further that no use of tribal land shall be permitted for commercial and industrial
development activities without the prior approval of the competent authority under Regional Town
Planning Act and other rules and regulations of the State Government and without compliance of
the provisions of article 244 of the Constitution or the law for the time being in force, including the
Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006
(2 of 2007):
Provided also that any error appearing in the land records within the Eco-sensitive Zone shall
be corrected by the State Government, after obtaining the views of Monitoring Committee, once in
each case and the correction of said error shall be intimated to the Central Government in the
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change:
Provided also that the correction of error shall not include change of land use in any case
except as provided under this sub-paragraph;
(b) efforts shall be made to reforest the unused or unproductive agricultural areas with afforestation
and habitat restoration activities.
(2) Natural water bodies.-The catchment areas of all natural springs shall be identified and plans for
their conservation and rejuvenation shall be incorporated in the Zonal Master Plan and the
guidelines shall be drawn up by the State Government in such a manner as to prohibit development
activities at or near these areas which are detrimental to such areas.
(3) Tourism or eco-tourism.- (a) All new eco-tourism activities or expansion of existing tourism
activities within the Eco-sensitive Zone shall be as per the Tourism Master Plan for the Eco-
sensitive Zone;
(b) the Tourism Master Plan shall be prepared by the State Department of Tourism in consultation
with the State Departments of Environment and Forests;
(c) the Tourism Master Plan shall form a component of the Zonal Master Plan;
(d) the Tourism Master Plan shall be drawn based on the study of carrying capacity of the Eco-
sensitive Zone;
(e) the activities of eco-tourism shall be regulated as under, namely:-
(i) new construction of hotels and resorts shall not be allowed within one kilometre from the
boundary of the protected area or upto the extent of the Eco-sensitive Zone, whichever is
nearer;
Provided that beyond the distance of one kilometer from the boundary of the protected
area till the extent of the Eco-sensitive Zone, the establishment of new hotels and resorts
shall be allowed only in pre-defined and designated areas for eco-tourism facilities as per
Tourism Master Plan;
(ii) all new tourism activities or expansion of existing tourism activities within the Eco-
sensitive Zone shall be in accordance with the guidelines issued by the Central
Government and the eco-tourism guidelines issued by the National Tiger Conservation
Authority (as amended from time to time) with emphasis on eco-tourism, eco-education
and eco-development;
(iii) until the Zonal Master Plan is approved, development for tourism and expansion of
existing tourism activities shall be permitted by the concerned regulatory authorities based
on the actual site specific scrutiny and recommendation of the Monitoring Committee and
no new hotel, resort or commercial establishment construction shall be permitted within
Eco-Sensitive Zone area.
(4) Natural heritage.- All sites of valuable natural heritage in the Eco-sensitive Zone, such as the gene
pool reserve areas, rock formations, waterfalls, springs, gorges, groves, caves, points, walks, rides,
cliffs, etc. shall be identified and a heritage conservation plan shall be drawn up for their
preservation and conservation as a part of the Zonal Master Plan.
(5) Man-made heritage sites.- Buildings, structures, artefacts, areas and precincts of historical,
architectural, aesthetic, and cultural significance shall be identified in the Eco-sensitive Zone and
heritage conservation plan for their conservation shall be prepared as part of the Zonal Master Plan.
(6) Noise pollution. - Prevention and control of noise pollution in the Eco-sensitive Zone shall be
carried out in accordance with the provisions of the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control)
Rules, 2000 and its amendments.
(7) Air pollution.- Prevention and control of air pollution in the Eco-sensitive Zone shall be carried
out in accordance with the provisions of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981
(14 of 1981) and Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and the rules made there under these Acts.
(8) Discharge of effluents.- The discharge of treated effluent in Eco-sensitive Zone shall be in
accordance with the provisions of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 (6 of
1974) and Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and the rules made there under these Acts.
(9) Solid wastes.- Disposal and Management of solid wastes shall be as under:-
(a) the solid waste disposal and management in the Eco-sensitive Zone shall be carried out in
accordance with the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, published by the Government of
India in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change vide notification number
S.O. 1357 (E), dated the 8th April, 2016 and as amended from time to time; the inorganic
material may be disposed in an environmental acceptable manner at site identified outside the
Eco- sensitive Zone;
(b) the local authorities shall draw up plans for the segregation of solid wastes into biodegradable
and non-biodegradable components;
(c) (iii) the biodegradable material shall be recycled preferably through composting or
vermiculture;
(d) (iv) the inorganic material may be disposed in an environmentally acceptable manner at site(s)
identified outside the Eco-sensitive Zone and no burning or incineration of solid wastes shall
he permitted in 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 (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 fuels.
(16) Industrial units.– (a) On or after the publication of this notification in the Official Gazette, no new
polluting industries shall be permitted to be set up within the Eco-sensitive Zone;
(b) only non-polluting industries shall be allowed within Eco-Sensitive Zone as per the
classification of Industries in the guidelines issued by the Central Pollution Control Board
in February, 2016, as amended from time to time, unless so specified in this notification,
and in addition, the non-polluting cottage industries shall be promoted.
(17) Protection of hill slopes.- The protection of hill slopes shall be as under:-
(a) the Zonal Master Plan shall indicate areas on hill slopes where no construction shall be
permitted;
(b) construction on existing steep hill slopes or slopes with a high degree of erosion shall not be
permitted.
4. List of activities prohibited or to be regulated within Eco-sensitive Zone-
All activities in the Eco-Sensitive Zone shall be governed by the provisions of the Environment Act and the
rules made there under including the Environmental Impact Assessment Notification, 2006 (or the latest
notification) and other applicable laws including the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 (69 of 1980), the
Indian Forest Act, 1927 (16 of 1927), the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972 (53 of 1972), and amendments
made thereto and be regulated in the manner specified in the Table below, namely:-
TABLE
+-----+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------------------------------------+
|S.No.|Activity |Description |
+=====+===================================+================================================================+
| | |A. Prohibited Activities |
+-----+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------------------------------------+
|1. |Commercial mining, stone |(a) All new and existing mining (minor and major |
| |quarrying and crushing |minerals), stone quarrying and crushing units shall be |
| |units. |prohibited with immediate effect except for meeting |
| | |the domestic needs of bona fide local residents |
| | |including digging of earth for construction or repair of |
| | |houses within Eco- sensitive Zone; |
| | |(b) The mining operations shall be carried out in |
| | |accordance with the orders of the Hon'ble Supreme |
| | |Court, dated the 4th August, 2006 in the matter of T.N. |
| | |Godavarman Thirumulpad Vs. UOI in W.P.(C) No.202 |
| | |of 1995; dated 21st April, 2014 in the matter of Goa |
| | |Foundation Vs. UOI in W.P.(C) No.435 of 2012; and |
| | |dated the 28th April, 2023 in the matter of T.N. |
| | |Godavarman Thirumulpad Vs. UOI and in W.P.(C) |
| | |No.202 of 1995. |
+-----+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------------------------------------+
|2. |Setting of industries causing |No new or expansion of polluting industries in the Eco- |
| |pollution (Water, Air, Soil, |sensitive Zone shall be permitted. Pollution prevention |
| |Noise, etc.). |technologies and noise barriers should be installed by |
| | |existing industries |
+-----+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------------------------------------+
|3. |Establishment of major |Prohibited. |
| |hydroelectric project. | |
+-----+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------------------------------------+
|4. |Use or production or |Prohibited. |
| |processing of any hazardous | |
| |substance. | |
+-----+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------------------------------------+
|5. |Discharge of untreated |Prohibited. |
| |effluents in natural water | |
| |bodies 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 |Prohibited for tourism activity. For other commercial |
| |plastics. |establishment, plastic below 50 microns will be prohibited |
+-----+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------------------------------------+
|9. |Commercial use of |Prohibited. |
| |firewood. | |
+-----+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------------------------------------+
|10. |Commercial extraction of |Prohibited. |
| |surface and ground water. | |
+-----+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------------------------------------+
|11. |Introduction of Exotic |Prohibited. |
| |species. | |
+-----+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------------------------------------+
|12. |Establishment of Solid |(a) The bio-degradable solid waste disposal and |
| |waste treatment facility |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/ processed within |
| | |the Eco Sensitive Zone |
+-----+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------------------------------------+
|13. |Establishment of Bio- |(a) The Bio-Medical Waste disposal in the Eco Sensitive |
| |Medical waste management |Zone shall be carried out in accordance with the Bio- |
| |facility |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. No Bio Medical Waste treatment |
| | |facility shall be located within the Eco Sensitive |
| | |Zone |
| | |(b) All waste generated from bio-medical units within |
| | |the ESZ shall be taken outside the ESZ for treatment |
| | |and disposal. No Bio-medical waste generated |
| | |outside the ESZ will be allowed to be handled, |
| | |processed or treated inside the ESZ |
+-----+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------------------------------------+
|14. |Establishment of plastic |(a) The Plastic waste management in the Eco-sensitive |
| |waste management facility |Zone shall be carried out as per the provisions of the |
| | |Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, published |
| | |by the Government of India in the MoEF&CC 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 ESZ |
| | |(b) All plastic waste generated inside the ESZ shall be |
| | |taken outside the ESZ. No plastic waste generated |
| | |outside the ESZ will be allowed to be handled, |
| | |processed or treated inside the ESZ |
+-----+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------------------------------------+
|15. |Establishment of E-waste |(a) The e-waste management in the Eco-sensitive Zone |
| |management facility |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. Specifications and |
| | |additional site-specific restrictions may be prescribed |
| | |in the Zonal Master Plan. No e-waste treatment |
| | |facility should be located inside the ESZ. |
+-----+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------------------------------------+
| | |B. Regulated Activities |
+-----+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------------------------------------+
|16. |Commercial establishment |No new commercial hotels and resorts shall be permitted |
| |of hotels and resorts. |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. |
+-----+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------------------------------------+
|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 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. |
+-----+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------------------------------------+
|18. |Small scale non-polluting |Non-polluting industries as per classification of industries |
| |industries. |issued by the Central Pollution Control Board in February, |
| | |2016, as amended from time to time, and non-hazardous, |
| | |small-scale and service industry, agriculture, floriculture, |
| | |horticulture or agro-based industry producing products |
| | |from indigenous materials from the Eco-sensitive Zone |
| | |shall be permitted. |
+-----+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------------------------------------+
|19. |Felling of trees. |(c) 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. |
| | |(d) 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 |Regulated under applicable laws. |
| |or Non-Timber Forest | |
| |Produce. | |
+-----+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------------------------------------+
|21. |Erection of electrical and |Regulated under applicable laws of underground cabling |
| |communication towers and |may be promoted. |
| |laying of cables and other | |
| |infrastructures. | |
+-----+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------------------------------------+
|22. |Infrastructure including |Taking measures of mitigation, as per applicable laws, |
| |civic amenities. |rules and regulation and available guidelines. |
+-----+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------------------------------------+
|23. |Widening and strengthening |Taking measures of mitigation with proper |
| |of existing roads, |Environment Impact Assessment, as per applicable laws, |
| |construction of new roads, |rules and regulation and available guidelines. |
| |jetties, bridges, culverts etc. | |
+-----+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------------------------------------+
|24. |Undertaking other activities |Regulated as per the applicable laws. |
| |related to tourism like over | |
| |flying over the Eco-sensitive | |
| |Zone area by hot air | |
| |balloon, helicopter, drones, | |
| |Microlites, etc. | |
+-----+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------------------------------------+
|25. |Protection of Hill Slopes |Regulated as per the applicable laws. |
| |and river banks. | |
+-----+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------------------------------------+
|26. |Movement of vehicular |Regulated for commercial purpose under applicable laws. |
| |traffic at night. | |
+-----+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------------------------------------+
|27. |Ongoing agriculture and |Permitted as per the applicable laws for use of locals. |
| |horticulture practices by | |
| |local communities along | |
| |with dairies, dairy farming, | |
| |aquaculture and fisheries. | |
+-----+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------------------------------------+
|28. |Discharge of treated waste |The discharge of treated waste water or effluents shall be |
| |water/effluents in natural |avoided to enter into the water bodies and efforts shall be |
| |water bodies or land area. |made for recycle and reuse of treated waste water. |
| | |Otherwise, the discharge of treated waste water/effluent |
| | |shall be regulated as per the applicable laws. |
+-----+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------------------------------------+
|29. |Establishment of large-scale |Regulated as per applicable laws except for meeting local |
| |commercial livestock and |needs. |
| |poultry farms by firms, | |
| |corporate and companies. | |
+-----+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------------------------------------+
|30. |Open Well, Bore Well, etc. |Regulated and the activity should be strictly monitored by |
| |for agriculture or other |the appropriate authority. |
| |usage. | |
+-----+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------------------------------------+
|31. |Solid Waste Management. |Regulated as per the applicable laws. |
+-----+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------------------------------------+
|32. |Eco-tourism. |Regulated as per the applicable laws. |
+-----+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------------------------------------+
|33. |Commercial Sign boards |Regulated as per the applicable laws. |
| |and hoardings. | |
+-----+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------------------------------------+
|34. |Movement of Timber |Shall be regulated as per the West Bengal Transit |
| | |Rules, 2019. |
+-----+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------------------------------------+
|35. |Pisciculture |Not permitted inside the forest area. In other areas, |
| | |species cultivated and method of cultivation will be |
| | |regulated in the river / water bodies etc. within ESZ. |
+-----+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------------------------------------+
| | |C. Promoted Activities |
+-----+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------------------------------------+
|36. |Rain water harvesting. |Shall be actively promoted. |
+-----+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------------------------------------+
|37. |Organic farming. |Shall be actively promoted. |
+-----+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------------------------------------+
|38. |Adoption of green |Shall be actively promoted. |
| |technology for all activities. | |
+-----+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------------------------------------+
|39. |Cottage industries including |Shall be actively promoted. |
| |village artisans, etc. | |
+-----+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------------------------------------+
|40. |Use of renewable energy |Bio-gas, solar light etc. shall be actively promoted. |
| |and fuels. | |
+-----+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------------------------------------+
|41. |Agro-Forestry. |Shall be actively promoted. |
+-----+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------------------------------------+
|42. |Plantation of Mangrove |Shall be actively promoted. |
| |Horticulture and Herbals. | |
+-----+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------------------------------------+
|43. |Use of eco-friendly |Shall be actively promoted. |
| |transport. | |
+-----+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------------------------------------+
|44. |Skill Development. |Shall be actively promoted. |
+-----+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------------------------------------+
|45. |Restoration of Degraded |Shall be actively promoted. |
| |Land/ Forests/ Habitat. | |
+-----+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------------------------------------+
|46. |Environmental Awareness. |Shall be actively promoted. |
+-----+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------------------------------------+
|47. |Sustainable forest |Shall be actively promoted. |
| |management activities. | |
+-----+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------------------------------------+
|48. |Soil and moisture |Shall be actively promoted. Vegetative bank protection |
| |conservation works |measures will be promoted. |
| |including river bank | |
| |protection measures. | |
+-----+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------------------------------------+
|49. |Apiary |To be actively encouraged |
+-----+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------------------------------------+
|50. |Eco friendly alternate |To be actively encouraged |
| |livelihood | |
+-----+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------------------------------------+
|51. |Embankment protection |Permitted |
+-----+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------------------------------------+
|52. |Establishment of Cyclone |Permitted |
| |shelters | |
+-----+-----------------------------------+----------------------------------------------------------------+
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 |
+=====+=================================================================+=========================+
|(i) |The District Magistrate 24 Parganas (South) District, |ex-officio, Chairman; |
| |Government of Bengal | |
+-----+-----------------------------------------------------------------+-------------------------+
|(ii) |A representative of Non-governmental Organization working |Member; |
| |in the field of wildlife conservation to be nominated by the | |
| |State Government for time to time every three years | |
+-----+-----------------------------------------------------------------+-------------------------+
|(iii)|An expert in the area of Ecology to be nominated by the State |Member; |
| |Government from time to time every three years. | |
+-----+-----------------------------------------------------------------+-------------------------+
|(iv) |An expert in Biodiversity to be nominated by the State |Member; |
| |Government from time to time every three years. | |
+-----+-----------------------------------------------------------------+-------------------------+
|(v) |A representative from Irrigation & Waterways Department |ex-officio, Member; |
+-----+-----------------------------------------------------------------+-------------------------+
|(vi) |A representative from Sundarban Affairs Department. |ex-officio, Member; |
+-----+-----------------------------------------------------------------+-------------------------+
|(vii)|A representative from Fisheries Department. |ex-officio, Member; |
+-----+-----------------------------------------------------------------+-------------------------+
|(viii) Representative of Panchayat & Rural Development |ex-officio, Member; |
| |Department, Government of West Bengal | |
+-----+-----------------------------------------------------------------+-------------------------+
|(ix) |A representative from State Pollution Control Board. |ex-officio, Member; |
+-----+-----------------------------------------------------------------+-------------------------+
|(x) |The Divisional Forest Officer, 24 Parganas (South) Division |ex-officio, Member-Secretary.|
+-----+-----------------------------------------------------------------+-------------------------+
6. Functions of the Monitoring Committee
(1) The Monitoring Committee shall, based on the actual site-specific conditions scrutinise, the activities
covered in the Schedule to the notification of the Government of India in the erstwhile Ministry of
Environment and Forest, vide number S.O. 1533 (E), dated the 14th September, 2006, and are falling in
the Eco-sensitive Zone, except for the prohibited activities as specified in the Table under paragraph 4
thereof, and referred to the Central Government in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate
Change or the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority, as the case maybe, for prior
environmental clearances under the provisions of the said notification.
(2) The activities not covered in the Schedule to the notification of the Government of India in the
erstwhile Ministry of Environment and Forests vide number S.O. 1533 (E), dated the 14th September,
2006 and falling in the Eco-sensitive Zone, except for the prohibited activities as specified in the Table
under paragraph 4 thereof, shall be scrutinised by the Monitoring Committee based on the actual site-
specific conditions and referred to the concerned Regulatory Authorities.
(3) The Member-Secretary of the Monitoring Committee or the concerned Collector or the concerned
Deputy Conservator of Forests shall be competent to file complaint under section 19 of the Environment
(Protection) Act, 1986 against any person who contravenes the provisions of this notification.
(4) The Monitoring Committee may invite representative or expert from concerned Department,
representative from industry associations or concerned stakeholders to assist in its deliberations
depending on the requirements on case to case basis.
(5) The Monitoring Committee shall submit the annual action taken report of its activities for the period up
to the 31st March of every year by the 30th June of that year to the Chief Wildlife Warden of the State in
pro-forma specified in Annexure-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.
Annexure I
BOUNDARY DESCRIPTION OF THE ECO-SENSITIVE ZONE OF WEST SUNDERBAN
WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
+-----------------+--------+----------+------------------------------+--------------+-------------------------------------+-----------------+
|Name of |Side |Width |Island/Range/ |Villages |Specific Areas |Rivers |
|the Eco- | | |Area | |(Reserve Forest | |
|sensitive | | | | |Compartment) | |
|Zone | | | | | | |
+=================+========+==========+==============================+==============+=====================================+=================+
|West |North |2 Km |Ajmalmari |Maipith |Ajmalmari 11 & 12 |Ajmalmari |
|Sundarban | |radius | | | |&Thakuran |
|Wildlife |East |2 Km |Eco-sensitive |Nil |Sundarban Tiger |Matla |
|Sanctuary | |radius |zone of Haliday | |Reserve | |
|Eco- | | |Wildlife | | | |
|sensitive |South |2 km |Sanctuary |Nil |Nil |Bay of Bengal |
|Zone | | |Nil | | | |
| |West |2 Km |Dumba Island |Purba |Thakuran Reserve |Thakuran |
| | |radius | |Sripatinagar, |Forest | |
| | | | |Rakhalpur, | | |
| | | | |Sridharnagar, | | |
| | | | |Satyadaspur, | | |
| | | | |Sitarampur | | |
+-----------------+--------+----------+------------------------------+--------------+-------------------------------------+-----------------+
Annexure II A
TOPOGRAPHICAL MAP OF THE WEST SUNDARBAN WILDLIFE SANCTUARY AND
ITS ECO-SENSITIVE ZONE WITH GEO-COORDINATES OF THE IMPORTANT
WAYPOINTS
West Sundarban WLS & 2km ESZ (on Topographic Map)
Legend
GPS Locations on 2km ESZ Boundary
West Sundarban WLS Boundary
2km ESZ around West Sundarban WLS_2km
Annexure II B
GOOGLE IMAGERY MAP OF THE WEST SUNDARBAN WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
AND ITS ECO-SENSITIVE ZONE WITH GEO-COORDINATES OF THE IMPORTANT
WAYPOINTS
Annexure III
Table A: GEO COORDINATES OF THE IMPORTANT POINTS ON THE BOUNDARY
OF WEST SUNDERBAN WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
+-----+-----------------------+-------------------+-------------------+
|S.No |Waypoint on WLS |Latitude |Longitude |
| |Boundary | | |
+=====+=======================+===================+===================+
|1. |1 |21°49'34.658"N |88°31'58.648"E |
+-----+-----------------------+-------------------+-------------------+
|2. |2 |21°44'30.073"N |88°39'52.446"E |
+-----+-----------------------+-------------------+-------------------+
|3. |3 |21°38'11.034"N |88°36′58.156"E |
+-----+-----------------------+-------------------+-------------------+
|4. |4 |21°32'19.07"N |88°37'42.152"E |
+-----+-----------------------+-------------------+-------------------+
|5. |5 |21°31'16.461"N |88°29'53.43"E |
+-----+-----------------------+-------------------+-------------------+
|6. |6 |21°31'16.461"N |88°29'53.43"E |
+-----+-----------------------+-------------------+-------------------+
|7. |7 |21°36'49.812"N |88°28'55.897"E |
+-----+-----------------------+-------------------+-------------------+
|8. |8 |21°42'43.468"N |88°29'19.587"E |
+-----+-----------------------+-------------------+-------------------+
Table B: GEO COORDINATES OF THE IMPORTANT POINTS ON THE BOUNDARY
OF ECO-SENSITIVE ZONE AROUND WEST SUNDERBAN WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
+-----+---------------------------+-------------------+-------------------+
|S.No |Waypoint on ESZ |Latitude |Longitude |
| |Boundary | | |
+=====+===========================+===================+===================+
|1. |1A |21°49'4.23"N |88°31'31.775"E |
+-----+---------------------------+-------------------+-------------------+
|2. |2A |21°44'43.598"N |88°40'55.253"E |
+-----+---------------------------+-------------------+-------------------+
|3. |3A |21°38'31.006"N |88°38′24.747"E |
+-----+---------------------------+-------------------+-------------------+
|4. |4A |21°31'30.692"N |88°38'26.583"E |
+-----+---------------------------+-------------------+-------------------+
|5. |5A |21°30'11.768"N |88°29′28.801"E |
+-----+---------------------------+-------------------+-------------------+
|6. |6A |21°33'26.324"N |88°25'2.664"E |
+-----+---------------------------+-------------------+-------------------+
|7. |7A |21°37'24.93"N |88°27'47.852"E |
+-----+---------------------------+-------------------+-------------------+
|8. |8A |21°42'38.789"N |88°28'9.878"E |
+-----+---------------------------+-------------------+-------------------+
Annexure IV
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.
[F. No. 25/05/2024/ESZ]
Dr. S. KERKETTA, Scientist 'G'