New Delhi: The Central Government has amended the notification concerning the Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) around Thol Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarat. The amendment, issued under notification S.O. 1506 (E), modifies the original 2015 notification (S.O. 421 (E)) that designated the sanctuary’s surrounding areas as an ESZ. The government has deemed the amendment necessary in the public interest and has exercised its powers under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, to implement these changes.

The main amendments include the constitution of a Monitoring Committee to oversee activities within the ESZ. The committee will be responsible for scrutinizing projects and activities, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations, and taking action against violations. The committee comprises:

1. 1. Additional Chief Secretary (Forests and Environment), Government of Gujarat – Chairman

2. 2. Director, Department of Environment, Government of Gujarat – Member

3. 3. Representative of an environmental or wildlife NGO (to be nominated every three years) – Member

4. 4. Ecology and environment expert from a reputed institution in Gujarat (to be nominated every three years) – Member

5. 5. Representative of the Department of Urban Development, Government of Gujarat – Member

6. 6. Regional Officer, State Pollution Control Board – Member

7. 7. Member Secretary or Member, State Biodiversity Board – Member

8. 8. District Collectors of Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, and Mehsana – Ex-officio Members

9. 9. Deputy Conservator of Forests of Gandhinagar and Mehsana – Ex-officio Members

10. 10. Deputy Conservator of Forests, Thol Wildlife Sanctuary – Ex-officio Member

11. 11. Conservator of Forests, North Gujarat Wildlife Circle, Gandhinagar – Member Secretary

Notably, the Member Secretary or Member, State Biodiversity Board has now been included in the committee, whereas earlier, a Representative of the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (GOI) was part of the committee but has been removed.

As per the notification, the Monitoring Committee will play a crucial role in overseeing activities within the Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) based on site-specific conditions.

The committee has the authority to file complaints under Section 19 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 against violations. It may also invite experts from government departments, industry associations, or other stakeholders for consultations on a case-to-case basis. Additionally, the committee is mandated to submit an annual action taken report by June 30 each year to the Chief Wildlife Warden of Gujarat.

Changes in the Monitoring Committee’s Functions

Change in Reporting Authority

Previously, the Monitoring Committee was required to submit its annual action taken report to the Central Government in the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change. Now, it must submit this report to the Chief Wildlife Warden of the State.

Inclusion of the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) for Clearances

Earlier, activities requiring environmental clearance were referred only to the Central Government in the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change. The revised notification now includes the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) as an additional authority for granting prior environmental clearances.

The Central Government may issue further directives to the committee to ensure the effective implementation of environmental protection measures. DeshGujarat