New Delhi: The Government of India has revised the responsibilities of the monitoring committees overseeing the Barda and Hingolgadh eco-sensitive zones in Gujarat. In two separate notifications issued recently, the Centre replaced the earlier “Terms of Reference” with the new title “Functions of Monitoring Committee,” clarifying and updating the scope of their duties.

As per the notification, the Monitoring Committee for the Barda Eco-sensitive Zone includes the Collector of Porbandar (Chairman), Regional Officer of the State Pollution Control Board (Member), Senior Town Planner, a representative from the Department of Forests and Environment (Gujarat), one NGO representative, an expert in ecology or environment from a reputed institution, a member of the State Biodiversity Board, and the Deputy Conservator of Forests, Porbandar, who will serve as the Member Secretary.

Similarly, the Monitoring Committee for the Hingolgadh Wildlife Sanctuary Eco-sensitive Zone comprises the Collector of Rajkot District (Chairman), a representative from the Department of Forests and Environment (Gujarat), Regional Officer of the State Pollution Control Board, one NGO representative, an expert in ecology, ornithology, or wildlife from a reputed institution, the Senior Town Planner of the area, a member of the State Biodiversity Board, and the Deputy Conservator of Forests, Jamnagar and Devbhumi Dwarka as the Member Secretary.

As per the GoI, the Functions of the Monitoring Committee are:

– The Monitoring Committee will review activities taking place in the eco-sensitive zone based on local conditions. It will refer activities listed in the 2006 Environmental Notification (except those that are strictly prohibited) to the Central Government or State Environment Impact Assessment Authority for environmental clearance.

– For activities not listed in the 2006 Notification but taking place in the eco-sensitive zone (except prohibited ones), the committee will assess them and refer to the appropriate regulatory authority.

– The Member Secretary, District Collector, or Deputy Conservator of Forests can file a legal complaint under the Environment Protection Act, 1986 if anyone violates the rules of this notification.

– The Committee can invite experts or representatives from relevant departments or industry groups to support its discussions as needed.

– The Committee must submit an annual report on its actions for each financial year (ending 31st March) to the Chief Wildlife Warden by 30th June in the specified format.

– The Central Government can issue written directions to the Committee to help it carry out its responsibilities effectively. DeshGujarat