Full Text
CG-DL-E-02032026-270617
EXTRAORDINARY
PART II—Section 3—Sub-section (ii)
1490 GI/2026
(1)
MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
NOTIFICATION
New Delhi, the 27th February, 2026
S.O. 1075(E).— The following draft notification, which the Central Government proposes to issue
in exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (1), read with 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) is hereby
published, as required under sub-rule (3) of rule 5 of the Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986, for the
information of the public likely to be affected thereby; and notice is hereby given that the said draft
notification shall be taken into consideration on or after the expiry of a period of sixty days from the date on
which copies of the Gazette containing this 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 th Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Indira Paryavaran
Bhawan, Jorbagh Road, Aliganj, New Delhi-110003, or send it to the e-mail address of the Ministry at esz-
[email protected]
Draft Notification
AND WHEREAS, the Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary is spread over an area of 125 sq. km. and
situated in Thrissur and Thalappilly Taluks of Thrissur district in the state of Kerala.
AND WHEREAS, the Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary is situated within the geographical
extremes of latitudes from 10o27’54.0”N to 10o39’47.09”N and longitudes from 76o18’4.12”E to
76o28’53.15”E. This protected area comprises parts of Paravattani, Machadmala and Bharanipachamala
Reserves.
AND WHEREAS, the Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary has a very high faunal and floral
diversity. The sanctuary harbours almost all the major mammals of peninsular India. The topography and
climate of the sanctuary enables the occurrence of varied micro and macro habitats to shelter variety of
animals. Zoo-geographically, the area is classified as Indo-Malayan Region.
AND WHEREAS, the major families of plant species in the Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary
include Acanthaceae, Ameranthaceae, Annonaceae, Apiaceae, Apocynaceae, Araceae, Asclepodaceae,
Asteraceae, Balsaminaceae, Basellaceae, Begoniaceae, Celastraceae, Chloranthaceae, Cochlospermaceae,
Combretaceae, Conimelinaceae, Convolvulaceae, Crassulaceae, Cyperaceae, Datiscaceae, Ebenacea,
Elaeocarpaceae, Euphorbeaceae, Fabaceae, Mimosaceae, Hypoxidaceae, Icacinaceae, Lamiaceae,
Moraceae, Nyctaginaccac, Orchidaceae, Orobanchaceae, Poaceae, Polygalaceac, Rubiaceae, Sapindaceae,
Scrophulariaceae, Sterculiaceae, Tiliaceae, among many others. The major vegetation found in and around
the protected area includes Pali (Palaquium ellipticum), Nangue (Mesua ferrea), Vediplavu (Cullenia
exarillata), Kalpine (Dipterocarpus indicus), Kambakam (Hopea parviflora), Vellakil (Dysoxylum
malabaricum), Vetti (Aporosa lindleyana), Thelly (Canarium strictum), Nasakam (Melicope lunu-ankenda),
Kurangumanjal (Mallotus philippensis), Manjakadambu (Haldina cordifolia), Elavu (Bombax ceiba), Vembu
(Toona ciliate), Njaval (Syzygium cumini), Vellilavu (Lagerstroemia microcarpa), Karuva (Cinnamomum
zeylanicum), Nasakam (Melicope lunuankenda), Chenkolli (Mallotus philippensis), Maruthu (Terminalia
paniculate), Karimaruthu (Terminalia tomentosa), Thanni (Terminalia bellirica), Chalavaka (Albizia
procera), Pala (Alstonia scholaris), Veeti (Dalbergia latifolia), Vellilavu (Lagerstroemia microcarpa), Irul
(Xylia xylocarpa), Kaini (Bridelia retusa), Pezhu (Careya arborea), Kannikonna (Cassia fistula), Punna
(Dillenia pentagyna), and Bamboo (Bambusa arundinacea).
AND WHEREAS, the major fauna recorded from the Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary are Tiger
(Panthera tigris), Leopard (Panthera pardus), Wild dog (Cuon alpinus), Sloth Bear (Melursus ursinus),
Elephant (Elephas maximus), Sambar Deer (Rusa unicolor), Spotted Deer (Axis axis), Barking Deer
(Muntiacus muntjac), Mouse Deer (Moschiola indica), Nilgiri Langur (Semnopithecus johnii), Bonnet
macaque (Macaca radiate), Jungle Palm Squirrel (Funambulus tristriatus), Malabar Giant Squirrel (Ratufa
indica), Sahyadris Forest Rat (Rattus satarae), Indian Crested Porcupine (Hystrix indica), Indian Flying Fox
(Pteropus giganteus), Fulvous Leaf-nosed bat (Hipposideros fulvus), Golden Jackal (Canis aureus), Smooth
coated Otter (Lutrogale perspicillata), Small Indian Civet (Viverricula indica), Grey Mongoose (Herpestes
edwardsii), Wild Boar (Sus scrofa), etc.
AND WHEREAS, bird species of Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary include from the families of
Phalacrocoracidae, Anhigidae, Anatidae, Accipitridae, Falconidae, Phasianidae, Rallidae, Laridae,
Columbidae, Cuculidae, Strigidae, Capriniulgidae, Apodidae, Meropidae, Megalaimidae, Pittidae,
Campephagidae, Pycnonotidae, Turdidae, Steuostiridae, Sittidae, Passeridae, etc. Some of the prominent
bird includes Little Cormorant (Microcarbo niger), Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea), Striated Heron (Butorides
striatus), Northern Pintail (Anas acuta), Brahminy Kite (Haliastur indus), Eurasian Marsh-Harrier (Circus
aeniginosus), Black Eagle (Ictinaetus malaiensis), Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus), Little Ringed
Plover (Charadrius dubius), Green Imperial-Pigeon (Ducula aenea), Rose-ringed Parakeet (Psittacula
krameri), Common Hawk Cuckoo (Hierococcyx varius), Drongo Cuckoo (Surniculus lugubris), Spotted
Owlet (Athene brama), Great Eared Nigbtjar (Eurostopodus macrolls), Indian Roller (Coracias
benghalensis), Malabar Barbet (Psilopogon malabaricus), Yellow Crowned Woodpecker (Leiopicus
mahrattensis), Red-rumped Swallow (Cecropis daurica), Forest Wagtail (Dendronanthus indicus), Orange
Minivet (Pericrocotus flammeus), Flame-throated Bulbul (Pycnonotus gularis), Jerdon's Leafbird
(Chloropsis jerdoni), Indian Blackbird (Turdus simillimus), Rufous Babbler (Argya subnifa), Thick-billed
Warbler (Arundinax aedon), Nilgiri Flycatcher (Eumyias albicaudatus), Indian Blue Robin (Larvivora
brunnea) Oriental Magpie-Robin (Copsychus saularis), Thick-billed Flower pecker (Dicaeum agile), Purple
Sunbird (Cinnyris asiaticus), Brahminy Starling (Sturnus pagodarum), Indian Golden Oriole (Oriolus
kundoo), Rufous Treepie (Dendrocitta vagabunda), Rosy Starling (Paster roseus), among several others.
AND WHEREAS, the Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary supports a wide range of important
reptile species such as Cochin Forest Cane Turtle (Vijayachelys sylvatica), Indian Black Turtle
(Melanochelys trijuga), Travancore Tortoise (Indotestudo travancorica), Elliot's Forest Lizard
(Monilesaurus ellioti), Roux's Forest Lizard (Monibesaurus rouxii), Wayanad Day Gecko (Cnemaspis
wynadensis), Bark Gecko (Hemidactylus leschenaultii), Common Keeled Skink (Eutropis carinata), Bengal
Monitor (Varanus bengalensis), Indian Rock python (Python molurus), Common Trinket Snake
(Coelognathus helena), Common Kukri Snake (Oligodon arnensis), Common Wolf Snake (Lycodon
aulicus), Striped Keelback (Amphiesma stolatum), Common Indian Krait (Bungarus caeruleus), Russel's
Viper (Daboia russelii), etc.
AND WHEREAS, the Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary supports a wide range of important
amphibian species such as Common Indian Toad (Duttaphrynus melanostictus), Skittering Frog (Euphlyctis
cyanophlyctis), Indian Burrowing Frog (Sphaerotheca breviceps), Reddish Narrow-mouthed Frog
(Microhyla rubra), Bicoloured Frog (Clinotarsus curtipes), Common Indian Tree Frog (Polypedates
maculates), Water Drop Frog (Raorchestes nerostagona), Malabar Gliding Frog (Rhacophorus
malabaricus), Anamallais Leaping frog (Indirana brachytarsus), South Indian Frog (Indirana semipalmata),
Menon's Caecilian (Uraeotyphlus menoni), etc.
AND WHEREAS, fish species found in the Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary includes Black Line
Rasbora (Rasbora dandia), Common Carp (Cyprinus caprio), Black Spot Barb (Dokinsia filamentosa), Rohu
(Labeo rohita), Catla (Labeo catla), Peninsular Olive Bar (Systomus sarana), Western Ghat Loach (Bhavania
australis), Malabar Loach (Lepidocephalus thermalis), Malabar Mystus (Mystus oculatus), Indian Butter
Catfish (Ompok bimaculatus), Fresh Water Garfish (Xenentodon cancila), Malabar Killie (Aplocheilus
lineatus), Orange Chromid (Pseudetroplus maculatus), Tank Goby (Glossogobius guiris), etc.
AND WHEREAS, the butterfly species found in the Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary includes
Spot Swordtail (Graphium nomius), Crimson Rose (Pachliopta hector), Tailed Jay (Graphium Agamemnon),
Red Helen (Papilio Helenus), Lime Butterfly (Papilio detnoleus), Blue Mormon (Papilio polymnestor),
Painted Sawtooth (Prjoneris sita), Chocolate Albatross (Appias lyncida), Bamboo Tree brown (Lethe
europa), Common Four-ring (Ypthima huebneri), Common Sailer (Neptis hylas), Common Castor (Ariadne
merione), Peacock Pansy (Junonia almana), Blue Tiger (Tirumala limniace), Striped Tiger (Danaus
genutia), Common Pierrot (Castalius rosimon), Pale grass blue (Pseudozizeeria maha), Common Awl
(Hagora badra), Bush Hopper (Ampittia dioscorides), Giant Red-eye (Gangara thyrsis), Rice Swift (Borbo
cinnara), Water Snow Flat (Tagiades litigiosa), Golden angle (Odontoptilum ransonnetii), Tawny Coster
(Acraea violae), Mottled Emigrant (Catopsilia pyranthe), Pale grass blue (Pseudozizeeria maha), Coon
(Psolos fuligo), etc.
AND WHEREAS, the predominant vegetation type in the Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary is
moist deciduous, covering about 80 percent of the sanctuary area. Semi evergreen and some evergreen
patches are seen along the higher slopes. The vegetation, therefore, changes from moist deciduous to
evergreen. The sanctuary area is at the end of north-western portion of a vast forested landscape extending
from the Nelliampathies to the Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary at the southern boundary. The forests of this
sanctuary are connected with Parambikulam and Vazhachal forests.
AND WHEREAS, the Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary is a part of the Anamudi Elephant
Reserve in the State of Kerala, with a total forest area of 3728 sq. km. Anamudi Elephant Reserve consists
of several Protected Areas viz., Parambikulam Tiger Reserve, Peechi Wildlife Sanctuary, Chimmony
Wildlife Sanctuary, Thattekkad Wildlife Sanctuary, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary,
Eravikulam National Park, Anamudi Shola National Park, Pambadum Shola National Park, Mathikettan
Shola National Park and Kurinjimala Wildlife Sanctuary and the forest areas of Vazhachal, Nenmara,
Chalakudy, Thrissur, Munnar, Malayattur, Kothamangalam and Mankulam forest divisions.
AND WHEREAS, The sanctuary area is a large representative area of south Indian moist deciduous
forests in the Western Ghats with associated floral and faunal diversity with representation of almost the
entire range of south Indian wildlife.
AND WHEREAS, the forests of the Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary forms the catchments of
Peechi and Vazhani reservoirs by the way of their favourable influence on soil and water conservation
regimes, ensuring water availability in these reservoirs by providing drinking water to Thrissur town as well
as irrigating agricultural lands.
AND WHEREAS, the Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary has exceptional medicinal plant diversity
with rare and endangered species. The forests of the sanctuary ameliorate the micro climate and exert
favourable influence on the soil and water conservation regimes of the adjacent habitations and agricultural
lands.
AND WHEREAS, it is necessary to conserve and protect the area, surrounding the boundaries of
Peechi-Vazhani 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) and clauses (v) and
(xiv) of sub-section (2) and sub-section (3) of Section 3 of the Environment (Protection) Act 1986 (29 of
1986) (hereafter in this notification referred to as the Environment Act) read with sub-rule (3) of rule 5 of the
Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986, the Central Government hereby notifies an area to an extent varying
from 0 kilometer to 6.5 kilometers, around the boundary of Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary in Thrissur
and Thalappilly Taluks of Thrissur district in the state of Kerala as the Eco-sensitive Zone (hereafter in this
notification referred to as the Eco-Sensitive Zone) details of which are as under, namely: -
1.
Extent and boundaries of Eco-Sensitive Zone. –
(1) The Eco-sensitive Zone shall be to an extent of 0 km to 6.5 km around the boundary of Peechi-Vazhani
Wildlife Sanctuary and the area of the Eco-sensitive zone 76.8 square kilometer.
(2) The boundary description of Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary and its Eco-Sensitive Zone are appended
in Annexure-I.
(3) The Maps of Eco-sensitive zone of Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary are appended as Annexure-II A
and Annexure-II B.
(4) Geo-coordinates of the boundary of Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary and its Eco-Sensitive Zone are
appended as Annexure-III.
(5) The list of villages falling in the proposed eco-sensitive zone is given in Annexure-IV.
2. Zonal Master Plan for Eco-Sensitive Zone:-
(1) The State Government shall, for the purposes of the Eco-sensitive Zone, prepare a Zonal Master Plan
within a period of two years from the date of publication of this notification in the Official Gazette, in
consultation with local people and adhering to the stipulations given in this notification for approval of the
competent authority 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) Environment, Forest,
(ii) Urban Development,
(iii) Tourism, Municipal,
(iv) Revenue,
(v) Irrigation,
(vi) Local Self Government Department,
(vii) Public Works Department,
(viii) Kerala State Pollution Control Board
(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 and like places,
horticultural areas, orchards, lakes and other water bodies, and the plan is supported by land use map.
(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 livelihood security of the local communities.
(8) The Zonal Master Plan shall be co-terminus with the regional development plan.
(9) The Zonal Master Plan so approved shall be the reference document for the Monitoring Committee for
carrying out its functions of monitoring in accordance with the provisions of this notification.
3. Measures to be taken by the State Government. - The State Government shall take the following
measures for giving effect to the provisions of this notification, namely: -
(1) Land use. – (a) Forests, horticulture area, agriculture area, Parks and open spaces earmarked for
recreation purposes in the ESZ shall not be used or converted into areas for major commercial or major
residential complex or industrial activities.
Provided that the conversion of agriculture and other land within the ESZ for the purpose other than that
specified at part A, may be permitted on the recommendation of the Monitoring committee and with the prior
approval of the State Government, to meet the residential needs of local residents, such as-
(i) Widening and strengthening of existing roads and construction of new road;
(ii) Construction and renovation of infrastructure and basic civic amenities;
(iii) Small scale industries not causing pollution;
(iv) Cottage industries including village industries; convenience stores and local amenities supporting eco-
tourism including home stay;
(v) 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 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 above 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 / rivers / channels shall be identified
and plans for their conservation and rejuvenation shall be incorporated in the Zonal Master Plan.
(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 Department of Tourism in consultation with the
Department of Revenue and Forests, Government of Kerala;
(i) Ecotourism activities in the forest areas shall be as per the prescriptions of the working plans or
management plans.
(ii) The eco-tourism master plan for the forest areas forming part of the ESZ shall be prepared by the
department of forests and wildlife in association with the state department of tourism.
(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 constructions of hotels and resorts shall not be permitted within the ESZ except for accommodation
of
temporary
occupation
of
tourist
related
to
eco-friendly
tourism
activities;
Provided that extension of existing establishments may be allowed in accordance with the Zonal Master Plan;
(ii) all new tourism activities or expansion of existing tourism activities within the ESZ shall be in accordance
with the guidelines issued by the Central Government in the Ministry of Environment, Forest And Climate
Change and the eco-tourism guideline issued by National Tiger Conservation Authorities (as amended from
time to time) with emphasis on eco-tourism, eco-education and eco-development based on the carrying
capacity study of the ESZ;
(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 committees. No new hotels/ resorts or commercial establishment
construction is 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 preserved 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, area and precincts of historical, architectural,
aesthetic and cultural significance shall be identified in the ESZ and heritage conservation plan for their
conservations shall be prepared within six months from the date of publication of final notification and
incorporated in the Zonal Master Plan.
(6) Noise Pollution. - Prevention and Control of noise pollution in the ESZ shall be compiled with in
accordance with Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000 under the Environment (Protection)
Act, 1986 and amendments thereto.
(7) Air Pollution. - Prevention and control of air pollution in the ESZ shall be compiled with in accordance
with the prevention of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981(14 of 1981) and rule made
there under and amendments thereto.
(8) Discharge of effluents. - The discharge of treated effluents in ESZ shall be in accordance with the
provision of General Standards of Discharge of Environmental Pollutants covered under the Environmental
(Protection) Act 1986 and rules made there under or standards stipulated by State Government whichever is
more stringent.
(9) Solid wastes.- Disposal and Management of solid wastes shall be as under:-
(a) the solid waste disposal and management in the Eco-sensitive Zone shall be carried out in accordance
with the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, published by the Government of India in the Ministry of
Environment, Forest and Climate Change vide notification number S.O. 1357 (E), dated the 8th April, 2016
and as amended from time to time;
(b) the inorganic material may be disposed in an environmental acceptable manner at site identified outside
the Eco-sensitive Zone;
(c) No burning or incineration of solid wastes and establishment of landfills shall be permitted in the ESZ;
(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; as amended from time to time.
(b) No common treatment facility or incineration shall be permitted within the ESZ.
(11) Plastic waste management. - The Plastic Waste Management in the ESZ shall be carried out as per
the provision 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 GSR. 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 ESZ shall be carried out as per the provision 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 GSR.317 (E), dated 29th March, 2016 as amended from time to
time.
(13) E-waste. - The E-waste management in the ESZ shall be carried out as per the provision of E-waste
Management Rules, 2016 published by the Government of India in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and
Climate Change and 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 rules
and regulation made there under.
(15) Vehicular pollution. - Prevention and Control of Vehicular Pollution shall be complied with in
accordance with applicable laws. Efforts to be made for use of cleaner fuel for example CNG, LPG, etc.
(16) Industrial units.– (a) On or after the publication of this notification in the Official Gazette, no new
polluting
industries
shall
be
allowed
to
be
set
up
within
the
ESZ;
(b) Only non-polluting industries shall be allowed with in ESZ as per classification of industries in the
Guidelines issued by Central Pollution Control Board in February 2016, unless so specified in this
notification in addition, 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) no construction on existing steep hill slopes or slopes with high degree of erosion shall be permitted.
4. List of activities prohibited, regulated, and permitted within Eco-Sensitive Zone.-
All activities in the Peechi-Vazhani Eco-sensitive Zone shall be governed by the provisions of the Wildlife
(Protection) Act, 1972 (53 of 1972), the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 (69 of 1980) and the Environment
(Protection) Act, 1986 (29 of 1986) and other Acts and Rules prevalent in the State. Forest area coming under
the eco-sensitive zone will remain to be governed under existing forest laws. Subject to the provisions of this
paragraph, the activities in the Eco-sensitive Zone shall be regulated in accordance with tabular column given
below, namely:-
Table
| Sl. No. | Activity | Description |
|---|---|---|
| A. Prohibited Activities | | |
| 1. | Commercial Mining, stone quarrying and crushing units. | a. All new and existing mining (minor and major minerals), stone quarrying and crushing units shall be prohibited except for the domestics’ needs of bona fide local residents with reference to digging of earth for construction of repair of houses and for manufacture of country tails or bricks for housing for personal consumption; b. The mining operation shall strictly be in accordance with the interim order of 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 and order of Hon’ble Supreme Court dated 21st April, 2014, in the matter of Goa Foundation Vs. UOI in W.P.(C) No. 435 of 2012. |
| 2. | Setting of industries causing pollution (Water, Air, Soil, Noise, etc.). | No new industries and expansion of existing polluting industries in the ESZ shall be permitted. Only non-polluting industries shall be allowed within ESZ as per classification industries in the Guidelines issued by the Central Pollution Control Board in February 2016, unless so specified in this notification. In addition, non-polluting cottage industries shall be promoted. |
| 3. | Establishment of new major hydroelectric project. | Prohibited (except as otherwise provided) as per applicable laws. |
| 4. | Use or production or processing of any hazardous substances. | Prohibited (except as otherwise provided) as per applicable laws. |
|---|---|---|
| 5. | Discharge of untreated effluents in natural water bodies or land area. | Prohibited (Except as otherwise provided) as per applicable laws. |
| 6. | Establishment of solid waste disposal site and common incineration facility for solid and bio medical waste. | No new solid waste disposal site and waste treatment/processing facility of solid waste are permitted within ESZ. Further installation of common or individual incineration facility for treatment of any form of solid waste generated from industrial process and health establishment/ hospitals etc. is prohibited. |
| 7. | Establishment of large scale commercial livestock and poultry farms by firms, corporate, companies. | Prohibited (except as otherwise provided) as per applicable laws except for meeting local needs. |
| 8. | New wood based industry. | Prohibited (except as otherwise provided) as per applicable laws. |
| 9. | Manufacturing and storage of explosive items. | Prohibited (except as otherwise provided) as per applicable laws. |
| 10. | Conversion of hills for commercial purpose. | Prohibited (except as otherwise provided) as per applicable laws. |
| 11. | Setting of new saw mills. | No new or expansion of existing saw mills shall be permitted within the ESZ. |
| 12. | Commercial use of Firewood. | Prohibited (except as otherwise provided) as per applicable laws. |
| 13. | Setting up of brick kilns. | Prohibited (except as otherwise provided) as per applicable laws. |
| 14. | Encroachment of river banks and destruction of river bank vegetation, collection of river stone. | Prohibited (except as otherwise provided) as per applicable laws. |
| 15. | Dumping of solid wastes/ plastic wastes/ chemical wastes in the river and the land area. | Prohibited (except as otherwise provided) as per applicable laws. |
| Regulated Activities | | |
| 16. | Commercial establishment of hotels and resorts. | No new commercial hotels and resorts shall be permitted within one kilometer of the boundary of the protected Area or up to the extent of ESZ, whichever is nearer, except for small temporary structure for Eco-tourism activities. Provided that, extension of existing establishments may be allowed in accordance with the Zonal Master Plan. |
| 17. | Construction activities. | a. No new commercial construction of any kind shall be permitted within the ESZ Provided that local people shall be permitted to undertake construction in their land for their residential use including the activities listed in sub paragraph (1) of paragraph 6 as per building byelaws to beat the residential needs of the local residents such as: i. Widening and strengthening of existing roads and construction of new roads; |
| | | ii. Construction and renovation of infrastructure and civic amenities; iii. Small scale industries not causing pollution termed as per classification done by Central Pollution Control Board of February 2016; iv. Cottage industries including village industries; convenience stores and local amenities supporting eco- tourism including home stays; and v. Promoted activities listed in this notification. b. Provided that the construction activity related to small scale industries not causing pollution shall be regulated at the minimum, with the prior permission from the competent authority as per applicable rules and regulations, if any. c. Construction activities in ESZ shall be 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 and non- hazards, small scale and service industry, agriculture, floriculture, horticulture or agro-based industry producing products from indigenous materials from the ESZ shall be permitted by the competent authority. |
| 19. | Felling of Trees. | a. There shall be no felling of trees on 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. c. In case of reserve forests and protected forests the working plan prescription shall be followed. |
| 20. | Collection of forest produce or Non-Timber Forest Produce. | Regulated under applicable laws. |
| 21. | Erecting of electrical and communication towers and laying of cables and other infrastructures. | Regulated under applicable laws. Underground cabling may be promoted. |
| 22. | Infrastructure including civic amenities. | Shall be done with mitigation measures, as per applicable laws, rules and regulation and available guide lines. |
| 23. | Widening and strengthening of existing roads and construction of new roads. | Shall be done with proper environment impact assessment and mitigation measures as per applicable laws, rules and regulation and available guide lines. |
| 24. | Undertaking other activities related to tourism like over flying the ESZ. | Regulated under applicable laws. |
| 25. | Commercial Fishing and unscientific fishing. | Prohibited (except as otherwise provided) as per applicable laws, however, permitted for bona fide use of tribes. |
| 26. | Protection of Hill Slopes and river. | Regulated under applicable laws. |
|---|---|---|
| 27. | Movements of vehicular traffic at night. | Regulated for commercial purpose under applicable laws. |
| 28. | Ongoing agricultural horticultural practices by local communities along with dairies, dairy farming, aquaculture and fisheries. | Permitted under applicable laws for use of locals. |
| 29. | Discharge of treated waste water/ effluents in natural water bodies or land area. | Recycling of treated effluent shall be encouraged and for disposal of sledge or solid waste, the existing regulation shall be followed. The discharge of treated waste water /effluents shall be avoided to enter into the water bodies. Otherwise the discharge of treated waste water/effluent shall be regulated as per applicable laws. |
| 30. | Commercial extraction of surface and ground water. | Regulated under applicable laws. |
| 31. | Open well, bore well etc. for agriculture or other usage. | Regulated and the activities should be strictly monitored by the appropriate authority. |
| 32. | Solid waste management. | Regulated under applicable laws. |
| 33. | Introduction of exotic species. | Regulated under applicable laws. |
| 34. | Eco-tourism. | Regulated under applicable laws. |
| 35. | Use polythene bags. | Based on specific requirement, it shall be regulated under applicable laws. |
| 36. | Commercial sign boards and hoardings. | Regulated under applicable laws. |
| C. Promoted Activities | | |
| 37. | Rain water harvesting. | Shall be actively promoted. |
| 38. | Organic farming. | Shall be actively promoted. |
| 39. | Adoption of green technology for all activities. | Shall be actively promoted. |
| 40. | Non-polluting Cottage industries including village artisans, etc. | Shall be actively promoted. |
| 41. | Use of renewable energy and fuels. | Biogas, solar light, etc. to be actively promoted. |
| 42. | Agro-forestry. | Shall be actively promoted. |
| 43. | Use of eco-friendly transport. | Shall be actively promoted. |
| 44. | Skill development. | Shall be actively promoted. |
| 45. | Restoration of Degraded land/ Forests/ Habitat. | Shall be actively promoted. |
| 46. | Environmental Awareness. | Shall be actively promoted. |
5. Monitoring Committee.- In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (3) of section 3 of the
Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 (29 of 1986), the Central Government hereby constitutes a committee
to be called as the Peechi-Vazhani Eco-sensitive Zone Monitoring Committee to monitor the compliance
of this notification. The Monitoring Committee referred to in sub-paragraph (1) above, shall consist of
the following members, namely:-
| Sl. No. | Constituent of the Monitoring Committee | Designation |
|---|---|---|
| (i) | The District Collector, Thrissur, Palakkad | Chairman; |
| (ii) | The District Panchayat President, Thrissur | Member; |
| (iii) | Representatives of Kerala State Pollution Control Board/Kerala State Electricity Board/Kerala Water Authority/Kerala State Irrigation Department/Kerala State Environment Department | Member; |
| (iv) | Representative of Non-Governmental Organizations working in the field of natural conservation (including heritage conservation) to be nominated by the Government Kerala | Member; o |
| (v) | One expert in Ecology from reputed Institution or University of the State of Kerala t be nominated by the Government of Kerala | Member; |
| (vi) | The Wildlife Warden, Peechi | Member Secretary; |
6. Terms of Reference of the Monitoring Committee.-
1. The Monitoring Committee shall monitor the compliance of the provisions of this notification.
2. The tenure of the Monitoring Committee has been for three years.
3. The activities that are covered in the schedule to the notification of the Government of India in the erstwhile
Ministry of Environment and forests number S.O.1533 (E), dated the 14th September 2006 and are falling
in ESZ, except for the prohibited activities as specified in the table under paragraph 7 thereof, shall be
scrutinized by the Monitoring Committee based on the actual site-specific conditions and referred to the
Central Government in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change for prior environmental
clearances under the provisions of the said notification.
4. The activities that are covered in the schedule to the notification of the Government of India in the
erstwhile Ministry of Environment and forests number S.O. 1533(E), dated the 14th September 2006 and
are falling in ESZ, except for the prohibited activities as specified in the table under paragraph 4 thereof,
shall be scrutinized by the Monitoring Committee based on the actual site-specific conditions and referred
to the concerned regulatory authority.
5. The Member Secretary of Monitoring Committee shall be competent to file complaints under section 19
of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 against any person who contravenes the provisions of this
notification.
6. The Monitoring Committee may invite representatives or experts from concerned Departments or
representative from Industry Associations or concerned stakeholders to assist in its deliberations depending
on the requirements on issue to issue basis.
7. The Monitoring Committee shall submit the annual action taken report of its activities by the 31st March
of every year by 30th June of that year to the Chief Wildlife Warden in the state as per pro-forma given
Annexure-V.
8. The central Government in the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change may give such
direction, as it deems fit, to the Monitoring Committee for effective discharge of its functions.
9. The central Government and State government may specify additional measures, if any, for giving effect
to the provision of this notification.
10. The provision 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 the High Court or National Green Tribunal.
[F. No. 25/109/2015-ESZ-RE]
Dr. S. KERKETTA, Scientist ‘G’
Annexure I
BOUNDARY DESCRIPTION OF PEECHI- VAZHANI WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
North & East: Starting from a point at elevation 370 m at about 3.2 km north of Vazhani Dam site,
the boundary runs more or less southeast along the eastern catchment boundary of Vazhani reservoir
up to the common Taluk boundary of Thalappilly and Thrissur Taluks at Munippara (515 m). Thence
more or less in the same direction along the common Taluk boundary of the said Taluks up to the
tri-junction of Palakkad, Thrissur and Thalappilly Taluks, thence along the common Taluk boundary
of Palakkad and Thrissur Taluks up to the tri-junction of Palakkad, Mukundapuram and Thrissur
Taluks at Ponmudi (914 m).
South: Thence more or less west along the common Taluk boundary of Mukundapuram and
Thrissur Taluks up to a point in the said Taluk boundary about a km West of Mangattukomban (840
m).
West: Thence more or less North-west along with western catchment boundary of Peechi Reservoir
up to Peechi Dam via. Vengappara (555 m) and height points 245 and 185; thence more or less
North along the said catchment boundary till it meets Thrissur-Vaniampara road, thence first more
or less West-North West and then more or less North-North-West along the Western catchment
boundaries of Peechi and Vazhani reservoirs passing height points 200 and 205 and the Vazhani
Dam to the starting point.
The Sanctuary is surrounded by Reserve Forests except for the eastern boundary from Vaniampara up to
Palakuzhy near the south-eastern end. The Reserve Forests of Machad Range of Thrissur Division is on the
north, northeast and northwest and the reserve forests of the Pattikkad range is on the western side and a
small portion of boundary adjoins the reserve forests of the Palappilly Range of the Chalakkudy Division
on the southwest and the forests of the Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuary on the south and the reserve forests
of the Alathur Range of Nenmara Division is on the southeastern boundary near to Palakuzhy and Ponmudi.
BOUNDARY DESCRIPTION OF THE ECO-SENSITIVE ZONE OF PEECHI- VAZHANI
WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
| North | The Eco-Sensitive Zone boundary of Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary starts from the sanctuary boundary, GPS point 13, Kasumavinthoppe (10°38′41.5″N, 76°18′29.4″E), from here the boundary runs towards the west to the nearest reserve forest boundary Junda of Machad Range, (10°38'42.00"N, 76°18'26.00"E), thence, the boundary runs along the Reserve forest boundary towards the northwest direction till it reaches the GPS Point 14, Karumattara (10°39′06.3″N, 76°17′04.9″E) from here the boundary runs straight towards the GPS Point 15, Cheppalakkod (10°39′27.2″N, 76°16′51.5″E), thence the boundary runs along the reserve forest boundary of Machad Range till it reaches the GPS point 1, Karakkad (10°41′09.5″N, 76°16′55.4″E) from here the boundary runs straight towards the south-east direction to GPS point 2, Tottekkod (10°40′18.3″N, 76°18′31.8″E). |
|---|---|
| East | Thence, the boundary runs along the reserve forest boundary of Machad Range till it reaches GPS point 3, Palamyampadam (10°38′05.3″N, 76°22′03.8″E), from here the boundary runs further south along the Reserve Forest Boundary till it reaches the District boundary of Thrissur and Palakkad, from here the boundary follows the district boundary towards the south west direction till it reaches the Sanctuary boundary, GPS point 4, Manimala (10°35′24.6″N & 76°24′09.6″E). Thence the boundary follows the sanctuary boundary until it reaches Ponmudi, here the width of the Eco-Sensitive zone is Zero. |
| South | Thence, the boundary follows the sanctuary boundary of Peechi-Vazhani and Chimmony Wildlife Sanctuaries towards the west direction till it reaches GPS point 5, Maghattukomban (10°28′11.9″N & 76°25′06.9″E). Here, the width of the ESZ is Zero. |
| West | Thence, the boundary runs along the taluk boundary of Thrissur and Chalakudy till it reaches GPS Point 6, Nadampadam (10°27′21.1″N & 76°22′11.8″E), from here the boundary runs towards northwest direction along the reserve forest boundary of Pattikade Range till it reaches GPS Point 7, Marottichal (10°29′21.4″N, & 76°20′46.5″E), From here the boundary runs towards the northeast direction along the Reserve Forest boundary till it reaches the Sanctuary Boundary, GPS point 8, Thamaravellachal (10°30′54.1″N & 76°22′31.2″E). Thence the boundary runs along the Sanctuary Boundary till it reaches GPS point 9, Earth Dam (10°31′58.9″N & 76°22′31.8″E), here the width of the ESZ is Zero. From here the boundary runs towards the nearest Reserve Forest Boundary, GPS point 10, Chelikuzhi (10°32′06.9″N & 76°22′17.8″E) Thence, the boundary runs along the Reserve Forest Boundary of Pattikade Range towards the North till it reaches the Western Entrance of Kuthiran tunnel. From here the boundary follows the Reserve Forest Boundary till it reaches GPS point 11, Naruke (10°34′32.1″N & 76°21′57.2″E), Thence, the boundary runs towards north to the enclosure boundary ( 10°34'34.99"N, 76°22'1.78"E) and follows the enclosure boundary till it reaches enclosure boundary Junda (10°34'36.44"N & 76°22'0.92"E), From here the boundary runs towards the nearest reserve forest boundary Junda (10°34'34.01"N, 76°21'57.40"E), Thence the boundary runs along the reserve forest boundary till it reaches Ninnukuzhi (10°34'33.60"N, 76°18'27.70"E). Thence, the boundary runs north towards the Ninnukuzhi enclosure boundary (10°34'40.20"N, 76°18'36.70"E) and follows the enclosure boundary till it reaches GPS point 10°34'45.00" N, 76°18'15.40"E. From here the boundary runs along the Reserve Forest Boundary till it reaches the sanctuary boundary at GPS Point 12, Kuttikada (10°37′56.1″N, 76°18′16.4″E), Thence the boundary runs along the Sanctuary boundary till it reaches the starting GPS Point 13, Kasumavinthoppe, here the width of the ESZ is Zero. |
Annexure II A
MAP OF THE PEECHI - VAZHANI WILDLIFE SANCTUARY ECO-SENSITIVE ZONE OF ON
SURVEY OF INDIA TOPOSHEET AND GEO-COORDINATES OF THE IMPORTANT
WAYPOINTS
Annexure II B
THE SATELLITE IMAGERY MAP OF THE ECO-SENSITIVE ZONE AREA OF PEECHI-
VAZHANI WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Annexure III
Table A: GEO-COORDINATES OF PROMINENT LOCATIONS ALONG THE BOUNDARY OF
PEECHI -VAZHANI WILDLIFE SANCTUARY SHOWN ON MAP.
| Sl. No | Identification of prominent points | Location/Direction of prominent points | Latitude in DMS Format | Longitude in DMS Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chelakkara Thandu | North | 10°39′39.46″N | 76°18′56.50″E |
| 2 | Munippara | East | 10°37′43.30″N | 76°21′07.90″E |
| 3 | Karadikundu | East | 10°36′25.90″N | 76°22′48.70″E |
| 4 | Kombazha | East | 10°34′37.90″N | 76°24′37.60″E |
| 5 | Olakara | East | 10°31′11.80″N | 76°27′04.30″E |
| 6 | Ponmudi | South | 10°29′03.10″N | 76°28′45.90″E |
| 7 | Mangattukomban | South | 10°28′02.62″N | 76°25′35.64″E |
| 8 | Jundamukk | West | 10°30′52.06″N | 76°21′47.50″E |
| 9 | Vellani | West | 10°34′28.90″N | 76°22′51.40″E |
| 10 | Vazhani Thandu | West | 10°36′43.90″N | 76°19′25.30″E |
Table B: GEO-COORDINATES OF PROMINENT LOCATIONS ALONG THE BOUNDARY OF
ECO-SENSITIVE ZONE OF PEECHI -VAZHANI WILDLIFE SANCTUARY.
| Sl. No | Identification of prominent points | Location/Direction of prominent points | Latitude in DMS Format | Longitude in DMS Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Karakkad | North | 10°41′09.5″N | 76°16′55.4″E |
| 2 | Tottekkod | North | 10°40′18.3″N | 76°18′31.8″E |
| 3 | Palamyampadam | East | 10°38′05.3″N | 76°22′03.8″E |
| 4 | Manimala | East | 10°35′24.6″N | 76°24′09.6″E |
| 5 | Maghattukomban | South | 10°28′11.9″N | 76°25′06.9″E |
| 6 | Nadampadam | South | 10°27′21.1″N | 76°22′11.8″E |
| 7 | Marottichal | West | 10°29′21.4″N | 76°20′46.5″E |
| 8 | Thamaravellachal | West | 10°30′54.1″N | 76°22′31.2″E |
| 9 | Earth Dam | West | 10°31′58.9″N | 76°22′31.8″E |
| 10 | Chelikuzhi | West | 10°32′06.9″N | 76°22′17.8″E |
| 11 | Naruke | West | 10°34′32.1″N | 76°21′57.2″E |
| 12 | Kuttikada | West | 10°37′56.1″N | 76°18′16.4″E |
| 13 | Kasumavinthoppe | North | 10°38′41.5″N | 76°18′29.4″E |
| 14 | Karumattara | North | 10°39′06.3″N | 76°17′04.9″E |
| 15 | Cheppalakkod | North | 10°39′27.2″N | 76°16′51.5″E |
Annexure IV
LIST OF VILLAGES COMING UNDER ECO-SENSITIVE ZONE OF PEECHI-VAZHANI
WILDLIFE SANCTUARY ALONG WITH GEO-COORDINATES
| Sl. No | Village Name | Type of Village | Taluka | District | GPS Co-ordinates | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| | | | | | Latitude | Longitude |
| 1 | Pananchery | Revenue | Thrissur | Thrissur | 10°34′34.32″N | 76°19′05.33″E |
| 2 | Manalithara | Revenue | Thalappilly | Thrissur | 10°37′42.21″N | 76°21′32.51″E |
| 3 | Attoor | Revenue | Thalappilly | Thrissur | 10°40′06.26″N | 76°17′51.74″E |
| 4 | Peechi | Revenue | Thrissur | Thrissur | 10°29′35.26″N | 76°22′13.22″E |
Annexure V
Performa of Action Taken Report – Peechi-Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary Eco sensitive zone monitoring
Committee:-
1. Number and date of meetings.
2. Minutes of the meetings: (mention main 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 scrutinized for activities covered under the Environment Impact Assessment
Notification, 2006 (Details may be attached as separate Annexure).
6. Summary of cases scrutinized for activities not covered under the Environment Impact Assessment
Notification, 2006 (Details may be attached as separate Annexure).
7. Summary of complaints lodged under section 19 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
8. Any other matter of importance.
and Published by the Controller of Publications, Delhi-110054.
GORAKHA NATH YADAVA
Date: 2026.03.02 15:49:04 +05'30'
Login to read full text