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Core Purpose

The Central Government notifies an Eco-sensitive Zone extending from 1.0 to 17.0 kilometres around Gorumara National Park in West Bengal, exercising powers under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

Detailed Summary

This notification (S.O. 5132(E), dated 29th November, 2024, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change) finalises a draft published as S.O. 4952(E) on 16th November, 2023 and made available to the public that day; objections received were considered by the Central Government. Gorumara National Park, notified by the West Bengal Government on 1st January, 1998 over 79.45 square kilometres in Jalpaiguri District, supports about 55 Great Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros, about 1,000 Gaur, Leopards and around 300 bird species, and is shaped by the Murti and Jaldhaka river systems. Exercising powers under section 3(1), clauses (v) and (xiv) of section 3(2), and section 3(3) of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 (29 of 1986), read with rule 5(3) of the Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986, the Central Government notifies an Eco-sensitive Zone of approximately 278 square kilometres extending from 1.0 to 17.0 kilometres from the Park boundary. The State Government of West Bengal must prepare a Zonal Master Plan within two years of publication, in consultation with named State departments. The notification prohibits new mining and stone quarrying, polluting industries, major hydroelectric projects, saw mills, brick kilns and use of polythene bags, and regulates hotel construction, tree felling, water extraction and infrastructure works within the zone, while promoting rainwater harvesting, organic farming and renewable energy. A Monitoring Committee chaired by the concerned District Collector, with the Divisional Forest Officer in charge of Gorumara National Park as Member-Secretary, is constituted to scrutinise activities, refer proposals for environmental clearance, and submit an annual report to the Chief Wildlife Warden.

Full Text

CG-DL-E-05122024-259175 EXTRAORDINARY PART II—Section 3—Sub-section (ii) 7722 GI/2024 (1) MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE NOTIFICATION New Delhi, the 29th November, 2024 S.O. 5132(E).—WHEREAS, a draft notification was published in the Gazette of India, Extraordinary, vide notification of the Government of India in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change number S.O. 4952(E), dated the 16th November, 2023, inviting objections and suggestions from all persons likely to be affected thereby within the period of sixty days from the date on which copies of the Gazette containing the said notification were made available to the public; AND WHEREAS, copies of the Gazette containing the said draft notification were made available to the public on the 16th November, 2023; AND WHEREAS, objections and suggestions received from persons and stakeholders in response to the aforesaid draft notification were considered by the Central Government; AND WHEREAS, Gorumara National Park in Jalpaiguri District of West Bengal with an area of 79.45 square kilometers, was notified by the State Government of West Bengal vide notification dated the 1st January, 1998 and is home to about 55 Great Indian One Horned Rhinoceros, one of the last populations of the species globally; AND WHEREAS, the National Park acts as a crucial corridor for the movement of the Indian Elephant and harbours about 1000 Gaurs, Leopards along with other lesser cats, numerous herbivores and about 300 species of birds and about same number of butterflies, and has great significance in the forested landscape of Jalpaiguri district along with its forest, riverine ecosystem and adjoining tea gardens and villages including their diverse ethnicities; AND WHEREAS, Gorumara National Park supports a number of species specified under Schedule-I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 (53 of 1972) that inter alia,includes the Great Indian One Horned Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis), Indian Elephant (Elephas maximus), Gaur (Bos gaurus), Leopard (Panthera pardus), Indian Rock Python (Python molurus), Malayan Giant Squirrel (Ratufa bicolor), Leopard Cat (Prionailurus bengalensis), Fishing Cat (Prionailurus viverrinus), Hill Myna (Gracula religiosa), Indian Peafowl (Pavo cristatus), Indian Grey Hornbill (Ocyceros birostris), etc.; AND WHEREAS, for effective conservation and protection of this rich floral and faunal biodiversity of Gorumara National Park, the extent of anthropogenic pressure in the periphery of the park has to be regulated as the immediate area adjoining this fragile ecosystem is ecologically sensitive and exert great impact on this Protected Area; AND WHEREAS, the dynamic nature of main river systems of Murti and Jaldhaka along with their tributaries and rivulets has a direct impact on the wildlife in the park, and therefore, it is necessary to conserve and protect the areas around Gorumara National Park 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 Gorumara National Park 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 1.0 kilometer to 17.0 kilometers from the boundary of Gorumara National Park, in Jalpaiguri district in the State of West Bengal 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 varying from 1.0 kilometer to 17.0 kilometers from the boundary of Gorumara National Park and the area of the Eco-sensitive Zone is approximately 278 Square kilometers. (2) The boundary description of Gorumara National Park and its Eco-Sensitive Zone is appended as Table A and Table B in Annexure-I. (3) The maps of the Gorumara National Park demarcating Eco-sensitive Zone is appended as Annexure-II A, Annexure-II B, Annexure-II C, Annexure-II D and Annexure-II E. (4) List of important geo-coordinates of the National Park and its Eco-sensitive Zone are appended as Table A, Table B and Table C in Annexure- III. (5) The list of areas falling in the proposed Eco-Sensitive Zone is appended as Annexure-IV A and villages falling under Eco-Sensitive Zone along with latitudes and longitudes is appended as Annexure-IV B. 2. Zonal Master Plan for Eco-Sensitive Zone .-(1) The State Government shall, for the purposes of the Eco-sensitive Zone prepare and notify 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 laws for the time being in force and the guidelines issued by the Central Government, if any. (3) The Zonal Master Plan shall be prepared in consultation with the following Departments of the State Government, for integrating the ecological and environmental considerations into the said plan, namely.- (i) Environment; (ii) Forest and Wildlife; (iii) Agriculture; (iv) Revenue; (v) Urban Development; (vi) Tourism; (vii) Rural Development; (viii) Irrigation and Flood Control; (ix) Municipality; (x) Panchayati Raj; and (xi) Public Works Department. (4) The Zonal Master Plan shall not impose any restriction on the approved existing land use, infrastructure and activities, unless so specified in this notification and the Zonal Master Plan shall factor in improvement of all infrastructure and activities to be more efficient and eco-friendly. (5) The Zonal Master Plan shall provide for restoration of denuded areas, conservation of existing water bodies, management of catchment areas, watershed management, groundwater management, soil and moisture conservation, needs of local community and such other aspects of the ecology and environment that need attention. (6) The Zonal Master Plan shall demarcate all the existing worshipping places, villages and urban settlements, types and kinds of forests, agricultural areas, green area, such as, parks, horticultural areas, orchards, lakes and other water bodies with supporting maps giving details of existing and proposed land use features. (7) The Zonal Master Plan shall regulate development in Eco-sensitive Zone and adhere to prohibited and regulated activities listed in the Table in paragraph 4 and also ensure and promote eco-friendly development for security of local communities’ livelihood. (8) The Zonal Master Plan shall be co-terminus with the Regional Development Plan. (9) The Zonal Master Plan so prepared and notified shall be the reference document for the Monitoring Committee for carrying out its functions of monitoring in accordance with the provisions of this notification. (10) Pending preparation and approval of the Zonal Master Plan, any new developmental activities shall be governed by provisions specified in sub-para (1) and (2) of paragraph 6. 3. Measures to be taken by the State Government. - The State Government shall take the following measures for giving effect to the provisions of this notification, namely:- (1) Land use.– (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) 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; (iv) cottage industries including village industries; convenience stores and local amenities supporting eco-tourism including home stay; and (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 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) Tourism Master Plan shall be prepared by the State Department of Tourism in consultation with the State Departments of Environment and Forests. (c) Tourism Master Plan shall form a component of the Zonal Master Plan. (d) Tourism Master Plan shall be drawn based on the study of carrying capacity of the Eco-sensitive Zone. (e) 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 regulatory authorities concerned 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. (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 Act, and the rules made thereunder. (8) Discharge of effluents.- The discharge of treated effluent in the 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 Act and the rules made thereunder. (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, 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) the biodegradable material shall be recycled preferably through composting or vermiculture; (d) the inorganic material may be disposed in an environmentally acceptable manner at site 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; (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. (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. (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. (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 the 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 thereunder including the Environmental Impact Assessment Notification, 2006 and other applicable laws including the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 (69 of 1980), the Indian Forest Act, 1927 (16 of 1927), the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972 (53 of 1972), and regulated in the manner specified in the Table 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 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 the 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 and dated the 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 or expansion of polluting industries in the Eco-sensitive Zone shall be permitted and pollution prevention technologies and noise barriers should be installed by existing industries. | | 3. | Establishment of major hydroelectric project. | Prohibited. | |---|---|---| | 4. | Use or production or processing of any hazardous substance. | Prohibited. | | 5. | Discharge of untreated effluents in natural water bodies or land area. | Prohibited. | | 6. | Setting up of 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. | Prohibited. | | 9. | Commercial use of firewood. | Prohibited. | | B. Regulated Activities | | | | 10. | 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 upto the extent of the 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 the 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. | | 11. | 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. | | 12. | Small scale non-polluting industries. | Non-polluting industries as per classification of 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. | | 13. | Felling of trees. | (a) There shall be no felling of trees in the forest or Government or revenue or private lands without prior permission of the competent authority in the State Government. (b) The felling of trees shall be regulated in accordance with the provisions of the concerned Central or State Act and the rules made thereunder. | | 14. | Collection of Forest Produce or Non-Timber Forest Produce. | Regulated under applicable laws. | | 15. | Erection of electrical and communication towers and laying of cables and other | Regulated under applicable laws and underground cabling may be promoted. | | | infrastructures. | | |---|---|---| | 16. | Infrastructure including civic amenities. | Taking measures of mitigation, as per applicable laws, rules and regulation and available guidelines. | | 17. | Widening and strengthening of existing roads and construction of new roads. | Taking measures of mitigation with proper Environment Impact Assessment, as per applicable laws, rules and regulation and available guidelines. | | 18. | Undertaking other activities related to tourism like over flying the Eco-sensitive Zone area by hot air balloon, helicopter, drones, Microlites, etc. | Regulated as per the applicable laws. | | 19. | Protection of Hill Slopes and river banks. | Regulated as per the applicable laws. | | 20. | Movement of vehicular traffic at night. | Regulated for commercial purpose under applicable laws. | | 21. | Ongoing agriculture and horticulture practices by local communities along with dairies, dairy farming, aquaculture and fisheries. | Permitted as per the applicable laws for use of locals. | | 22. | Discharge of treated waste water or effluents in natural water bodies or land area. | The discharge of treated waste water or effluents shall be avoided to enter into the water bodies and efforts shall be made for recycle and reuse of treated waste water, and the discharge of treated waste water or effluent shall be regulated as per the applicable laws. | | 23. | Commercial extraction of surface and ground water. | Regulated under applicable laws. | | 24. | Establishment of large-scale commercial livestock and poultry farms by firms, corporate and companies. | Regulated as per applicable laws except for meeting local needs. | | 25. | Open Well, Bore Well, etc. for agriculture or other usage. | Regulated and the activity should be strictly monitored by the appropriate authority. | | 26. | Solid Waste Management. | Regulated as per the applicable laws. | | 27. | Introduction of Exotic species. | Regulated as per the applicable laws. | | 28. | Eco-tourism. | Regulated as per the applicable laws. | | 29. | Commercial Sign boards and hoardings. | Regulated as per the applicable laws. | | C. Promoted Activities | | | | 30. | Rain water harvesting. | Shall be actively promoted. | | 31. | Organic farming. | Shall be actively promoted. | | 32. | Adoption of green technology for all activities. | Shall be actively promoted. | | 33. | Cottage industries including village artisans, etc. | Shall be actively promoted. | | 34. | Use of renewable energy and fuels. | Bio-gas, solar light etc. shall be actively promoted. | | 35. | Agro-Forestry. | Shall be actively promoted. | | 36. | Plantation of Horticulture and Herbals. | Shall be actively promoted. | | 37. | Use of eco-friendly transport. | Shall be actively promoted. | |---|---|---| | 38. | Skill Development. | Shall be actively promoted. | | 39. | Restoration of Degraded Land or Forests or Habitat. | Shall be actively promoted. | | 40. | Environmental Awareness. | Shall be actively promoted. | 5. Monitoring Committee.-For effective monitoring of the provisions of this notification under sub-section (3) of section 3 of the Environment Act, the Central Government hereby constitutes a Monitoring Committee, comprising of the following, namely:- (i) Concerned District Collector Chairman; ex-officio A representative of Non-governmental Organisation working in the field of environment and wildlife conservation (including heritage conservation) to be nominated by the State Government for a period not exceeding three years for each term (ii) Member; (iii) An expert in the area of ecology or environment to be nominated by the State Government from time to time every three years Member; (iv) Member of State Biodiversity Board Member; ex-officio (v) A representative from State Public Works Department Member; ex-officio (vi) A representative from State Pollution Control Board Member; ex-officio (vii) The Divisional Forest Officer, in charge of Gorumara National Park Member-Secretary; ex-officio 6. Functions of 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 Forests 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 may be, for prior environmental clearances under the provisions of the said notification. (2) The activities not covered in the Schedule to the notification referred to in sub-paragraph (1) and are 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 regulatory authorities concerned. (3) The Member-Secretary of the Monitoring Committee or the Collector concerned or the Deputy Conservator of Forests concerned shall be competent to file complaint under section 19 of the Environment Act, against any person who contravenes the provisions of this notification. (4) The Monitoring Committee may invite representative or expert from the Department concerned, representative from industry associations or 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 . (6) The Central Government may give such directions in writing, as it deems fit, to the Monitoring Committee for effective discharge of its functions. 7. Additional Measures.- The Central Government and State Government may specify additional measures, if any, for giving effect to provisions of this notification. 8. Supreme Court, etc. orders. The provisions of this notification shall be subject to the orders, if any passed or to be passed by the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India or High Court or the National Green Tribunal. [F. No. 25/24/2018/ESZ] Dr. S. KERKETTA, SCIENTIST ‘G’ ANNEXURE- I Table A: Boundary Description of the Eco-sensitive Zone of Gorumara National Park | Direction | Description | |---|---| | North | Forests of Kalimpong Forest Division, up to Bhutan Border. | | East | Along Jaldhaka River in the East, till the Siliguri-Alipurduar Railway line, further South along Eastern part of Sulkapara Road, including the Forest of Diana Range, the Western side of Karbala Road, and then Gairkata Road, up to Ramsai Forest under Nathua Range of Jalpaiguri Forest Division. | | South | North of Hindustan More, Eastern side of Ramsai Road, cutting across to Kaoagap-Ramsai Road, along the road till the irrigation canal and further along the canal till the Lataguri-Mal railway line. | | West | Along the Mal-Lataguri Railway line from Lataguri, further north along the right Bank of the river Neora, western edge of Baradighi tea garden, along eastern side of PMGSY road, Banglapara Road, Chorok Road and southern side of Uttar Dhupjhora Road, Zilla parishad road to Panjhora Forest under Jalpaiguri division, crossing NH-17, Siliguri-Alipurduar railwayline further North along Kilkote- Indong TG road and then the Murti River up to Kumai Forest. | Table B: Detailed description of the Boundary of the Eco- sensitive Zone of Gorumara National Park along with Important Geo Coordinate References | Direction | Description | |---|---| | Northern | From the point 27˚00'19.03" N 88˚50'28.69", then towards north-east up to 30m from the centre of Naksa Khola (right bank) at point 27˚00'44.79" N 88˚51'12.58" E and then along Naksa Khola up to Bhutan border till point 27˚00'32.44" N 88˚52'23.12" E. | | Eastern | Along Bhutan boundary from point 27˚00'32.44" N 88˚52'23.12" E to 26°56'28.70"N 88°52'49.39"E along the eastern side of River Jaldhaka till point 26°53'50.68"N 88°53'46.70"E where it crosses the Siliguri- Alipurduar railway line and meets the Nagrakata-Sukhanibasty road which connects to Sulkapara after crossing NH-17 and turns east at point 26°50'41.98"N 88°54'50.11"E up to Sulkapara Forest Rest house. Then towards east, crossing Gathiya River at point 26°50'40.96"N 88°55'5.98"Efurther 2.72 km east on the same line up to point 26˚50'32.97" N 88˚56'30.16" E. Then, down towards South for 5km up to 26˚47'52.40" N 88˚56'27.81" E ,then along the western flank of Kalabari road, at 30m from the center of the road, joining Gairkata Road up to Nathua Bazar at point 26˚42'55.60" N 88˚54'10.42" E and then along Majhiali road at a distance of 30m up to point 26˚42'20.97" N 88˚53'21.86" E, then along the connecting road via Ramsai Picnic spot up to the point 26˚41'34.69" N 88˚53'24.18" E , and then towards east till 30m from center of Gairkata Road and further south up to point 26˚40'14.04" N 88˚53'27.80" E. | | Southern | From point 26˚40'14.04" N 88˚53'27.80" E , towards western direction crossing Jaldhaka River, and further west up to point 26˚40'20.41" N 88˚51'30.16" E , then along the road at 30 m distance from the center of the road up to point 26˚41'12.36" N 88˚51'29.57" E , west up to Ramsai Road, up to point 26˚42'37.02" N 88˚51'0.574" E, west up to Kaoagap road , south along the road up to the canal at a distance of 30m. Further, 30m north from the centre of the canal, along the canal at a distance of 30m up to the point 26˚41'42.44" N 88˚46'35.60" E, then east of the connecting road (30m distance from the centre of the road) up to the Lataguri-Mal railway line at 26˚42'39.90" N 88˚46'15.24" E. | | Western | Towards west along the Lataguri-Mal railway line, at 30m from the centre of the line in eastern side till the Rail bridge on Neora river up to point 26˚44'23.72" N 88˚45'29.91" E, and then along the western bank of the Neora river at 200m from centre of the main stream till the point 26˚47'32.04" N 88˚45'16.83" E. The across Neora river till PMGSY road on the eastern side of the river, crossing it at point 26˚49'00.00" N 88˚47'46.98" E, then along the PMGSY road (30m distance from the centre of the road) then along Bangapara Road (30m distance from the centre of the road), then along Uttar Dhupjhora road (30m distance from the centre of the road) up to point 26˚50'10.29" N 88˚48'48.39" E, then further north along Zilla Parishad road (30m east from the centre of the road) till the point 26˚51'18.79" N 88˚49'12.79" E and then north up to NH-17 via new Khunia Forest Village, crossing the railway line at the point 26˚53'05.51" N 88˚49'28.73" E. Further west for 1.34 km along 200m from the centre of the Siliguri- Alipurduar | | Railway line towards the north, till the point 26°53'4.26"N 88°48'40.08"E and crossing Indong TG- Kilkote TG road. Then, northwards, 30m from the centre of the kachha road at point 26°53'9.35"N 88°48'39.39"E, along the road till 26°53'21.32"N 88°48'39.53”E, and north east till it meets the Indong-Kilkote TG road at point 26°53'33.13"N 88°48'53.28"E and along the western side of the road till point 26°54'25.39"N 88°48'40.54"E, then further north for 2.78km where the boundary turns east at point 26°55'59.59"N 88°48'42.06"E till it meets Murti River at point 26°56'0.37"N 88°51'0.41"E. Then northwards along the western bank of River Murti till the point 26°57'25.35"N 88°51'18.95"E, then upland touching the points 26°57'31.76"N 88°51'6.54"E and 26°57'39.38"N 88°51'0.02"E till point 26°57'45.79"N 88°50'56.23"E and along the road till Kumani-Murti more. Along the eastern edge of Yongtong TG till the point 26°58'43.78"N 88°50'9.58"E where it crosses Murti River in North east direction to Kumani TG Hospital at point 26°58'55.25"N 88°50'15.56"E and then along the road upto Kumai Power House, 30m from the centre of the road on its eastern side. Then towards north along the connecting road/path up to point 27˚00'19.03" N 88˚50'28.69" E. | |---| Annexure –II-A Map of Eco-sensitive Zone of Gorumara National Park with Important Points Annexure II –B Toposheet Map of Eco- sensitive Zone around Gorumara National Park Annexure II -C Google Earth Imagery Map of Eco- sensitive Zone around Gorumara National Park AnnexureII - D Land Use Land Cover Map of Eco- sensitive Zone around Gorumara National Park Annexure II -E Location Map of villages falling under Eco- sensitive Zone around Gorumara National Park Annexure- III TABLE A Geo coordinates of the Important Points of Gorumara National Park | Point | Latitude | Longitude | Direction | |---|---|---|---| | P1 | 26°51'15.76"N | 88°52'6.07"E | North | | P2 | 26°47'42.37"N | 88°47'53.19"E | West | | P3 | 26°45'42.52"N | 88°47'25.41"E | West | | P4 | 26°43'44.13"N | 88°49'6.36"E | South | | P5 | 26°47'52.27"N | 88°53'11.60"E | East | TABLE B: Geo coordinates of the Important Points of Eco-sensitive Zone around Gorumara National Park | Sl.No | Latitude | Longitude | |---|---|---| | 1. | 22°0’44.79”N | 88°51’12.58”E | | 2. | 27°0’19.03”N | 88°50’28.69”E | | 3. | 27°0’32.44”N | 88°52’23.12”E | | 4. | 26°56’28.7”N | 88°52’49.39”E | | 5. | 26°53’50.68”N | 88°53’46.7”E | | 6. | 26°50’41.98”N | 88°54’50.11”E | | 7. | 26°50’40.96”N | 88°55’5.98”E | | 8. | 26°50’32.97”N | 88°56’30.16”E | | 9. | 26°47’52.4”N | 88°56’27.81”E | | 10. | 26°44’23.72’’N | 88°45’29.91’’E | | 11. | 26°42’39.9’’N | 88°46’15.24’’E | | 12. | 26°41’42.44’’N | 88°46’35.6’’E | | 13. | 26°42’37.2’’N | 88°51’0.574’’E | | 14. | 26°41’12.36’’N | 88°51’29.57’’E | | 15. | 26°40’20.41’’N | 88°51’30.16’’E | | 16. | 26°40’14.04’’N | 88°53’27.8’’E | | 17. | 26°41’34.69’’N | 88°53’24.18’’E | | 18. | 26°42’20.97’’N | 88°53’21.86’’E | |---|---|---| | 19. | 26°42’55.6’’N | 88°54’10.42’’E | TABLE C: Geo coordinates of the important points of Eco-sensitive Zone around Gorumara National Park and their Distance from the Boundary of the Gorumara National Park | Point | Latitude | Longitude | Shortest Distance from the Boundary | |---|---|---|---| | A | 27° 0'36.10"N | 88°50'57.09"E | 17.00 km | | B | 26°56'28.70"N | 88°52'49.39"E | 9.68 km | | C | 26°48'58.04"N | 88°47'39.56"E | 2.25 km | | D | 26°47'52.29"N | 88°56'28.01"E | 5.20 km | | E | 26°41'9.30"N | 88°49'0.53"E | 5.00 km | Annexure- IV A LIST OF AREAS FALLING INSIDE ECO-SENSITIVE ZONE AROUND GORUMARA NATIONAL PARK | SN | Name of PS | Area | JL No | Area (Ha) | Block | Industry/ activities | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | 1 | Dhupguri | Ramsai Forest II | 50 | 486 | Dhupguri | Forest | | 2 | Banarhat | Jaldhaka-Altadanga TG | 24 | 571.67775 | Nagrakata | Tea factory | | 3 | Banarhat | Dhumpara | 26 | 515.1438 | Nagrakata | Mixed | | 4 | Gorubathan | Kumai Forest | | 1460 | Gorubathan | Forest | | 5 | Gorubathan | Kumai Khasmahal | 36 | 310 | Gorubathan | Mixed | | 6 | Nagrakata | Nagrakata | 7 | 100 | Nagrakata | Rural Habitation | | 7 | Nagrakata | Kalabari TG | 27 | 418.03 | Nagrakata | Nil | | 8 | Nagrakata | Bamandanga TG | 22 | 945.7236 | Nagrakata | Tea factory | | 9 | Nagrakata | Tandu TG | 21 | 261.71505 | Nagrakata | Tea factory | | 10 | Nagrakata | Tandu | 20 | 424.73565 | Nagrakata | Nil | | 11 | Nagrakata | Khairbari | 19 | 691.76835 | Nagrakata | Nil | | 12 | Nagrakata | Sulkapara | 18 | 419.59215 | Nagrakata | Nil | | 13 | Nagrakata | Sukhani Basti | 8 | 356.31495 | Nagrakata | Nil | | 14 | Nagrakata | ChharTandu | 17 | 432.9774 | Nagrakata | Nil | | 15 | Nagrakata | Chalsa Forest | 1 | 4690 | Nagrakata | Forest | | 16 | Nagrakata | Diana Forest | | 1430 | Nagrakata | Rly line | | 17 | Maynaguri | Ramsai Forest | 3 | 1330 | Maynaguri | Forest | | 18 | Maynaguri | Ramsai | 9 | 640.07415 | Maynaguri | Tourism | | 19 | Maynaguri | JadabpurTg | 10 | 221.8428 | Maynaguri | Tea factory | | 20 | Maynaguri | Kaoa Gap | 8 | 479.3823 | Maynaguri | Mixed | | 21 | Maynaguri | Uttar Kalamati | 12 | 403.57845 | Maynaguri | Mixed | | 22 | Maynaguri | Panbari | 5 | 1152.38295 | Maynaguri | Mixed | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | 23 | Maynaguri | Dobbari | 4 | 141.88365 | Maynaguri | Mixed | | 24 | Matiali | Indong TG | 14 | 590 | Matiali | Tea factory | | 25 | Matiali | Kilkott TG | 15 | 340 | Matiali | Tea factory | | 26 | Matiali | Chhaoa Phali | 30 | 275.01525 | Matali | Mixed | | 27 | Matiali | Baradighi TG | 23 | 744.39405 | Matali | Tea factory | | 28 | Matiali | Dakshin Dhupjhora | 28 | 568.09755 | Matali | Tourism | | 29 | Matiali | Uttar Dhupjhora | 27 | 405.44145 | Matali | Tourism | | 30 | Matiali | Mangalbari | 17 | 246.4506 | Matali | Small rural habitation | | 31 | Matiali | Chalsa Mahabari | 16 | 298.53765 | Matali | Tourism | | 32 | Matiali | PurbaBatabari | 26 | 539.56125 | Matali | Tourism | | 33 | Matiali | Paschim Batabari | 24 | 134.40665 | Matali | Tourism | | 34 | Matiali | Batabari TG | 25 | 393.47775 | Matali | Tea factory | | 35 | Mal | Purba kantadighi Kumarpara | 80 | 77.31855 | Mal | Nil | | 36 | Mal | Lataguri | 81 | 272.8647 | Mal | Tourism | | 37 | Mal | Daksin Kantadighi Kumarpara | 82 | 303.6852 | Mal | Nil | | 38 | Mal | Jhar Matiali | 92 | 745.281 | Mal | Tourism | | 39 | Mal | Uttar Matiali | 91 | 562.54905 | Mal | Tourism | | 40 | Mal | Lataguri Forest | 31 | 3360 | Mal | Forest village | | Total Area | | | | 27739.9037 | | | *Mixed- Agriculture, small cottage industries, livestock rearing, residential areas, daily wage labourers, etc. Annexure- IV B LIST OF VILLAGES INSIDE ECO-SENSITIVE ZONE AROUND GORUMARA NATIONA PARK | List of Villages with their GPS Details under Eco- Sensitive Zone of Gorumara National Park | | | | | | |---|---|---|---|---|---| | Si No. | GPS Co-Ordinates | Point particulars | Area/Village | JL no. | Block | | 1 | 27˚00'19.03"N 88˚50'28.69" E | Kumai T.G | Kumai Village | 36 | Gorubathan | | 2 | 27˚00'44.79" N 88˚51'12.58" E | Naksha Khola | Kumai Village | 36 | Gorubathan | | 3 | 27° 0'32.93"N 88°52'21.28"E | Jaldhaka River 1 | - | - | Gorubathan | | 4 | 26°56'38.50"N 88°52'37.23"E | Jaldhaka River 2 | - | - | Gorubathan | | 5 | 26°52'41.09"N 88°54'20.50"E | Sukhani Busty | Sukhani Busty | 8 | Nagrakata | | 6 | 26°51'35.23"N 88°54'45.90"E | Khas Busty | Khas Busty | 8 | Nagrakata | | 7 | 26°53'50.07"N 88°53'51.68"E | Siliguri- Alipurduar railway line | Sulkapara Gram Panchayat | 8 | Nagrakata | | 8 | 26°50'41.98"N 88°54'50.11"E | Sulkapara Forest Rest House | Sulkapara Gram Panchayat | 18 | Nagrakata | | 9 | 26°50'40.96"N 88°55'5.98"E | Gathia River | Chhar Tandu | 17 | Nagrakata | | 10 | 26°50'35.77"N 88°56'34.15"E | Point on River bed at Chhar Tandu | Chhar Tandu | 17 | Nagrakata | | 11 | 26˚47'52.40" N 88˚56'27.81" E | Kalabari | Angrabhasa I | 28 | Nagrakata | | | | | | G.P | | | |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| | 12 | 26°45'16.43" N 88°55'6.58" E | | Dhumpara | Angrabhasa I G.P | 26 | Nagrakata | | 13 | 26˚42'55.60" N 88˚54'10.42" E | | Gairkata Quadjuncture | Nathuahat | 24 | Nagrakata | | 14 | 26°42'39.52"N 88°53'25.03" E | | Majhiali Busty Primary School | Nathuahat | 24 | Nagrakata | | 15 | 26°42'21.41"N 88°53'22.03"E | | Nathuahat | Nathuahat | 24 | Banarhat | | 16 | 26°42'8.29"N 88°53'4.71"E | | Purba Dobbari | Nathuahat | 42 | Banarhat | | 17 | 26˚41'34.69"N 88˚53'24.18" E | | Fataktari | Nathuahat | 42 | Banarhat | | 18 | 26°41'9.51"N 88°53'21.22"E | | Bibadi Bagh Footbal ground | Nathuahat | 49 | Dhupguri | | 19 | 26°40'14.53"N 88°53'27.43"E | | Gairkata Road | Ramsai Forest | 3 | Banarhat | | 20 | 26°40'2.55"N 88°51'30.30"E | | Ramsai I | Panbari | 5 | Maynaguri | | 21 | 26˚40'20.41" N 88˚51'30.16" E | | Ramsai II | Panbari | 5 | Maynaguri | | 22 | 26˚41'12.36" N 88˚51'29.57" E | | Kamarghat | Panbari | 5 | Maynaguri | | 23 | 26°42'37.00"N 88°51'5.83"E | | Panbari - Ramsai Road | Kawagap | 8 | Maynaguri | | 24 | 26°42'44.03"N 88°50'1.64"E | | Panbari - Ramsai Road | Kawagap | 8 | Maynaguri | | 25 | 26°41'11.05"N 88°49'0.01"E | | Canal Road | Ramsai | 9 | Maynaguri | | 26 | 26˚41'42.44" N 88˚46'35.60" E | | Jharmatialli | Jharmatialli | 92 | Maynaguri | | 27 | 26˚42'39.90" N 88˚46'15.24" E | | Bichhabhanga I Comptt. | Lataguri Forest | 31 | Mal | | 28 | 26°43'24.26"N 88°46'20.70"E | | Lataguri Flyover | Lataguri Revenue Area | 81 | Mal | | 29 | 26°44'13.33"N 88°45'39.94"E | | Neora River Rail Bridge | Purba Kantadighi Kumarpara | 82 | Mal | | 30 | 26˚44'23.72" N 88˚45'29.91" E | | Neora River | Purba Kantadighi Kumarpara | 80 | Mal | | 31 | 26°46'18.46"N 88°45'19.58"E | | Chhaoaphali | Chhaoaphali | 30 | Mal | | 32 | 26˚47'32.04" N 88˚45'16.83" E | | Nich Chalsa | Chhaoaphali | 30 | Mal | | 33 | 26°47'57.19"N 88°46'10.88"E | | Baradighi T.G | Baradighi TG | 23 | Matalli | | 34 | 26˚49'00.00" N 88˚47'46.98" E | | Batabari Pharm More | Purba Batabari | 26 | Matalli | | 35 | 26°48'56.60"N 88°48'13.71"E | | PMGSY 1 | Purba Batabari | 26 | Matalli | | 36 | 26°48'59.22"N 88°48'17.37" E | | PMGSY 2 | Purba Batabari | 26 | Matalli | | 37 | 26°49'3.43"N 88°48'16.45"E | | PMGSY 3 | Purba Batabari | 26 | Matalli | | 38 | 26°49'3.56"N 88°48'20.40"E | | PMGSY 4 | Purba Batabari | 26 | Matalli | | 39 | 26°50'9.19"N 88°48'49.29"E | | Zilla Parishad Road | Uttar Dhupjhora | 27 | Matalli | | 40 | 26˚51'18.79"N 88˚49'12.79" E | | Indong F.V Road | Mangalbari | 17 | Matalli | | 41 | 26°52'48.66"N 88°49'33.84"E | | New Khunia F.V | Chalsa Mahabari | 16 | Matalli | | 42 | 26˚53'05.51" N 88˚49'28.73" E | | Railline Crossing Point | Chalsa Mahabari | 16 | Matalli | | 43 | 26°53'9.35"N 88°48'39.39"E | | Kilcott Road | Kilkott TG | 15 | Matalli | | 44 | | 26°53'4.29"N 88°48'40.08"E | Bagher Tari Busti | Chalsa Mahabari | 16 | Matalli | | 45 | 26°53'11.50"N 88°48'40.48"E | | Padri Kuthi Busty | Kilkott TG | 15 | Matalli | | 46 | 26°53'21.24"N 88°48'39.61"E | | Kilcott T.G I | Kilkott TG | 15 | Matalli | | 47 | 26°54'25.39"N 88°48'40.54"E | | Kilcott T.G II | Kilkott TG | 15 | Matalli | | 48 | 26°55'59.96"N 88°48'42.37"E | | Matelli | Matialli Hat | 12 | Matalli | | 49 | 26°57'47.11"N 88°50'46.46"E | Matelli T.G Moortee Division Top Line | Matialli T.G | 10 | Matalli | |---|---|---|---|---|---| | 50 | 26°58'43.21"N 88°50'9.73"E | Yongtong T.G | Yongtong T.G | 9 | Gorubathan | | 51 | 26°59'39.62"N 88°50'45.46" E | Kumai Khasmahal | Kumai Khasmahal | 36 | Gorubathan | Annexure- V 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 Act. 8. Any other matter of importance. and Published by the Controller of Publications, Delhi-110054. GORAKHA NATH YADAVA Date: 2024.12.05 16:36:14 +05'30'

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