FINAL NOTIFICATION OF ESZ AROUND KARIMPUZHA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY KERALA

REGD. No. D. L.-33004/99 The Gazette of India CG-DL-E-10092026-276103 EXTRAORDINARY PART II—Section 3—Sub-section (ii) PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY No. 4680] NEW DELHI, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2026/BHADRA 11, 1948 MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE NOTIFICATION New Delhi, the 2nd September, 2026 S.O. 4867(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 vide number S.O. 4442(E), dated the 29th September, 2025, 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 29th September, 2025; AND WHEREAS, no objections and suggestions were received from persons and stakeholders in response to the aforesaid draft notification by the Central Government; WHEREAS, the Karimpuzha Wildlife Sanctuary is located between the geographical limits of N 11°23′15″to 11°12'43" latitudes and E 76°22'37'' to 76°33'2'" longitudes and falls in the Nilambur Taluk of Malappuram Revenue District in Kerala. The extent of the Sanctuary is 227.97 square kilometers consisting of parts of New Amarambalam reserved forest (211.09 square kilometers excluding the teak plantations and tribal hamlets) and the Vadakkekkota Malavaram vested forest (with an extent of 16.88 square kilometers). The Sanctuary was notified as per G.O (P) No.9/2019/F&WLD dated the 17th August, 2019 and published as S.R.O. no. 973/2019 in the Kerala Gazette No. 3078, Volume VIII, dated the 12th December, 2019; AND WHEREAS, Karimpuzha Wildlife Sanctuary lies on the western slopes of the Nilgiris, where the foothills are buffered by extensive stretches of secondary moist deciduous forests supporting the evergreen forests above. These forest areas form an important part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, recognized under United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization's Man and Biosphere Programme. The sanctuary holds ecological significance due to its unique geographic and biogeographic antiquity and evolutionary history; AND WHEREAS the forests harbour diverse floristic and faunal components of Western Ghats in general and the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve in particular Karimpuzha Wildlife Sanctuary shares boundaries with Mukurthi National Park of Tamil Nadu in eastern side and Silent Valley National Park, Kerala on southern side. Hence, it acts as a continuous protected area network, ensuring free movement of wildlife, improving the connectivity and enhances the gene pool of various species. The terrain ranges from lowland regions to high-altitude grasslands and supports six distinct forest types, which are rarely found together elsewhere in Kerala. These include Southern tropical moist deciduous forests, West coast tropical semi-evergreen forests, West coast tropical evergreen forests, Southern subtropical broad-leaved hill forests, Southern montane wet temperate forests, and Southern montane wet temperate grasslands. The Sanctuary is blessed with a lot of micro watersheds that drain to large network of rivers and streams which in turn drains out to Chaliyar River, one of the major river basins in Kerala. Many small rivers and rivulets drain into this macro watershed of Karimpuzha that forms the lifeline of the inhabitants of Malappuram and Kozhikkode Districts in Kerala; AND WHEREAS, the forest areas of Karimpuzha Wildlife Sanctuary form part of the Nilambur Elephant Reserve, one of four such reserves is notified in Kerala and Together with the adjoining Anaikkatti areas, Nilambur Elephant Reserve supports a viable elephant population. Karimpuzha Wildlife Sanctuary hosts more than 26 species of mammals, 100 species of birds, 33 species of reptiles, and 43 species of fishes. Among invertebrates, more than 700 insect species are reported. Endemic fauna includes two species of mammals, 8 species of birds, and 20 species of fish. A total of 305 tree species, belonging to 212 genera and 73 families, have been recorded. Out of the 133 butterfly species found here, 28 are of high conservation value as they are either endemic or protected. The Karimpuzha River and its tributaries sustain a healthy population of the endangered Malabar Mahseer (Tor malabaricus). Other notable species sighted include the Slender Loris, Nilgiri Tahr, Tiger, Lion-tailed Macaque and Bison; AND WHEREAS, the Karimpuzha Wildlife Sanctuary supports a good number of faunal species like Panthera pardus, Manis crassicaudata, Cuon alpinus, Bufo parietalis, Bufo melanostictus, Ramanella montana, Ghatixalus variabilis, Rhacophorus malabaricus, Phalacrocorax niger, Ardeola grayii, Milvus migrans, Pteropus giganteus, Macaca silenus, Macaca radiata, Melursus ursinis, Felis bengalensis, Elephas maximus, Sus scrofa, Bos gaurus, Hystrix indica etc.; AND WHEREAS, Karimpuzha Wildlife Sanctuary is home to many threatened, endangered, and endemic species, though knowledge about them remains limited. The sanctuary holds significant potential for future research focused on their conservation. It is necessary to conserve and protect the area, the extent and boundaries of Karimpuzha 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) read with sub- rule (3) of rule 5 of the Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986, the Central Government hereby notifies an Eco- Sensitive Zone around the boundary of Karimpuzha Wildlife Sanctuary of Kerala (herein after referred to as the Eco- Sensitive Zone) details of which are as under, namely: - 1. Extent and boundaries of the Eco-Sensitive Zone.- (1) The Eco-Sensitive Zone varies from zero to 3.40 kilometer, encompassing an area of 44.24 square kilometers around the Sanctuary which includes forest areas of Karulai Forest Range, Kalikavu Forest Range in Nilambur South Forest Division and Vazhikkadavu Forest Range in Nilambur North Forest Division. These forest areas are managed by various working plans and various acts like Kerala Forest Act, 1961, Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 (Act No.). The extent of Eco- Sensitive Zone in different directions is given below: - +-------------+--------------------------------------------------------------+ | Direction | Extent in Kilometer | +=============+==============================================================+ | North | 0 to 1 kilometer | | | (boundary of Mukkurthy National Park) | +-------------+--------------------------------------------------------------+ | North-East | 0 kilometer | | | (boundary of Mukkurthy National Park) | +-------------+--------------------------------------------------------------+ | East | 0 kilometer | | | (boundary of Mukkurthy National Park) | +-------------+--------------------------------------------------------------+ | South-East | 0 kilometer | | | (boundary of Mukkurthy National Park and buffer zone of | | | Silent valley National Park) | +-------------+--------------------------------------------------------------+ | South | 0 kilometer | | | (boundary of buffer zone of Silent valley National Park) | +-------------+--------------------------------------------------------------+ | South-West | 0.6 to 1 kilometer | | | (habitations and boundary of buffer zone of Silent valley | | | National Park) | +-------------+--------------------------------------------------------------+ | West | 1 to 3.20 kilometer | +-------------+--------------------------------------------------------------+ | North-West | 2 to 1.20 kilometer | +-------------+--------------------------------------------------------------+ Justification for 0-kilometer extent of Eco-Sensitive Zone in different directions of the protected area: The Eco-Sensitive Zone is zero in some directions due to its adjacency with other protected areas such as Mukurthi National Park in Tamil Nadu, Silent Valley National Park in Kerala, and the interstate boundary with Tamil Nadu. (2) The boundary description of the Eco-Sensitive Zone is appended as Annexure- I. (3) The Maps of the Karimpuzha Wildlife Sanctuary and its Eco-sensitive Zone is appended as Annexure- II A, II B and II С. (4) The geo-coordinates of the prominent locations of Karimpuzha Wildlife Sanctuary and its Eco-Sensitive Zone mentioned at Table A and B is appended as Annexure-III. (5) The list of four villages falling in Eco-Sensitive Zone is appended as 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 two years from the date of publication of this notification in the Official Gazette, in consultation with local people and in conformity to the provisions of this notification. (2) The Zonal Master Plan for the Eco-Sensitive Zone shall be prepared by the State Government in accordance with the provisions of this notification and 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; (ii) Forest and Wildlife; (iii) Local Self Government Department; (iv) Agriculture; (v) Revenue; (vi) Urban Development; (vii) Tourism; (viii) Rural Development; (ix) Irrigation and Flood Control; (x) Municipality; (xi) Panchayati Raj; (xii) Public Works Department; (xiii) 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 it's like places, 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 ensure and promote eco-friendly development for security of local community's livelihood. (8) The Zonal Master Plan shall be co-terminus with the Regional Development Plan. (9) The Zonal Master Plan so approved shall be the reference document for the Monitoring Committee for carrying out its functions of monitoring in accordance with the provisions of this notification. (10) Until the preparation of the Zonal Master Plan for the Eco-Sensitive Zone, all new construction and other developmental activities shall be referred to the Monitoring Committee. 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 major commercial or major residential complex or industrial activities. Provided that the conversion of agricultural and other lands, for the purpose other than that specified at part (a), 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 Central or State Government as applicable and vide provisions of this Notification, to meet 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; iv. cottage industries including village industries; convenience stores and local amenities supporting eco-tourism including home stay; and v. promoted activities and given under 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 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 the Monitoring Committee, once in each case and the correction of the 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. i. Efforts shall be made to reforest the unused or unproductive agricultural areas with afforestation and habitat restoration activities. (2) Natural water bodies.- The catchment areas of all natural springs shall be identified and plans for their conservation and rejuvenation shall be incorporated in the Zonal Master Plan and the guidelines shall be drawn up by the State Government in such a manner as to prohibit development activities at or near these areas which are detrimental to such areas. (3) Tourism or eco-tourism.- (a) All new eco-tourism activities or expansion of existing tourism activities within the Eco-Sensitive Zone shall be as per the Tourism Master Plan for the Eco-Sensitive Zone; (b) the Tourism Master Plan shall be prepared by the Department of Tourism in consultation with the Departments of Environment and Forests of the State Government; (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. 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; ii. until the Zonal Master Plan is prepared and 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. (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 complied in accordance with the provisions of the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000 and as amended from time to time. (7) Air pollution.- Prevention and control of air pollution in the Eco-Sensitive Zone shall be complied in accordance with the provisions of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 (14 of 1981) and as amended from time to time. (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 as amended from time to time. (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 and as amended from time to time. The inorganic material may be disposed in an environmental acceptable manner at site identified outside the Eco-Sensitive Zone. b. Safe and Environmentally Sound Management (ESM) of Solid wastes in conformity with the existing rules and regulations using identified technologies may be allowed within 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 and as amended from time to time. b) Safe and Environmentally Sound Management (ESM) of bio-medical wastes in conformity with the existing rules and regulations using identified technologies may be allowed within 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 and as amended from time to time. (12) Construction and demolition waste management.- The Construction and Demolition Waste Management in the Eco-Sensitive Zone shall be carried out as per the provisions of the Construction and Demolition Waste Management Rules, 2016 and as amended from time to time. (13) Electronic waste. The E-Waste Management in the Eco-Sensitive Zone shall be carried out as per the provisions of the E-Waste Management Rules, 2016 published by the Government of India in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change 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 the rules and regulations made thereunder. (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 such as Liquefied Petroleum Gas, Compressed Natural Gas, etc. (16) Industrial units.- a) no new polluting industries shall be allowed to be set up within the Eco-Sensitive Zone on or after the publication of this notification in the Official Gazette, b) only non-polluting industries shall be allowed within the Eco-Sensitive Zone as per classification of industries in the guidelines issued by the Central Pollution Control Board in February 2016, 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 the Eco-Sensitive Zone.- All activities in the Eco sensitive Zone shall be governed by the provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and the rules made there under and other notifications, laws and acts of the Government of India pertaining to environment, forests and wildlife, in the erstwhile Ministry of Environment and Forest, vide Notification number 1533(E), dated the 14th September, 2006 and laws for the time being in force in the manner and as amended from time to time specified in the table below, namely:- TABLE A. Prohibited Activities 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The Gazette of India CG-DL-E-10092026-276103 EXTRAORDINARY PART II—Section 3—Sub-section (ii) PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY No. 4680] NEW DELHI, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2026/BHADRA 11, 1948 MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE NOTIFICATION New Delhi, the 2nd September, 2026 S.O. 4867(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 vide number S.O. 4442(E), dated the 29th September, 2025, 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 29th September, 2025; AND WHEREAS, no objections and suggestions were received from persons and stakeholders in response to the aforesaid draft notification by the Central Government; WHEREAS, the Karimpuzha Wildlife Sanctuary is located between the geographical limits of N 11°23′15″to 11°12'43" latitudes and E 76°22'37'' to 76°33'2'" longitudes and falls in the Nilambur Taluk of Malappuram Revenue District in Kerala. The extent of the Sanctuary is 227.97 square kilometers consisting of parts of New Amarambalam reserved forest (211.09 square kilometers excluding the teak plantations and tribal hamlets) and the Vadakkekkota Malavaram vested forest (with an extent of 16.88 square kilometers). The Sanctuary was notified as per G.O (P) No.9/2019/F&WLD dated the 17th August, 2019 and published as S.R.O. no. 973/2019 in the Kerala Gazette No. 3078, Volume VIII, dated the 12th December, 2019; AND WHEREAS, Karimpuzha Wildlife Sanctuary lies on the western slopes of the Nilgiris, where the foothills are buffered by extensive stretches of secondary moist deciduous forests supporting the evergreen forests above. These forest areas form an important part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, recognized under United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization's Man and Biosphere Programme. The sanctuary holds ecological significance due to its unique geographic and biogeographic antiquity and evolutionary history; AND WHEREAS the forests harbour diverse floristic and faunal components of Western Ghats in general and the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve in particular Karimpuzha Wildlife Sanctuary shares boundaries with Mukurthi National Park of Tamil Nadu in eastern side and Silent Valley National Park, Kerala on southern side. Hence, it acts as a continuous protected area network, ensuring free movement of wildlife, improving the connectivity and enhances the gene pool of various species. The terrain ranges from lowland regions to high-altitude grasslands and supports six distinct forest types, which are rarely found together elsewhere in Kerala. These include Southern tropical moist deciduous forests, West coast tropical semi-evergreen forests, West coast tropical evergreen forests, Southern subtropical broad-leaved hill forests, Southern montane wet temperate forests, and Southern montane wet temperate grasslands. The Sanctuary is blessed with a lot of micro watersheds that drain to large network of rivers and streams which in turn drains out to Chaliyar River, one of the major river basins in Kerala. Many small rivers and rivulets drain into this macro watershed of Karimpuzha that forms the lifeline of the inhabitants of Malappuram and Kozhikkode Districts in Kerala; AND WHEREAS, the forest areas of Karimpuzha Wildlife Sanctuary form part of the Nilambur Elephant Reserve, one of four such reserves is notified in Kerala and Together with the adjoining Anaikkatti areas, Nilambur Elephant Reserve supports a viable elephant population. Karimpuzha Wildlife Sanctuary hosts more than 26 species of mammals, 100 species of birds, 33 species of reptiles, and 43 species of fishes. Among invertebrates, more than 700 insect species are reported. Endemic fauna includes two species of mammals, 8 species of birds, and 20 species of fish. A total of 305 tree species, belonging to 212 genera and 73 families, have been recorded. Out of the 133 butterfly species found here, 28 are of high conservation value as they are either endemic or protected. The Karimpuzha River and its tributaries sustain a healthy population of the endangered Malabar Mahseer (Tor malabaricus). Other notable species sighted include the Slender Loris, Nilgiri Tahr, Tiger, Lion-tailed Macaque and Bison; AND WHEREAS, the Karimpuzha Wildlife Sanctuary supports a good number of faunal species like Panthera pardus, Manis crassicaudata, Cuon alpinus, Bufo parietalis, Bufo melanostictus, Ramanella montana, Ghatixalus variabilis, Rhacophorus malabaricus, Phalacrocorax niger, Ardeola grayii, Milvus migrans, Pteropus giganteus, Macaca silenus, Macaca radiata, Melursus ursinis, Felis bengalensis, Elephas maximus, Sus scrofa, Bos gaurus, Hystrix indica etc.; AND WHEREAS, Karimpuzha Wildlife Sanctuary is home to many threatened, endangered, and endemic species, though knowledge about them remains limited. The sanctuary holds significant potential for future research focused on their conservation. It is necessary to conserve and protect the area, the extent and boundaries of Karimpuzha 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) read with sub- rule (3) of rule 5 of the Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986, the Central Government hereby notifies an Eco- Sensitive Zone around the boundary of Karimpuzha Wildlife Sanctuary of Kerala (herein after referred to as the Eco- Sensitive Zone) details of which are as under, namely: - 1. Extent and boundaries of the Eco-Sensitive Zone.- (1) The Eco-Sensitive Zone varies from zero to 3.40 kilometer, encompassing an area of 44.24 square kilometers around the Sanctuary which includes forest areas of Karulai Forest Range, Kalikavu Forest Range in Nilambur South Forest Division and Vazhikkadavu Forest Range in Nilambur North Forest Division. These forest areas are managed by various working plans and various acts like Kerala Forest Act, 1961, Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 (Act No.). The extent of Eco- Sensitive Zone in different directions is given below: - +-------------+--------------------------------------------------------------+ | Direction | Extent in Kilometer | +=============+==============================================================+ | North | 0 to 1 kilometer | | | (boundary of Mukkurthy National Park) | +-------------+--------------------------------------------------------------+ | North-East | 0 kilometer | | | (boundary of Mukkurthy National Park) | +-------------+--------------------------------------------------------------+ | East | 0 kilometer | | | (boundary of Mukkurthy National Park) | +-------------+--------------------------------------------------------------+ | South-East | 0 kilometer | | | (boundary of Mukkurthy National Park and buffer zone of | | | Silent valley National Park) | +-------------+--------------------------------------------------------------+ | South | 0 kilometer | | | (boundary of buffer zone of Silent valley National Park) | +-------------+--------------------------------------------------------------+ | South-West | 0.6 to 1 kilometer | | | (habitations and boundary of buffer zone of Silent valley | | | National Park) | +-------------+--------------------------------------------------------------+ | West | 1 to 3.20 kilometer | +-------------+--------------------------------------------------------------+ | North-West | 2 to 1.20 kilometer | +-------------+--------------------------------------------------------------+ Justification for 0-kilometer extent of Eco-Sensitive Zone in different directions of the protected area: The Eco-Sensitive Zone is zero in some directions due to its adjacency with other protected areas such as Mukurthi National Park in Tamil Nadu, Silent Valley National Park in Kerala, and the interstate boundary with Tamil Nadu. (2) The boundary description of the Eco-Sensitive Zone is appended as Annexure- I. (3) The Maps of the Karimpuzha Wildlife Sanctuary and its Eco-sensitive Zone is appended as Annexure- II A, II B and II С. (4) The geo-coordinates of the prominent locations of Karimpuzha Wildlife Sanctuary and its Eco-Sensitive Zone mentioned at Table A and B is appended as Annexure-III. (5) The list of four villages falling in Eco-Sensitive Zone is appended as 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 two years from the date of publication of this notification in the Official Gazette, in consultation with local people and in conformity to the provisions of this notification. (2) The Zonal Master Plan for the Eco-Sensitive Zone shall be prepared by the State Government in accordance with the provisions of this notification and 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; (ii) Forest and Wildlife; (iii) Local Self Government Department; (iv) Agriculture; (v) Revenue; (vi) Urban Development; (vii) Tourism; (viii) Rural Development; (ix) Irrigation and Flood Control; (x) Municipality; (xi) Panchayati Raj; (xii) Public Works Department; (xiii) 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 it's like places, 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 ensure and promote eco-friendly development for security of local community's livelihood. (8) The Zonal Master Plan shall be co-terminus with the Regional Development Plan. (9) The Zonal Master Plan so approved shall be the reference document for the Monitoring Committee for carrying out its functions of monitoring in accordance with the provisions of this notification. (10) Until the preparation of the Zonal Master Plan for the Eco-Sensitive Zone, all new construction and other developmental activities shall be referred to the Monitoring Committee. 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 major commercial or major residential complex or industrial activities. Provided that the conversion of agricultural and other lands, for the purpose other than that specified at part (a), 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 Central or State Government as applicable and vide provisions of this Notification, to meet 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; iv. cottage industries including village industries; convenience stores and local amenities supporting eco-tourism including home stay; and v. promoted activities and given under 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 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 the Monitoring Committee, once in each case and the correction of the 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. i. Efforts shall be made to reforest the unused or unproductive agricultural areas with afforestation and habitat restoration activities. (2) Natural water bodies.- The catchment areas of all natural springs shall be identified and plans for their conservation and rejuvenation shall be incorporated in the Zonal Master Plan and the guidelines shall be drawn up by the State Government in such a manner as to prohibit development activities at or near these areas which are detrimental to such areas. (3) Tourism or eco-tourism.- (a) All new eco-tourism activities or expansion of existing tourism activities within the Eco-Sensitive Zone shall be as per the Tourism Master Plan for the Eco-Sensitive Zone; (b) the Tourism Master Plan shall be prepared by the Department of Tourism in consultation with the Departments of Environment and Forests of the State Government; (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. 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; ii. until the Zonal Master Plan is prepared and 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. (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 complied in accordance with the provisions of the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000 and as amended from time to time. (7) Air pollution.- Prevention and control of air pollution in the Eco-Sensitive Zone shall be complied in accordance with the provisions of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 (14 of 1981) and as amended from time to time. (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 as amended from time to time. (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 and as amended from time to time. The inorganic material may be disposed in an environmental acceptable manner at site identified outside the Eco-Sensitive Zone. b. Safe and Environmentally Sound Management (ESM) of Solid wastes in conformity with the existing rules and regulations using identified technologies may be allowed within 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 and as amended from time to time. b) Safe and Environmentally Sound Management (ESM) of bio-medical wastes in conformity with the existing rules and regulations using identified technologies may be allowed within 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 and as amended from time to time. (12) Construction and demolition waste management.- The Construction and Demolition Waste Management in the Eco-Sensitive Zone shall be carried out as per the provisions of the Construction and Demolition Waste Management Rules, 2016 and as amended from time to time. (13) Electronic waste. The E-Waste Management in the Eco-Sensitive Zone shall be carried out as per the provisions of the E-Waste Management Rules, 2016 published by the Government of India in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change 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 the rules and regulations made thereunder. (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 such as Liquefied Petroleum Gas, Compressed Natural Gas, etc. (16) Industrial units.- a) no new polluting industries shall be allowed to be set up within the Eco-Sensitive Zone on or after the publication of this notification in the Official Gazette, b) only non-polluting industries shall be allowed within the Eco-Sensitive Zone as per classification of industries in the guidelines issued by the Central Pollution Control Board in February 2016, 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 the Eco-Sensitive Zone.- All activities in the Eco sensitive Zone shall be governed by the provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and the rules made there under and other notifications, laws and acts of the Government of India pertaining to environment, forests and wildlife, in the erstwhile Ministry of Environment and Forest, vide Notification number 1533(E), dated the 14th September, 2006 and laws for the time being in force in the manner and as amended from time to time specified in the table below, namely:- TABLE A. Prohibited Activities 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---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------THE GAZETIE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY PART II Section 3 Sub-section (ii) PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY No. 4680] NEW DELHI, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2026/BHADRA 11, 1948 MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE NOTIFICATION New Delhi, the 2nd September, 2026 S.O. 4867(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 vide number S.O. 4442(E), dated the 29th September, 2025, 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 29th September, 2025; AND WHEREAS, no objections and suggestions were received from persons and stakeholders in response to the aforesaid draft notification by the Central Government; WHEREAS, the Karimpuzha Wildlife Sanctuary is located between the geographical limits of N 11°23′15″to 11°12'43" latitudes and E 76°22'37'' to 76°33'2'" longitudes and falls in the Nilambur Taluk of Malappuram Revenue District in Kerala. The extent of the Sanctuary is 227.97 square kilometers consisting of parts of New Amarambalam reserved forest (211.09 square kilometers excluding the teak plantations and tribal hamlets) and the Vadakkekkota Malavaram vested forest (with an extent of 16.88 square kilometers). The Sanctuary was notified as per G.O (P) No.9/2019/F&WLD dated the 17th August, 2019 and published as S.R.O. no. 973/2019 in the Kerala Gazette No. 3078, Volume VIII, dated the 12th December, 2019; AND WHEREAS, Karimpuzha Wildlife Sanctuary lies on the western slopes of the Nilgiris, where the foothills are buffered by extensive stretches of secondary moist deciduous forests supporting the evergreen forests above. These forest areas form an important part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, recognized under United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization's Man and Biosphere Programme. The sanctuary holds ecological significance due to its unique geographic and biogeographic antiquity and evolutionary history; AND WHEREAS the forests harbour diverse floristic and faunal components of Western Ghats in general and the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve in particular Karimpuzha Wildlife Sanctuary shares boundaries with Mukurthi National Park of Tamil Nadu in eastern side and Silent Valley National Park, Kerala on southern side. Hence, it acts as a continuous protected area network, ensuring free movement of wildlife, improving the connectivity and enhances the gene pool of various species. The terrain ranges from lowland regions to high-altitude grasslands and supports six distinct forest types, which are rarely found together elsewhere in Kerala. These include Southern tropical moist deciduous forests, West coast tropical semi-evergreen forests, West coast tropical evergreen forests, Southern subtropical broad-leaved hill forests, Southern montane wet temperate forests, and Southern montane wet temperate grasslands. The Sanctuary is blessed with a lot of micro watersheds that drain to large network of rivers and streams which in turn drains out to Chaliyar River, one of the major river basins in Kerala. Many small rivers and rivulets drain into this macro watershed of Karimpuzha that forms the lifeline of the inhabitants of Malappuram and Kozhikkode Districts in Kerala; AND WHEREAS, the forest areas of Karimpuzha Wildlife Sanctuary form part of the Nilambur Elephant Reserve, one of four such reserves is notified in Kerala and Together with the adjoining Anaikkatti areas, Nilambur Elephant Reserve supports a viable elephant population. Karimpuzha Wildlife Sanctuary hosts more than 26 species of mammals, 100 species of birds, 33 species of reptiles, and 43 species of fishes. Among invertebrates, more than 700 insect species are reported. Endemic fauna includes two species of mammals, 8 species of birds, and 20 species of fish. A total of 305 tree species, belonging to 212 genera and 73 families, have been recorded. Out of the 133 butterfly species found here, 28 are of high conservation value as they are either endemic or protected. The Karimpuzha River and its tributaries sustain a healthy population of the endangered Malabar Mahseer (Tor malabaricus). Other notable species sighted include the Slender Loris, Nilgiri Tahr, Tiger, Lion-tailed Macaque and Bison; AND WHEREAS, the Karimpuzha Wildlife Sanctuary supports a good number of faunal species like Panthera pardus, Manis crassicaudata, Cuon alpinus, Bufo parietalis, Bufo melanostictus, Ramanella montana, Ghatixalus variabilis, Rhacophorus malabaricus, Phalacrocorax niger, Ardeola grayii, Milvus migrans, Pteropus giganteus, Macaca silenus, Macaca radiata, Melursus ursinis, Felis bengalensis, Elephas maximus, Sus scrofa, Bos gaurus, Hystrix indica etc.; AND WHEREAS, Karimpuzha Wildlife Sanctuary is home to many threatened, endangered, and endemic species, though knowledge about them remains limited. The sanctuary holds significant potential for future research focused on their conservation. It is necessary to conserve and protect the area, the extent and boundaries of Karimpuzha 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) read with sub- rule (3) of rule 5 of the Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986, the Central Government hereby notifies an Eco- Sensitive Zone around the boundary of Karimpuzha Wildlife Sanctuary of Kerala (herein after referred to as the Eco- Sensitive Zone) details of which are as under, namely: - 1. Extent and boundaries of the Eco-Sensitive Zone.- (1) The Eco-Sensitive Zone varies from zero to 3.40 kilometer, encompassing an area of 44.24 square kilometers around the Sanctuary which includes forest areas of Karulai Forest Range, Kalikavu Forest Range in Nilambur South Forest Division and Vazhikkadavu Forest Range in Nilambur North Forest Division. These forest areas are managed by various working plans and various acts like Kerala Forest Act, 1961, Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 (Act No.). The extent of Eco- Sensitive Zone in different directions is given below: - +-------------+--------------------------------------------------------------+ | Direction | Extent in Kilometer | +=============+==============================================================+ | North | 0 to 1 kilometer | | | (boundary of Mukkurthy National Park) | +-------------+--------------------------------------------------------------+ | North-East | 0 kilometer | | | (boundary of Mukkurthy National Park) | +-------------+--------------------------------------------------------------+ | East | 0 kilometer | | | (boundary of Mukkurthy National Park) | +-------------+--------------------------------------------------------------+ | South-East | 0 kilometer | | | (boundary of Mukkurthy National Park and buffer zone of | | | Silent valley National Park) | +-------------+--------------------------------------------------------------+ | South | 0 kilometer | | | (boundary of buffer zone of Silent valley National Park) | +-------------+--------------------------------------------------------------+ | South-West | 0.6 to 1 kilometer | | | (habitations and boundary of buffer zone of Silent valley | | | National Park) | +-------------+--------------------------------------------------------------+ | West | 1 to 3.20 kilometer | +-------------+--------------------------------------------------------------+ | North-West | 2 to 1.20 kilometer | +-------------+--------------------------------------------------------------+ Justification for 0-kilometer extent of Eco-Sensitive Zone in different directions of the protected area: The Eco-Sensitive Zone is zero in some directions due to its adjacency with other protected areas such as Mukurthi National Park in Tamil Nadu, Silent Valley National Park in Kerala, and the interstate boundary with Tamil Nadu. (2) The boundary description of the Eco-Sensitive Zone is appended as Annexure- I. (3) The Maps of the Karimpuzha Wildlife Sanctuary and its Eco-sensitive Zone is appended as Annexure- II A, II B and II С. (4) The geo-coordinates of the prominent locations of Karimpuzha Wildlife Sanctuary and its Eco-Sensitive Zone mentioned at Table A and B is appended as Annexure-III. (5) The list of four villages falling in Eco-Sensitive Zone is appended as 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 two years from the date of publication of this notification in the Official Gazette, in consultation with local people and in conformity to the provisions of this notification. (2) The Zonal Master Plan for the Eco-Sensitive Zone shall be prepared by the State Government in accordance with the provisions of this notification and 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; (ii) Forest and Wildlife; (iii) Local Self Government Department; (iv) Agriculture; (v) Revenue; (vi) Urban Development; (vii) Tourism; (viii) Rural Development; (ix) Irrigation and Flood Control; (x) Municipality; (xi) Panchayati Raj; (xii) Public Works Department; (xiii) 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 it's like places, 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 ensure and promote eco-friendly development for security of local community's livelihood. (8) The Zonal Master Plan shall be co-terminus with the Regional Development Plan. (9) The Zonal Master Plan so approved shall be the reference document for the Monitoring Committee for carrying out its functions of monitoring in accordance with the provisions of this notification. (10) Until the preparation of the Zonal Master Plan for the Eco-Sensitive Zone, all new construction and other developmental activities shall be referred to the Monitoring Committee. 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 major commercial or major residential complex or industrial activities. Provided that the conversion of agricultural and other lands, for the purpose other than that specified at part (a), 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 Central or State Government as applicable and vide provisions of this Notification, to meet 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; iv. cottage industries including village industries; convenience stores and local amenities supporting eco-tourism including home stay; and v. promoted activities and given under 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 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 the Monitoring Committee, once in each case and the correction of the 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. i. Efforts shall be made to reforest the unused or unproductive agricultural areas with afforestation and habitat restoration activities. (2) Natural water bodies.- The catchment areas of all natural springs shall be identified and plans for their conservation and rejuvenation shall be incorporated in the Zonal Master Plan and the guidelines shall be drawn up by the State Government in such a manner as to prohibit development activities at or near these areas which are detrimental to such areas. (3) Tourism or eco-tourism.- (a) All new eco-tourism activities or expansion of existing tourism activities within the Eco-Sensitive Zone shall be as per the Tourism Master Plan for the Eco-Sensitive Zone; (b) the Tourism Master Plan shall be prepared by the Department of Tourism in consultation with the Departments of Environment and Forests of the State Government; (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. 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; ii. until the Zonal Master Plan is prepared and 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. (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 complied in accordance with the provisions of the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000 and as amended from time to time. (7) Air pollution.- Prevention and control of air pollution in the Eco-Sensitive Zone shall be complied in accordance with the provisions of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 (14 of 1981) and as amended from time to time. (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 as amended from time to time. (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 and as amended from time to time. The inorganic material may be disposed in an environmental acceptable manner at site identified outside the Eco-Sensitive Zone. b. Safe and Environmentally Sound Management (ESM) of Solid wastes in conformity with the existing rules and regulations using identified technologies may be allowed within 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 and as amended from time to time. b) Safe and Environmentally Sound Management (ESM) of bio-medical wastes in conformity with the existing rules and regulations using identified technologies may be allowed within 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 and as amended from time to time. (12) Construction and demolition waste management.- The Construction and Demolition Waste Management in the Eco-Sensitive Zone shall be carried out as per the provisions of the Construction and Demolition Waste Management Rules, 2016 and as amended from time to time. (13) Electronic waste. The E-Waste Management in the Eco-Sensitive Zone shall be carried out as per the provisions of the E-Waste Management Rules, 2016 published by the Government of India in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change 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 the rules and regulations made thereunder. (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 such as Liquefied Petroleum Gas, Compressed Natural Gas, etc. (16) Industrial units.- a) no new polluting industries shall be allowed to be set up within the Eco-Sensitive Zone on or after the publication of this notification in the Official Gazette, b) only non-polluting industries shall be allowed within the Eco-Sensitive Zone as per classification of industries in the guidelines issued by the Central Pollution Control Board in February 2016, 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 the Eco-Sensitive Zone.- All activities in the Eco sensitive Zone shall be governed by the provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and the rules made there under and other notifications, laws and acts of the Government of India pertaining to environment, forests and wildlife, in the erstwhile Ministry of Environment and Forest, vide Notification number 1533(E), dated the 14th September, 2006 and laws for the time being in force in the manner and as amended from time to time specified in the table below, namely:- TABLE A. Prohibited Activities 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