The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change on August 6th 2024 announced an important update regarding the Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) around Rajgir Wildlife Sanctuary in Bihar. This change, introduces new measures for monitoring and regulating activities within the zone.
Background
The Eco-Sensitive Zone around Rajgir Wildlife Sanctuary was originally declared through a notification issued on January 10, 2017. The recent amendment aims to refine and enhance the regulatory framework to better protect the sanctuary’s environment.
Key Changes and New Provisions
1.Formation of a New Monitoring Committee
A new committee has been established to oversee and ensure compliance with the updated regulations within the ESZ. The committee includes:
Chairman: Commissioner of Patna, Revenue Division
Members: Representatives from the Departments of Mines and Geology, Tourism, and the State Pollution Control Board
A representative from an NGO focused on environment and heritage conservation
An expert in ecology and environment
A representative from the Archaeological Survey of India, Patna Circle
A member from the State Biodiversity Board
Member-Secretary: Divisional Forest Officer, District Nalanda Forest Division
2. Committee Responsibilities
The Monitoring Committee will:
Review Activities: Examine activities within the ESZ based on site-specific conditions. Activities listed in the previous notification’s Schedule will be referred for environmental clearances.
Regulate New Activities: Evaluate new activities not covered by the previous Schedule and refer them to relevant authorities if necessary.
File Complaints: The Member-Secretary or designated officials can file complaints against any violations of the notification’s provisions.
3. Reporting Requirements
The Monitoring Committee is required to submit an annual action report by June 30th each year, detailing activities up to March 31st of that year. This report will be submitted to the Chief Wildlife Warden in a specified format.
4. Authority of the Central Government
The Central Government retains the authority to issue written directions to the Monitoring Committee, ensuring that the regulatory framework remains effective and responsive to emerging needs.
5.Implications for the Rajgir Wildlife Sanctuary
The revised notification underscores the commitment to enhancing environmental protection around Rajgir Wildlife Sanctuary. By establishing a comprehensive monitoring system and streamlining the process for evaluating activities, the Ministry aims to safeguard the sanctuary’s ecological balance and cultural heritage.
Local stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and the public, will need to stay informed about these changes to ensure compliance and support the conservation efforts.
This updated notification represents a significant step forward in the protection of Rajgir Wildlife Sanctuary’s Eco-Sensitive Zone. With the new Monitoring Committee in place and clear guidelines for activity regulation, the goal is to ensure that the sanctuary remains a thriving and protected environment for years to come.
