Amendment in Zonal Master Plan of Mount Abu Rajasthan

## Policy Analysis Report: Amendment to Ecosensitive Zone Notification for Mount Abu **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes an amendment to the Government of India's notification S.O. 1545(E), dated June 25, 2009, concerning the declaration of Mount Abu and its surrounding region in Rajasthan as an Ecosensitive Zone. The amendment, detailed in notification S.O. 4029(E) dated September 29, 2021, primarily shifts authority for certain approvals and the reconstitution of the Monitoring Committee from the Central Government (Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change) to the Competent Authority in the State Government of Rajasthan. This change aims to streamline implementation and potentially improve local responsiveness in managing the Ecosensitive Zone. The report details the specific changes, identifies affected stakeholders, and infers likely impacts of these amendments. **2. Introduction:** The purpose of this report is to provide a clear and concise analysis of the amendment notification S.O. 4029(E), dated September 29, 2021, to the original notification S.O. 1545(E) regarding the Mount Abu Ecosensitive Zone. The analysis is based solely on the provided text of the amendment and seeks to inform affected parties about the key changes and their potential implications. **3. Policy Overview:** * **Original Policy:** Notification S.O. 1545(E), dated June 25, 2009, declaring Mount Abu and its surrounding region as an Ecosensitive Zone. * **Core Objective(s):** While the full objective of the original policy is not stated within the provided amendment text, it can be inferred that the core objective is to protect the environment of Mount Abu and its surrounding region by regulating activities within the declared Ecosensitive Zone. **4. Background and Rationale:** The amendment likely addresses issues related to the efficiency and responsiveness of the original policy's implementation. The shift in authority for certain approvals and the reconstitution of the Monitoring Committee suggests that the Central Government may have found the original process to be cumbersome or that the State Government is better positioned to handle these responsibilities due to its proximity to the region and familiarity with local issues. The change also implies a desire for more local control and accountability in managing the Ecosensitive Zone. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** The amendment notification S.O. 4029(E) introduces the following key changes to the original notification S.O. 1545(E): * **Change 1:** Paragraph 3, subparagraph 1, clause i is amended. * **Original:** "for approval to the Central Government in the Ministry of Environment and Forests" * **New:** "for approval of the Competent Authority in the State Government for its effective implementation" * **Effect:** This change transfers the authority for certain approvals related to clause i from the Central Government to the Competent Authority in the State Government, likely expediting the approval process. * **Change 2:** Paragraph 3, subparagraph 1, clause vi is amended. * **Original:** Includes "which will be submitted for approval to the Ministry of Environment and Forests". * **New:** The specified words are deleted. * **Effect:** Removes the requirement for submitting something for approval to the Central Government, presumably placing approval authority with the State Government. * **Change 3:** Paragraph 3, subparagraph 1, clause vii is amended. * **Original:** "by the Central government in the Ministry of Environment and Forests" * **New:** "by the Competent Authority in the State Government" * **Effect:** Transfers the authority for certain actions from the Central Government to the Competent Authority in the State Government. * **Change 4:** Paragraph 4 is amended with a new subparagraph 1a. * **New:** "1a On expiry of the tenure of the existing Monitoring Committee, subsequent reconstitutions for a tenure of three years shall be carried out by the State Government." * **Effect:** Transfers the responsibility for reconstituting the Monitoring Committee from an unspecified entity to the State Government, ensuring reconstitutions occur every three years. * **Change 5:** Paragraph 4, subparagraph 2 is entirely replaced. * **Original:** The previous composition of the Monitoring Committee is replaced entirely. * **New:** Specifies in detail the new composition of the Monitoring Committee, including requirements for the Chairman (eminent person with proven managerial or administrative experience and understanding of local issues) and various member representatives (e.g., Department of Environment, Town Planner, local resident, NGOs, Department of Tourism, Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board, Deputy Conservator of Forests, District Collector). All specified roles listed are *ex-officio*. * **Effect:** This change ensures local representation and expertise within the Monitoring Committee and clarifies the roles of various government departments and stakeholders. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** Based on the provided text, the following are directly affected by this amendment: * The State Government of Rajasthan and its various departments (Environment, Tourism, etc.). * The Monitoring Committee members and future appointees. * Residents of Mount Abu and its surrounding region. * Non-Governmental Organizations working in the field of environment and heritage conservation in the region. * Industries and businesses operating within the Ecosensitive Zone. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** The State Government of Rajasthan, the "Competent Authority in the State Government," and the reconstituted Monitoring Committee are the primary bodies responsible for implementing the changes. * **Timelines/Procedures:** The amendment specifies that the Monitoring Committee will be reconstituted every three years by the State Government. No other specific timelines or procedures are detailed in the provided text, leaving the implementation details to be determined by the State Government. The changes are effective from the date of notification (September 29, 2021). **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The likely intended outcomes of these changes include: * **Faster approvals:** Transferring approval authority to the State Government is expected to expedite the approval process for various activities within the Ecosensitive Zone. * **Improved local responsiveness:** The increased local representation on the Monitoring Committee and the State Government's role in reconstituting it should lead to more responsive and effective management of the Ecosensitive Zone. * **Enhanced stakeholder engagement:** The defined composition of the Monitoring Committee ensures representation from various stakeholders, promoting better communication and collaboration. * **Greater local ownership:** Shifting responsibility to the State Government may foster a stronger sense of ownership and accountability for the management of the Ecosensitive Zone. **9. Conclusion:** The amendment notification S.O. 4029(E) represents a significant shift in the governance of the Mount Abu Ecosensitive Zone, transferring key responsibilities from the Central Government to the State Government of Rajasthan. This change is likely intended to streamline implementation, enhance local responsiveness, and improve stakeholder engagement. By clarifying the roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders and empowering the State Government, this amendment aims to ensure the effective protection and sustainable management of the Mount Abu Ecosensitive Zone. The shifts detailed within this amendment should provide a clearer chain of command for businesses and operations within the zone.

Key Entities Referenced