## Policy Analysis Report: Amendment to Notification Regarding Ecosensitive Zone around Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnataka
**1. Executive Summary:**
This report analyzes an amendment to the Government of India's notification S.O. 1701(E), dated May 26, 2017, concerning the establishment of an Ecosensitive Zone around the Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary in Karnataka. The amendment, issued on May 2, 2025, focuses on reconstituting the Monitoring Committee for the Ecosensitive Zone and redefining its functions. The core purpose of the amendment is to establish a more effective monitoring and regulatory framework for activities within the designated zone. Key findings indicate a shift towards site-specific scrutiny of activities and a clarified process for environmental clearances and complaint filings.
**2. Introduction:**
This report provides an analysis of the amendment to the notification regarding the Ecosensitive Zone around the Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary in Karnataka, as published in the Gazette of India on May 2, 2025. The analysis is based solely on the provided policy text and aims to inform stakeholders about the changes introduced by this amendment.
**3. Policy Overview:**
This document is an *amendment* to the original notification S.O. 1701(E), dated May 26, 2017, which declared an Ecosensitive Zone around the Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary in Karnataka. The core objective of the amendment, inferred from the text, is to enhance the monitoring and regulation of activities within the Ecosensitive Zone to ensure environmental protection, possibly by clarifying roles and responsibilities.
**4. Background and Rationale:**
The amendment appears to be driven by a need to refine the operational aspects of the Ecosensitive Zone's management. The amendment focuses on restructuring the Monitoring Committee and clarifying its functions. This suggests the existing monitoring mechanism, as defined in the original notification, may have been deemed insufficient or ineffective, prompting a revised approach with presumably enhanced oversight. The text explicitly states that the Central Government is of the opinion that it is necessary and expedient in the public interest to amend the notification.
**5. Key Provisions / Changes:**
This amendment *replaces* paragraphs 5 and 6 of the original notification S.O. 1701(E), dated May 26, 2017, with new provisions relating to the Monitoring Committee. The key changes are as follows:
* **Monitoring Committee Composition:** The amendment establishes a new composition for the Monitoring Committee, specifying its members by title and affiliation. The committee includes representatives from various governmental departments (Regional Commissioner, Department of Environment, Urban Development, Karnataka State Pollution Control Board, Deputy Commissioner of Kodagu District, Deputy Conservator of Forests), elected officials (Member of Legislative Assembly), as well as experts from ecological institutions and NGOs. The Regional Commissioner, Mysuru is the Chairman, ex officio, and the D eputy Conservator of Forests, Madikeri Wildlife Division, Madikeri is the Member Secretary, ex officio.
* *Effect:* This change ensures broader representation from relevant government bodies, local representation, and environmental expertise.
* **Functions of the Monitoring Committee:** The amendment details the specific functions of the Monitoring Committee, including:
* Scrutinizing activities covered under S.O. 1533 E, dated September 14, 2006, (except prohibited activities) for environmental clearances and referring them to the Central Government or State Environment Impact Assessment Authority.
* Scrutinizing activities not covered under S.O. 1533 E (except prohibited activities) and referring them to relevant regulatory authorities.
* Empowering the Member Secretary, Collector, or Deputy Conservator of Forests to file complaints under Section 19 of the Environment Protection Act, 1986, for violations of the notification.
* Enabling the Monitoring Committee to invite experts and stakeholders to assist in deliberations.
* Requiring the Monitoring Committee to submit annual action taken reports to the Chief Wildlife Warden in a specified proforma (Annexure V).
* Granting the Central Government authority to issue directions to the Monitoring Committee for effective functioning.
* *Effect:* These revised functions provide a more detailed framework for the Monitoring Committee's responsibilities, including clear procedures for project scrutiny, enforcement, stakeholder engagement, and reporting.
**6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:**
The target audience and stakeholders directly affected by these changes include:
* Industries and project developers operating or planning to operate within the Ecosensitive Zone around Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, as they are subject to scrutiny by the Monitoring Committee.
* The members of the newly constituted Monitoring Committee.
* The Department of Environment, Urban Development, and other relevant government departments in Karnataka.
* The Karnataka State Pollution Control Board.
* The Kodagu District administration.
* Environmental and wildlife NGOs operating in the region.
* The Chief Wildlife Warden.
* Citizens residing within the Ecosensitive Zone.
**7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):**
* **Responsible Agencies/Bodies:** The primary responsible bodies are the Monitoring Committee, the Central Government (Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change), the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority, and the Chief Wildlife Warden.
* **Timelines/Procedures:** The Monitoring Committee is required to submit annual action-taken reports by June 30th of each year, covering the period up to March 31st. The amendment outlines a procedure for scrutinizing activities and referring them to the appropriate authorities for environmental clearances or regulatory oversight.
**8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:**
The likely intended outcomes of these changes are:
* Improved monitoring and enforcement of environmental regulations within the Ecosensitive Zone.
* More effective environmental impact assessment of proposed projects within the zone.
* Increased accountability and transparency in the management of the Ecosensitive Zone, through the reporting requirements.
* Enhanced stakeholder engagement in the decision-making process.
* Greater protection of the Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary and its surrounding ecosystem.
**9. Conclusion:**
The amendment to the notification regarding the Ecosensitive Zone around the Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnataka, represents a significant step towards strengthening the regulatory framework for environmental protection in the region. By reconstituting the Monitoring Committee and clarifying its functions, the amendment aims to ensure more effective oversight of activities within the zone and to promote sustainable development practices. This should be carefully considered by relevant stakeholders to ensure proper adherance.
Key Entities Referenced
Environment Protection Act, 1986: A law providing a framework for environmental protection in India; cited as the source of authority for the notification.
Environment Protection Rules, 1986: Rules supplementing the Environment Protection Act, 1986; mentioned in relation to powers and procedures.
Central Government: The governing body issuing the notification and exercising powers under the Environment Protection Act, 1986.
Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary: The area around which an ecosensitive zone is being declared and modified.
Karnataka: The state in which the Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary is located.
S.O. 1701E, dated the 26th May, 2017: The original notification declaring the ecosensitive zone around Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, which is being amended.
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change: The government ministry responsible for issuing the notification.
New Delhi: Location of the notification issuance.
2nd May, 2025: Date of the notification.
S.O. 1990E: The notification number.
Monitoring Committee: A committee constituted by the Central Government to monitor activities within the Ecosensitive Zone.
Regional Commissioner, Mysuru: Chairman, ex officio of the Monitoring Committee.
Member of Legislative Assembly, Virajpet Constituency, Kodagu District: Member, ex officio of the Monitoring Committee.
Department of Environment, Government of Karnataka: Representative is Member, ex officio of the Monitoring Committee.
Department of Urban Development, Government of Karnataka: Representative is Member, ex officio of the Monitoring Committee.
Karnataka State Pollution Control Board, Mysuru: The Regional Officer is Member, ex officio of the Monitoring Committee.
Deputy Commissioner, Kodagu District, Madikeri: Representative is Member, ex officio of the Monitoring Committee.
State Biodiversity Board, Karnataka: Member Secretary or Member is Member, ex officio of the Monitoring Committee.
Madikeri Wildlife Division, Madikeri: The D eputy Conservator of Forests is Member Secretary, ex officio of the Monitoring Committee.
S.O. 1533 E, dated the 14th September, 2006: Notification of the Government of India in the erstwhile Ministry of Environment and Forest.
Ecosensitive Zone: Zone around Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary.
Chief Wildlife Warden: Recipient of the action taken report of the Monitoring Committee.
Dr. S. KERKETTA: Scientist G.
रजिस्ट्री स.ं डी.एल.- 33004/99 REGD. No. D. L.-33004/99
सी.जी.-डी.एल.-अ.-05052025-262895
CG-DxLx-xEG-I0D5H0x5x2x0 25-262895
xxxGIDExxx
असाधारण
EXTRAORDINARY
भाग II—खण् ड 3—उप-खण्ड (ii)
PART II—Section 3—Sub-section (ii)
प्राजधकार स ेप्रकाजित
PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY
स.ं 1946] नई दिल्ली, िुक्रवार, मई 2, 2025/ विै ाख 12, 1947
No. 1946] NEW DELHI, FRIDAY, MAY 2, 2025/ VAISAKHA 12, 1947
पर्ाावरण, वन और िलवार् ुपररवतना मत्रं ालर्
अजधसचू ना
नई दिल्ली, 2 मई, 2025
का.आ. 1990(अ).— केन्द्रीर् सरकार, पर्ाावरण (सरं क्षण) जनर्म, 1986 के जनर्म 5 के उपजनर्म (3) के
साथ परित पर्ाावरण (संरक्षण) अजधजनर्म, 1986 (1986 का 29) की धारा 3 की उपधारा (1) और उपधारा (2) के खंड
(v) और खंड (xiv) द्वारा प्रित्त िजिर्ों का प्रर्ोग करते हुए, ब्रह्मजगरी वन्द्र्िीव अभर्ारण्र्, कनााटक के आसपास एक
पाररजस्ट्तजथकी संवेिी िोन घोजित करने के जलए भारत के रािपत्र, असाधारण, भाग II, खडं 3, उपखडं (ii) म ें संखर्ाकं
का.आ. 1701(अ), तारीख 26 मई, 2017 द्वारा एक अजधसूचना िारी की गई थी;
और केंरीर् सरकार की र्ह रार् ह ैदक उि अजधसूचना का संिोधन करना लोकजहत म ेंआवश्र्क और समीचीन ह;ै
और पर्ाावरण (संरक्षण) जनर्म, 1986 के जनर्म 5 का उप-जनर्म (4) र्ह उपबंध करता ह ै दक िब भी केंरीर् सरकार को
र्ह प्रतीत होता ह ै दक ऐसा करना लोकजहत म ें ह,ै तो इसके जलए पर्ाावरण (सरं क्षण) जनर्म, 1986 के जनर्म 5 के उप-
जनर्म (3) के खडं (क) के अधीन नोरटस की अपेक्षा से अजभमुजि िी िा सकती ह;ै
और केन्द्रीर् सरकार की र्ह रार् ह ैदक अजधसूचना संखर्ांक का.आ. 1701(अ), तारीख 26 मई, 2017 म ेंसंिोधन करन े के
जलए पर्ाावरण (सरं क्षण) जनर्म, 1986 के जनर्म 5 के उपजनर्म (3) के खडं (क) के अधीन नोरटस की अपेक्षा से अजभमुजि
िेना लोकजहत में ह;ै
अतः, अब, केन्द्रीर् सरकार, पर्ावा रण (संरक्षण) जनर्म, 1986 के जनर्म 5 के उपजनर्म (4) के साथ परित पर्ाावरण (संरक्षण)
अजधजनर्म, 1986 (1986 का 29) की धारा 3 की उपधारा (1) और उपधारा (2) के खंड (v) और खंड (xiv) द्वारा प्रित्त
िजिर्ों का प्रर्ोग करत ेहुए, भारत सरकार के तत्कालीन पर्ावा रण और वन मंत्रालर् की भारत के रािपत्र, असाधारण, भाग
2925 GI/2025 (1)2 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA : EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—SEC. 3(ii)]
II, खडं 3, उपखंड (ii) म ें संखर्ांक का.आ. 1701(अ), तारीख 26 मई, 2017 को प्रकाजित अजधसूचना, का जनम्नजलजखत
संिोधन करती ह,ै अथाात्:-
उि अजधसूचना म,ें पैरा 5 और 6 के स्ट्थान पर, जनम्नजलजखत परै ा रख े िाएंगे, अथाात:् -
“5. जनगरानी सजमजत. – केंरीर् सरकार जनगरानी सजमजत के नाम से ज्ञात एक सजमती का गिन करेगी, िो जनम्नजलजखत
व्यजिर्ों से जमलकर बनगे ी, अथाात्: -
(1) क्षेत्रीर् आर्ुि, मैसरुू - अध्र्क्ष, पिेन;
(2) जवधान सभा के सिस्ट्र्, जवरािपेट जनवााचन क्षेत्र, कोडागु जिला - सिस्ट् र्, पिेन;
(3) पर्ाावरण जवभाग, कनााटक सरकार के प्रजतजनजध - सिस्ट् र्, पिेन;
(4) कनााटक सरकार के िहरी जवकास जवभाग के प्रजतजनजध - सिस्ट् र्, पिेन;
(5) क्षेत्रीर् अजधकारी, कनााटक राज्र् प्रििू ण जनर्ंत्रण बोडा, मैसूरु - सिस्ट् र्, पिेन;
(6) उपार्ुि र्ा उनके प्रजतजनजध, कोडागु जिला, मदिकेरी - सिस्ट् र्, पिेन;
(7) कनााटक राज्र् के प्रजतजित संस्ट्थान र्ा जवश्वजवद्यालर् स ेपाररजस्ट्थजतकी म ेंएक जविेिज्ञ - सिस्ट् र्;
िो हर तीन विा के जलए समर्-समर् पर कनााटक सरकार द्वारा नामजनर्िाष्ट दकर्ा
िाएगा।
(8) पर्ाावरण र्ा वन्द्र् िीवन र्ा जवरासत संरक्षण सजहत प्राकृजतक संरक्षण के क्षेत्र में काम - सिस्ट् र्;
करने वाल ेएक गैर-सरकारी सगं िन का एक प्रजतजनजध िो हर तीन विा के जलए समर्-
समर् पर कनााटक सरकार द्वारा नामजनर्िाष्ट दकर्ा िाएगा।
(9) राज्र् िैव जवजवधता बोडा, कनाटा क के सिस्ट्र् सजचव र्ा सिस्ट्र् - सिस्ट् र्, पिेन;
(10) उप वन संरक्षक, मजडकेरी वन्द्र्िीव प्रभाग, मजडकेरी - सिस्ट् र् सजचव, पिने ।
*(कनाटा क राज्र् सरकार द्वारा अन्द्र् बातों के साथ-साथ, र्दि आवश्र्क हो तो कनाटा क जवधान सभा के अध्र्क्ष स े अनमु जत
सजहत प्रासजं गक अनमु ोिन प्राप्त करन ेके अधीन)।
6. जनगरानी सजमजत के कार्.ा - (1) जनगरानी सजमजत, स्ट्थल जवजिष्ट वास्ट्तजवक पररजस्ट्थजतर्ों के आधार पर उन दक्रर्ाकलापों
की िााँच करेगी िब दक भारत सरकार के तत्कालीन पर्ाावरण और वन मंत्रालर् की तारीख 14 जसतम्बर, 2006 की
अजधसूचना सं. का.आ. 1533 (अ) की अनुसूची में सजम्मजलत ह ैं और पाररजस्ट्थजतकी संवेिी िोन के अंतगात आती हों, उसके
पैरा 4 के अंतगात िी गर्ी सारणी म ें र्था जवजनर्िाष् ट जनजिद्ध दक्रर्ाकलापों को छोड़कर और उक्त अजधसूचना के उपबंधों के
अंतगता पर्ाावरणीर् अनुमजत के जलए भारत सरकार के पर्ाावरण, वन एवं िलवार्ु पररवतान मंत्रालर् र्ा रािकीर् पर्ाावरण
प्रभाव आकलन प्राजधकरण के पास भेिे गर् ेह।ैं
(2) ऐस े दक्रर्ाकलापों, िो उप-पैरा (1) म ें जनर्िाष्ट अजधसूचना की अनुसूची में सजम्मजलत नहीं ह ै और पाररजस्ट्थजतकी संवेिी
िोन के भीतर आते ह,ैं इसके परै ा 4 की सारणी में जनजिद्ध दक्रर्ाकलापों को छोड़कर, की िाचाँ जनगरानी सजमजत द्वारा स्ट् थल
जवजिष्ट वास्ट् तजवक पररजस्ट्थजतर्ों के आधार पर की िार्ेगी और इन्द् हें जवजनर्ामक प्राजधकरणों के पास भेिा िाएगा।
(3) जनगरानी सजमजत के सिस्ट् र् सजचव र्ा उप आर्ुि र्ा उप वन संरक्षक इस अजधसूचना के उपबंधों का उल्ल घं न करन ेवाल े
दकसी भी व् र्जि के जवरूद्ध पर्ावा रण (संरक्षण) अजधजनर्म, 1986 की धारा 19 के अधीन जिकार्त िि ाकरन े के जलए सक्षम
होंगे।[भाग II—खण् ड 3(ii)] भारत का रािपत्र : असाधारण 3
(4) जनगरानी सजमजत मामले-िर-मामल े के आधार पर आवश् र्कताओं के अनुसार अपन े जवचार-जवमिा में सहार्ता के जलए
संबंजधत जवभाग के प्रजतजनजध र्ा जविेिज्ञ, उद्योग संघों के प्रजतजनजध र्ा संबंजधत जहतधारकों को आमंजत्रत कर सकेगी।
(5) जनगरानी सजमजत प्रत् र्ेक विा के 31 माच ा तक की अवजध की अपनी गजतजवजधर्ों की वार्िाक कारावाई ररपोटा उस वि ा के
30 िून तक राज्र् के मखु र् वन्द् र्िीव वाडान को उपाबंध-V में जनर्िाष् ट प्रारूप में प्रस्ट् तुत करेगी।
(6) केंरीर् सरकार अपन े कार्ों के प्रभावी जनवाहन के जलए जनगरानी सजमजत को जलजखत रूप म ें ऐसे जनििे ि े सकेगी, िैसा
वह उजचत समझे।”
[फा.सं.25/168/2015-ईएसिेड/आरई]
डॉ. स.ु केरकेट्टा, वैज्ञाजनक ‘’िी’’
रटप्प ण.- मूल अजधसूचना भारत के रािपत्र, असाधारण, भाग ।।, खडं 3, उप खंड (ii) म ेंका.आ. 1701(अ), तारीख 26 मई,
2017 द्वारा प्रकाजित की गई थी।
MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
NOTIFICATION
New Delhi, the 2nd May, 2025
S.O. 1990(E).–– WHEREAS the Central Government, 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, issued a notification to declare an eco-sensitive Zone around Brahmagiri Wildlife
Sanctuary, Karnataka vide S.O. 1701(E), dated the 26th May, 2017;
AND WHEREAS the Central Government is of the opinion that it is necessary and expedient in the public
interest to amend the said notification;
AND WHEREAS sub-rule (4) of rule 5 of the Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986 provides that whenever
it appears to the Central Government that it is in the public interest to do so, it may dispense with the
requirement of notice under clause (a) of sub-rule (3) of rule 5 of the Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986;
AND WHEREAS the Central Government is of the opinion that it is in the public interest to dispense with
the requirement of notice under clause (a) of sub-rule (3) of rule 5 of the Environment (Protection) Rules,
1986 for amending the notification number S.O. 1701(E), dated the 26th May, 2017;
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, read with sub-
rule (4) of rule 5 of the Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986, the Central Government hereby makes the
following amendments in the notification of the Government of India in the Ministry of Environment and
Forest and Climate Change, vide S.O. 1701(E), dated the 26th May, 2017 namely:-
In the said notification, for paragraphs 5 and 6, the following paragraphs shall be substituted, namely:-4 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA : EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—SEC. 3(ii)]
“5. Monitoring Committee. — The Central Government hereby constitutes a Committee to be known
as Monitoring Committee, which shall comprise of the following persons, namely: -
(1) The Regional Commissioner, Mysuru Chairman, ex officio;
(2) Member of Legislative Assembly, Virajpet Constituency, Member, ex officio;
Kodagu District
(3) Representative of the Department of Environment, Member, ex officio;
Government of Karnataka
(4) Representative of the Department of Urban Development, Member, ex officio;
Government of Karnataka
(5) The Regional Officer, Karnataka State Pollution Control Member, ex officio;
Board, Mysuru
(6) Deputy Commissioner or his representative, Kodagu District, Member, ex officio;
Madikeri
(7) One expert in ecology from reputed institution or university of Member;
the State of Karnataka to be nominated by the Government of
Karnataka from time to time every three years
(8) One representative of a non-governmental organisation Member;
working in the field of environment or wildlife or natural
conservation including heritage conservation to be nominated
by the Government of Karnataka from time to time every three
years
(9) Member Secretary or Member of the State Biodiversity Board, Member, ex officio;
Karnataka
(10) The D eputy Conservator of Forests, Madikeri Wildlife Member Secretary,
Division, Madikeri
ex officio.
*(Subject to the State Government of Karnataka obtaining relevant approvals inter alia including
permission from the Speaker of Legislative Assembly, Karnataka, if required).
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 Forest, vide S.O. 1533 (E), dated
the 14th September, 2006 and 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
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 concerned regulatory authorities.[भाग II—खण् ड 3(ii)] भारत का रािपत्र : असाधारण 5
(3) The Member Secretary of the Monitoring Committee or the concerned Collector or the Deputy
Conservator of Forests shall be competent to file complaint under section 19 of the Environment
(Protection) Act, 1986 against any person who contravenes the provisions of this notification.
(4) The Monitoring Committee may invite representative or expert from the concerned Department, a
representative from the industry associations or stakeholders to assist the committee in its
deliberations depending on the requirements on a case to case basis.
(5) The Monitoring Committee shall submit the action taken report of its activities annually for the
period up to the 31st March of every year by the 30th June of that year to the Chief Wildlife Warden
in proforma specified in Annexure-V.
(6) The Central Government may give such directions in writing, as it deems fit, to the Monitoring
Committee for effective discharge of its functions.”.
[F. No. 25/168/2015-ESZ/RE]
Dr. S. KERKETTA, Scientist “G”
Note.- The principal notification was published in the Gazette of India, Extraordinary, Part II, Section 3,
Sub-section (ii), vide S.O. 1701(E), dated the 26th May, 2017.
Uploaded by Dte. of Printing at Government of India Press, Ring Road, Mayapuri, New Delhi-110064
and Published by the Controller of Publications, Delhi-110054.