## Policy Analysis Report: Amendment to Eco-Sensitive Zone Notification for Kusheshwar Asthan Bird Sanctuary, Bihar
**1. Executive Summary:**
This report analyzes an amendment to the Government of India's notification regarding the Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) surrounding the Kusheshwar Asthan Bird Sanctuary in Bihar. The core purpose of this amendment, based on the provided text, is to modify the structure and functions of the Monitoring Committee responsible for overseeing activities within the ESZ. The key change involves reconstituting the Monitoring Committee and defining its specific responsibilities related to the scrutiny of activities within the ESZ and referral processes to relevant authorities.
**2. Introduction:**
This report provides an overview and analysis of the amendment to the notification concerning the Eco-Sensitive Zone around Kusheshwar Asthan Bird Sanctuary, Bihar. This analysis is based solely on the provided policy text and aims to inform affected industries about the changes implemented and their potential impact.
**3. Policy Overview:**
* **Original Policy:** The amendment refers to the original notification S.O. 2735E, dated August 22nd, 2017, which declared an Eco-Sensitive Zone around the Kusheshwar Asthan Bird Sanctuary.
* **Core Objective(s):** The objective of the original policy (as inferred from the context of the amendment) is to protect the environment and biodiversity of the area surrounding the Kusheshwar Asthan Bird Sanctuary through the establishment and regulation of an Eco-Sensitive Zone. The objective of *this amendment* is to improve the effectiveness of monitoring and enforcement within the ESZ by modifying the structure and function of the Monitoring Committee.
**4. Background and Rationale:**
This amendment is likely driven by a perceived need to improve the operational efficiency and effectiveness of the Monitoring Committee overseeing the ESZ. The changes to the composition and functions of the committee suggest that the previous structure might have been inadequate in addressing the specific challenges associated with managing activities within the ESZ. The amendment aims to create a more representative and empowered committee.
**5. Key Provisions / Changes:**
This amendment focuses specifically on modifying paragraphs 5 and 6 of the original notification.
* **Original Policy Section Changed:** Paragraphs 5 and 6, pertaining to the constitution and functions of the Monitoring Committee.
* **New Rule/Provision:** The amendment replaces the original paragraphs 5 and 6 with updated provisions regarding:
* **Constitution of the Monitoring Committee:** The amendment outlines a new composition for the Monitoring Committee, specifying positions to be filled by representatives from various government departments (e.g., Revenue, Water Resource, Animal and Fishery Resources, Agriculture, Public Works RCD), a non-governmental organization, an ecology/environment expert, the Bihar State Pollution Control Board, the Bihar State Biodiversity Board, and the Divisional Forest Officer. The Divisional Commissioner, Darbhanga Division, will serve as the Chairman.
* **Functions of the Monitoring Committee:** The amendment details the committee's functions, which include:
* Scrutinizing activities within the ESZ (excluding prohibited activities) covered by notification S.O. 1533 E, dated September 14th, 2006, and referring them to the Central Government or the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority for environmental clearances.
* Scrutinizing activities not covered by notification S.O. 1533 E (excluding prohibited activities) and referring them to the concerned regulatory authorities.
* Authorizing the Member-Secretary (or Collector/Deputy Conservator of Forests) to file complaints against violations of the notification.
* Inviting experts and stakeholders to assist in deliberations.
* Submitting an annual action taken report to the Chief Wildlife Warden of the State.
* **Difference/Effect of the Change:** The reconstitution of the Monitoring Committee aims to provide a more comprehensive representation of relevant stakeholders, potentially leading to more informed and effective decision-making. The clarified functions aim to streamline the process of scrutinizing activities within the ESZ, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations, and addressing violations effectively.
**6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:**
The primary target audience and stakeholders affected by *these specific changes* include:
* Industries and businesses operating or planning to operate within the Eco-Sensitive Zone of Kusheshwar Asthan Bird Sanctuary.
* Government departments and agencies involved in environmental regulation and enforcement in Bihar.
* The Monitoring Committee members themselves.
* Environmental NGOs operating in the region.
**7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):**
* **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** The Central Government (Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change) is responsible for issuing the notification and overseeing the implementation of the ESZ regulations. The reconstituted Monitoring Committee is directly responsible for implementing the specific changes outlined in the amendment.
* **Timelines/Procedures:** The amendment specifies that the Monitoring Committee must submit an annual action taken report by June 30th of each year, covering the period up to March 31st. The procedures for scrutinizing activities and referring them to the appropriate authorities are also outlined in the amendment.
* **Implementation of Amendment:** The key implementation aspect involves the prompt constitution of the Monitoring Committee as per the revised structure. Following this, the Committee must establish clear procedures for scrutinizing activities and referring cases to the relevant authorities, as outlined in the new functions.
**8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:**
The expected outcomes of these changes include:
* Improved monitoring and enforcement of environmental regulations within the Eco-Sensitive Zone.
* More efficient processing of applications for environmental clearances for activities within the ESZ.
* Increased accountability for violations of the ESZ regulations.
* Enhanced protection of the biodiversity and ecological integrity of the Kusheshwar Asthan Bird Sanctuary.
**9. Conclusion:**
This amendment to the Eco-Sensitive Zone notification for the Kusheshwar Asthan Bird Sanctuary represents a significant step towards strengthening the monitoring and enforcement mechanisms within the ESZ. By reconstituting the Monitoring Committee and clarifying its functions, the amendment aims to ensure that activities within the ESZ are conducted in a sustainable and environmentally responsible manner. This will likely impact industries operating within the zone, requiring them to adhere to stricter scrutiny and adhere to the referral processes now managed by the restructured Monitoring Committee. Affected industries should familiarize themselves with the new composition and functions of the Monitoring Committee to ensure compliance with the revised regulations.
Key Entities Referenced
NEW DELHI: Location of publication.
MAY 13, 2025: Date of the notification.
VAISAKHA 23, 1947: Corresponding date in the Indian national calendar.
Environment Protection Act, 1986: Act under which the notification is issued.
Environment Protection Rules, 1986: Rules cited in the notification.
Central Government: The governing body issuing the notification.
Gazette of India: Official government publication.
Extraordinary, Part II, Section 3, Subsection ii: Specific section of the Gazette of India where the notification is published.
S.O. 2735E: Notification number being amended, dated the 22nd August, 2017.
August 22, 2017: Date of the original notification (S.O. 2735E) being amended.
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change: The ministry responsible for the notification.
Kusheshwar Asthan Bird Sanctuary: The location of the Eco Sensitive Zone.
Bihar: State where the Kusheshwar Asthan Bird Sanctuary is located.
Monitoring Committee: Committee constituted by the Central Government to monitor activities in the Ecosensitive Zone.
Divisional Commissioner, Darbhanga Division: Chairman, ex officio, of the Monitoring Committee.
Government of Bihar: State government involved in the Monitoring Committee.
Department of Revenue, Government of Bihar: Member, Ex officio, of the Monitoring Committee.
Department of Water Resource, Government of Bihar: Member, Ex officio, of the Monitoring Committee.
Department of Animal and Fishery Resources, Government of Bihar: Member, Ex officio, of the Monitoring Committee.
Department of Agriculture, Government of Bihar: Member, Ex officio, of the Monitoring Committee.
Department of Public Works RCD, Government of Bihar: Member, Ex officio, of the Monitoring Committee.
Nongovernmental Organisations: Representative working in the field of environment including heritage conservation to be nominated by the Government of Bihar from time to time every three years as Member.
Bihar State Pollution Control Board: Regional Officer is Member, Ex officio, of the Monitoring Committee.
Bihar State Biodiversity Board: MemberSecretary or Member, is Member, Ex officio, of the Monitoring Committee.
Divisional Forest Officer, Mithila Forest Division, Darbhanga: Member Secretary, Ex officio, of the Monitoring Committee.
S.O. 1533 E: Notification of the Government of India in the erstwhile Ministry of Environment and Forests, dated the 14th September, 2006.
September 14, 2006: Date of the original notification (S.O. 1533 E).
State Environment Impact Assessment Authority: Authority for prior environmental clearances.
Chief Wildlife Warden of the State: Recipient of the Monitoring Committee's annual action taken report.
AnnexureIV: Proforma specified for annual action taken report.
F. No. 252022015ESZRE: File number for the notification.
Dr. S. KERKETTA: Scientist G.
Government of India Press, Ring Road, Mayapuri, New Delhi110064: Location where the document was uploaded for printing.
Controller of Publications, Delhi110054: Publisher of the document.
रजिस्ट्री स.ं डी.एल.- 33004/99 REGD. No. D. L.-33004/99
सी.जी.-डी.एल.-अ.-13052025-263067
CG-DxLx-xEG-I1D3H0x5x2x0 25-263067
xxxGIDExxx
असाधारण
EXTRAORDINARY
भाग II—खण्ड 3—उप-खण्ड (ii)
PART II—Section 3—Sub-section (ii)
प्राजधकार स ेप्रकाजित
PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY
स.ं 2079] नई दिल्ली, मगं लवार, मई 13, 2025/विै ाख 23, 1947
No. 2079] NEW DELHI, TUESDAY, MAY 13, 2025/VAISAKHA 23, 1947
पर्ावा रण, वन और िलवार् ुपररवतना मत्रं ालर्
अजधसचू ना
नई दिल्ली, 13 मई, 2025
का.आ. 2124(अ).— केन्द्रीर् सरकार, पर्ाावरण (संरक्षण) 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 खडं (v)
और खंड (xiv) तथा उपधारा (3) द्वारा प्रित्त िजिर्ों का प्रर्ोग करते हुए, कुिेश्वर अस्ट्थान पक्षी अभर्ारण्र्, जिहार के
आसपास एक पाररजस्ट्थजतकी सवं ेिी िोन घोजित करन े के जलए भारत के रािपत्र, असाधारण, भाग II, खंड 3, उपखंड (ii)
में संखर्ांक का.आ. 2735(अ), तारीख 22 अगस्ट्त, 2017 को 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 उपिंध करता ह ै दक िि भी केंरीर्
सरकार को र्ह प्रतीत होता ह ैदक ऐसा करना लोकजहत में ह,ै तो इसके जलए पर्ाावरण (सरं क्षण) जनर्म, 1986 के जनर्म 5
के उप-जनर्म (3) के खडं (क) के अधीन नोरिस की अपेक्षा से अजभमुजि िी िा सकती ह;ै
3131 GI/2025 (1)2 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA : EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—SEC. 3(ii)]
और केन्द्रीर् सरकार की र्ह रार् ह ै दक अजधसूचना संखर्ांक का.आ. 2735(अ), तारीख 22 अगस्ट्त, 2017 द्वारा,
संिोधन करन े के जलए पर्ाावरण (संरक्षण) जनर्म, 1986 के जनर्म 5 के उपजनर्म (3) के खंड (क) के अधीन नोरिस की
अपेक्षा से अजभमुजि िने ा लोकजहत में ह;ै
अतः, अि, केन्द्रीर् सरकार, पर्ाावरण (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) तथा
उपधारा (3) द्वारा प्रित्त िजिर्ों का प्रर्ोग करत े हुए, भारत सरकार के पर्ाावरण, वन और िलवार्ु पररवतान मंत्रालर् की
भारत के रािपत्र, असाधारण, भाग II, खंड 3, उपखंड (ii) म ें संखर्ांक का.आ. 2735(अ) द्वारा, तारीख 22 अगस्ट्त, 2017
को प्रकाजित अजधसूचना, म ेंजनम्नजलजखत संिोधन करती ह,ै अथाात:् -
उि अजधसूचना म,ें पैरा 5 और पैरा 6 के स्ट्थान पर, जनम्नजलजखत पैरा रखे िाएगं ,े अथाात:् -
“5. जनगरानी सजमजत. – केंरीर् सरकार एक सजमती का गिन करेगी जिसे जनगरानी सजमती कहा िाएगा जिसमे
जनम्नजलजखत िाजमल होंग,े अथाता ्: -
1. प्रभागीर् आर्िु , िरभंगा प्रभाग - अध्र्क्ष, पिेन;
2. रािस्ट्व जवभाग, जिहार सरकार के एक प्रजतजनजध - सिस्ट् र्, पिेन;
3. िल संसाधन जवभाग, जिहार सरकार के एक प्रजतजनजध - सिस्ट् र्, पिेन;
4. जिहार सरकार के पिु एव ं मत्सस्ट्र् संसाधन जवभाग के एक प्रजतजनजध - सिस्ट् र्, पिेन;
5. कृजि जवभाग, जिहार सरकार के एक प्रजतजनजध - सिस्ट् र्, पिेन;
6. जिहार सरकार के लोक जनमााण जवभाग (आरसीडी) का एक प्रजतजनजध - सिस्ट् र्, पिेन;
7. पर्ाावरण (जवरासत संरक्षण सजहत) के क्षेत्र म ें काम करन े वाले गैर-सरकारी - सिस्ट् र्;
संगिनों के एक प्रजतजनजध को हर तीन विा म ेंसमर्-समर् पर जिहार सरकार द्वारा
नमजनर्िष्टा दकर्ा िाएगा।
8. जिहार सरकार द्वारा समर्-समर् पर प्रत्सर्ेक तीन वि ा म ें पाररजस्ट्थजतकी एवं - सिस्ट् र्;
पर्ाावरण के क्षेत्र म ेंएक जविेिज्ञ को नमजनर्िष्टा दकर्ा िाएगा।
9. क्षेत्रीर् अजधकारी, जिहार राज्र् प्रििू ण जनर्ंत्रण िोडा - सिस्ट् र्, पिेन;
10. सिस्ट्र्-सजचव र्ा सिस्ट्र्, जिहार राज्र् िैव जवजवधता िोड ा - सिस्ट् र्, पिेन;
11. प्रभागीर् वन पिाजधकारी, जमजथला वन प्रभाग, िरभंगा - सिस्ट् र् सजचव,
पिेन।”
6. जनगरानी सजमजत के कार्.ा - (1) जनगरानी सजमजत, स्ट्थल जवजिष्ि वास्ट्तजवक पररजस्ट्थजतर्ों के आधार पर उन
दिर्ाकलापों की िााँच करेगी िि दक भारत सरकार के तत्सकालीन पर्ाावरण और वन मंत्रालर् की तारीख 14 जसतम्िर,
2006 की अजधसूचना सं. का.आ. 1533 (अ) की अनुसूची में िाजमल ह ैंऔर पाररजस्ट्थजतकी संवेिी िोन के अधीन आती
हों, उसके पैरा 4 के अधीन िी गर्ी सारणी म ेंर्था जवजनर्िष्ा ि जनजि्ध दिर्ाकलापों को ोो़ककर और उ्त अजधसूचना
के उपिंधों के अधीन पर्ाावरणीर् अनापजत्त के जलए भारत सरकार के पर्ाावरण, वन और िलवार्ु पररवतान मंत्रालर्
र्ा रािकीर् पर्ाावरण प्रभाव आकलन प्राजधकरण के पास भिे े गर् ेह।ैं[भाग II—खण् ड 3(ii)] भारत का रािपत्र : असाधारण 3
(2) ऐसे दिर्ाकलापों, िो उप-पैरा (1) में जनर्िष्टा अजधसूचना की अनुसूची में िाजमल नहीं ह ै और पाररजस्ट्थजतकी
संवेिी िोन के भीतर आत े ह,ैं इसके पैरा 4 की सारणी म ें जनजि्ध दिर्ाकलापों को ोो़ककर, की िााँच जनगरानी
सजमजत द्वारा स्ट् थल जवजिष्ि 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 आर्िु र्ा उप वन संरक्षक इस अजधसूचना के उपिंधों का उल् लंघन
करन े वाल े दकसी भी व् र्जि के जवुद्ध पर्ाावरण (संरक्षण) अजधजनर्म, 1986 की धारा 19 के अधीन जिकार्त
फाइल करने के जलए सक्षम होंग।े
(4) जनगरानी सजमजत मामल-े िर-मामले के आधार पर आवश् र्कतां के अनुसार अपन ेजवचार-जवमिा म ेंसहार्ता के
जलए संिंजधत जवभाग के प्रजतजनजध र्ा जविेिज्ञ, उद्योग संघों के प्रजतजनजध र्ा संिंजधत पणधाररर्ों को आमंजत्रत
कर सकती ह।ै
(5) जनगरानी सजमजत प्रत्स र्ेक विा के 31 माचा तक की अवजध की अपनी गजतजवजधर्ों की वार्िाक कारावाई ररपोिा उस
विा के 30 िनू तक राज्र् के मखु र् वन्द् र्िीव वाडान को उपािंध-lV में जनर्िष्ा ि प्रो-फामाा में प्रस्ट् ततु करेगी।
(6) केंरीर् सरकार अपने कार्ों के प्रभावी जनवाहन के जलए जनगरानी सजमजत को जलजखत रूप म ेंऐस ेजनिेि ि ेसकती
ह,ै िैसा वह उजचत समझे।”
[फा. सं. 25/202/2015-ईएसिेड-आरई]
डॉ. स.ु केरकेट्टा, वैज्ञाजनक ‘’िी’’
रिप्प ण.- मलू अजधसूचना भारत के रािपत्र, असाधारण, भाग II, खंड 3, उप खडं (ii) म ें तारीख 22 अगस्ट्त, 2017 को
का.आ. 2735(अ) के माध् र्म स ेप्रकाजित की गई थी।
MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
NOTIFICATION
New Delhi, the 13th May, 2025
S.O. 2124(E).— WHEREAS the Central Government, in exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (1)
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 Kusheshwar Asthan Bird Sanctuary, Bihar in the Gazette of India, Extraordinary, Part-
II, Section 3, Sub-section (ii), vide number S.O. 2735(E), dated the 22nd August, 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. 2735(E), dated the 22nd August, 2017;
NOW, THEREFORE, in exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (1), 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
(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, published in the Gazette of India, Extraordinary, Part-II, Section 3, Sub-section (ii), vide number S.O. 2735(E),
dated the 22nd August, 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. - There shall be a Committee to be known as Monitoring Committee constituted by the
Central Government which shall comprise of the following persons specified in the Table below, namely:
(i) The Divisional Commissioner, Darbhanga Division Chairman, ex officio;
(ii) A representative of Department of Revenue, Government of Bihar Member, Ex officio;
(iii) A representative of Department of Water Resource, Government of Bihar Member, Ex officio;
A representative of the Department of Animal and Fishery Resources, Member, Ex officio;
(iv)
Government of Bihar
(v) A representative of the Department of Agriculture, Government of Bihar Member, Ex officio;
A representative of the Department of Public Works (RCD), Government Member, Ex officio;
(vi)
of Bihar
A representative of Non-governmental Organisations working in the field of
(vii) environment (including heritage conservation) to be nominated by the Member;
Government of Bihar from time to time every three years.
One expert in the area of ecology and environment to be nominated by the
(viii) Member;
Government of Bihar from time to time every three years.
(ix) Regional Officer, Bihar State Pollution Control Board Member, Ex officio;
(x) Member-Secretary or Member, Bihar State Biodiversity Board Member, Ex officio;
Member Secretary, Ex
(xi) Divisional Forest Officer, Mithila Forest Division, Darbhanga
officio.
6. Functions of the Monitoring Committee. – (1) The Monitoring Committee shall, based on the actual site-
specific conditions, scrutinise the activities covered in the Schedule to the notification of the Government of India
in the erstwhile Ministry of Environment and Forests, vide number S.O. 1533 (E), dated the 14th September, 2006,
and are falling in the Eco-sensitive Zone, except for the prohibited activities as specified in the Table under
paragraph 4 thereof, and referred to the Central Government in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate
Change or the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority, as the case may be, for prior environmental
clearances under the provisions of the said notification.
(2) The activities not covered in the Schedule to the notification referred to in sub-paragraph (1) and are
falling in the Eco-sensitive Zone, except for the prohibited activities as specified in the Table under
paragraph 4 thereof, shall be scrutinised by the Monitoring Committee based on the actual site-specific
conditions and referred to the concerned regulatory authorities.
(3) The Member-Secretary of the Monitoring Committee or the 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 Department concerned,
representative from industry associations or stakeholders to assist in its deliberations depending on the
requirements on case to case basis.
(5) The Monitoring Committee shall submit the annual action taken report of its activities for the period up
to the 31st March of every year by the 30th June of that year to the Chief Wildlife Warden of the State in
pro-forma specified in Annexure-IV.
(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. 25/202/2015-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 notification number S.O. 2735 (E), dated the 22nd August, 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.