Amendment of ESZ around Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary in the state of Rajasthan

## Policy Analysis Report: Amendment to Eco-Sensitive Zone Notification around Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary, Rajasthan **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes an amendment to the Government of India's notification concerning the Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) around Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary in Rajasthan. The amendment, issued on April 28, 2025, primarily focuses on reconstituting the Monitoring Committee for the ESZ. This analysis is based solely on the provided text of the amendment. The key finding is a complete restructuring of the Monitoring Committee composition, likely intended to broaden representation and expertise in the oversight of the ESZ. **2. Introduction:** This report aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the amendment to the notification regarding the Eco-Sensitive Zone around Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary, Rajasthan. The analysis is strictly limited to the information contained within the provided policy text. The purpose is to inform affected industries about the changes to the Monitoring Committee structure and potential implications. **3. Policy Overview:** This report analyzes an amendment to the original notification S.O. 4047E, dated the 11th November, 2020, which declared an Eco-Sensitive Zone around Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary, Rajasthan. Based on the text, the core objective of the original notification (as referenced) and the amendment is to implement and oversee regulations within the designated Eco-Sensitive Zone to protect the environment around the Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary. The *amendment's* objective is to modify the composition of the Monitoring Committee responsible for this oversight. **4. Background and Rationale:** This report analyzes the *amendment* of the policy. The amendment seems driven by a need to adjust the composition of the Monitoring Committee. While the specific reasons for this change are not explicitly stated, one can infer that there was a perceived need to broaden representation (e.g., including local Panchayat representatives and additional expert members) or to refine the expertise within the committee to better manage the Eco-Sensitive Zone effectively. The change in membership structure suggests a desire to improve the committee's capacity for comprehensive oversight and decision-making. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This section focuses specifically on the changes introduced by the amendment. * **Specific Part of Original Policy Changed:** Paragraph 5 of the original notification (S.O. 4047E, dated the 11th November, 2020) is being completely *replaced*. * **New Rule/Provision:** The amendment introduces a newly constituted Monitoring Committee with the following members: * District Collector, Sirohi (Chairman, ex officio) * Sub Divisional Officer, Mount Abu (Member, ex officio) * Sub Divisional Officer, Sirohi (Member, ex officio) * Sub Divisional Officer, Revder (Member, ex officio) * Sub Divisional Officer, Abu Road (Member, ex officio) * Secretary, Urban Improvement Trust, Abu (Member, ex officio) * Honorary Wildlife Warden, Mount Abu, Sirohi (Member, ex officio) * One representative of a non-governmental organisation working in the field of wildlife conservation, nominated by the State Government for a period of three years (Member) * One expert in Biodiversity, nominated by the State Government for a period of three years (Member) * One expert in the area of ecology from a reputed institution or university of the State, nominated by the State Government for a period of three years (Member) * Chairperson, Nagarpalika, Abu Road (Member, ex officio) * Pradhan, Panchayat Samiti, Abu Road (Member, ex officio) * Pradhan, Panchayat Samiti, Revder (Member, ex officio) * Pradhan, Panchayat Samiti, Pindwara (Member, ex officio) * Deputy Conservator of Forests Wildlife, Mount Abu (Member Secretary, ex officio) * **Difference/Effect of the Change:** The most significant change is the inclusion of representatives from local governing bodies (Nagarpalika and Panchayat Samitis), as well as nominated experts in biodiversity and ecology, alongside the existing ex-officio members. This expanded representation is expected to lead to a more inclusive and informed decision-making process. The expanded structure ensures wider consultation, possibly leading to increased scrutiny of projects and activities within the ESZ. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** Based on the amendment text, the directly affected stakeholders include: * Industries and businesses operating within or near the Eco-Sensitive Zone around Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary, as they will be subject to the oversight of the newly constituted Monitoring Committee. * The State Government of Rajasthan, specifically the departments responsible for wildlife conservation, environmental protection, and local governance, as they are involved in the nomination of members to the Monitoring Committee. * Local communities and residents within the Eco-Sensitive Zone, who will be impacted by the committee's decisions regarding environmental regulations and development activities. * Non-governmental organizations working in wildlife conservation in the region. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** The primary responsible body is the newly constituted Monitoring Committee itself. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has overall responsibility for the ESZ, and the State Government of Rajasthan plays a key role in nominating committee members. The Deputy Conservator of Forests Wildlife, Mount Abu, serves as the Member Secretary, indicating a key role in coordinating the committee's activities. * **Timelines/Procedures:** The text specifies that the nominated experts from NGOs, biodiversity, and ecology will serve for a period of three years. Otherwise, no specific timelines or procedures are detailed in the provided text regarding the implementation of the amendment. It is assumed that the existing procedures for ESZ management will continue, with the newly formed committee taking over the oversight role. * The notification is effective from the date of its publication in the Gazette of India: April 28, 2025. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The likely intended outcome of this amendment is to improve the effectiveness and legitimacy of the Monitoring Committee. By including local representatives and subject matter experts, the committee is expected to make more informed and balanced decisions that consider both environmental protection and local development needs. The impact on affected industries could be increased scrutiny of projects and activities, potentially leading to stricter enforcement of environmental regulations within the ESZ. The increased representation could also lead to a more transparent and consultative process, potentially reducing conflicts and improving compliance. **9. Conclusion:** The amendment to the Eco-Sensitive Zone notification around Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary, Rajasthan, primarily involves a restructuring of the Monitoring Committee. The changes aim to create a more inclusive and expert-led committee, which is expected to improve the management and oversight of the ESZ. The new composition has the potential to lead to increased scrutiny of industrial and development activities within the zone, requiring stakeholders to be aware of and compliant with the regulations in place. Affected industries should familiarize themselves with the new committee members and anticipate a potentially more rigorous and inclusive review process for projects within the ESZ.

Key Entities Referenced