## Report on Amendment to Notification Regarding Ecosensitive Zone around Narpuh Wildlife Sanctuary, Meghalaya
**1. Executive Summary:**
This report analyzes an amendment to a pre-existing notification (S.O. 2942E, dated September 6, 2017) concerning the Ecosensitive Zone around the Narpuh Wildlife Sanctuary in Meghalaya. The core purpose of this amendment is to reconstitute the Monitoring Committee responsible for scrutinizing activities within the Ecosensitive Zone. The key finding is that the amendment replaces the original paragraphs regarding the composition and functions of the Monitoring Committee with revised details focusing on a specific structure and reporting requirements. The amendment strengthens the process of monitoring environmental activities within the Ecosensitive Zone.
**2. Introduction:**
This report provides an overview and analysis of an amendment to a notification related to the Ecosensitive Zone around the Narpuh Wildlife Sanctuary, Meghalaya. This analysis is based solely on the text provided and aims to inform stakeholders about the specific changes introduced by this amendment.
**3. Policy Overview:**
* **Amendment to:** S.O. 2942E, dated the 6th of September, 2017.
* **Core Objective(s) (inferred):** To improve the monitoring and regulation of activities within the Ecosensitive Zone around the Narpuh Wildlife Sanctuary.
**4. Background and Rationale:**
The original notification established an Ecosensitive Zone around the Narpuh Wildlife Sanctuary. The amendment addresses the need for a more structured and effective Monitoring Committee. The previous structure or functions (as inferred from the fact that they are being replaced) were deemed insufficient to appropriately oversee and manage activities within the zone, necessitating this change. The amendment is likely in response to operational challenges or to better align the monitoring process with current environmental protection standards.
**5. Key Provisions / Changes:**
This amendment focuses on replacing paragraphs 5 and 6 of the original notification (S.O. 2942E).
* **What is being changed:** The composition and functions of the Monitoring Committee.
* **New Rule/Provision:**
* Paragraph 5 now details the exact composition of the Monitoring Committee, specifying positions and their corresponding roles (e.g., Chairman, Member, Member Secretary). The committee consists of the Deputy Commissioner, an ecology/biodiversity expert, a representative from an environmental NGO, an Executive Engineer, a member of the State Biodiversity Board, the Principal Chief Conservator of Forest, and the Divisional Forest Officer Wildlife.
* Paragraph 6 outlines the functions of the Monitoring Committee. These functions include:
* Scrutinizing activities falling within the Ecosensitive Zone, based on site-specific conditions, and referring them to relevant authorities for environmental clearances.
* Scrutinizing activities not explicitly covered but still falling within the Ecosensitive Zone.
* Empowering the Member Secretary (or other designated officials) to file complaints against those who violate the notification's provisions.
* Allowing the Committee to invite external experts or stakeholders for assistance.
* Mandating the submission of an annual action taken report by June 30th of each year to the Chief Wildlife Warden.
* Providing the Central Government the authority to issue directions to the Monitoring Committee.
* **Difference/Effect of the Change:** The amendment clarifies the structure and reporting requirements of the Monitoring Committee. This is likely intended to make it more effective, accountable, and responsive to the needs of environmental conservation in the Ecosensitive Zone. The amendment establishes a clear reporting line, allowing the government to assess its performance and guide its actions.
**6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:**
The primary stakeholders affected by this amendment are:
* The members of the Monitoring Committee themselves, as their roles and responsibilities are now more clearly defined.
* Project proponents and industries operating or planning to operate within the Narpuh Wildlife Sanctuary Ecosensitive Zone, as they will be subject to the scrutiny of the reconstituted Monitoring Committee.
* The Meghalaya State Government, particularly the Department of Environment and Forests.
**7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):**
* **Responsible Agencies/Bodies:** Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (Central Government), Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board, State Biodiversity Board, Forest Department, East Jaintia Hills administration, and the Monitoring Committee itself.
* **Timelines/Procedures:** The Monitoring Committee is required to submit an annual action taken report by June 30th of each year. The expert in ecology and environment and the representative from an environmental NGO are to be nominated by the Government of Meghalaya after every three years.
* The new reporting requirements would add to the workload and change the nature of work of the Monitoring Committee.
**8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:**
The likely intended outcomes of these changes are:
* More effective and transparent monitoring of activities within the Ecosensitive Zone.
* Improved compliance with environmental regulations.
* Better conservation of the Narpuh Wildlife Sanctuary and its surrounding environment.
* Greater accountability of the Monitoring Committee.
**9. Conclusion:**
This amendment to the notification concerning the Ecosensitive Zone around the Narpuh Wildlife Sanctuary is a significant step towards strengthening environmental governance in the region. By clarifying the composition, functions, and reporting requirements of the Monitoring Committee, the amendment aims to ensure more effective conservation and sustainable development within the Ecosensitive Zone. The amendment highlights the government's commitment to protecting ecologically sensitive areas and promoting responsible environmental stewardship.
Key Entities Referenced
Environment Protection Act, 1986: Act under which the powers are conferred to the Central Government regarding environmental protection.
Environment Protection Rules, 1986: Rules related to the Environment Protection Act, 1986.
Central Government: The government body exercising powers under the Environment Protection Act.
Narpuh Wildlife Sanctuary, Meghalaya: Location of an Ecosensitive Zone.
Gazette of India, Extraordinary, PartII, Section 3, Subsection ii: Official publication for government notifications.
S.O. 2942 E, dated the 6th September, 2017: Notification declaring the Ecosensitive Zone around the Narpuh Wildlife Sanctuary, Meghalaya.
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change: Government ministry responsible for environmental matters.
S.O. 1794E: Notification number for the current amendment.
Government of Meghalaya: The state government involved in nominating members to the Monitoring Committee.
Monitoring Committee: Committee constituted by the Central Government to monitor activities in the Ecosensitive Zone.
Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board: State-level pollution control board.
State Biodiversity Board: State-level biodiversity board.
S.O. 1533 E, dated the 14th September, 2006: Notification of the Government of India in the erstwhile Ministry of Environment and Forests related to activities in the Ecosensitive Zone.
Central Government in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change: The central government ministry to which activities are referred for prior environmental clearances.
State Environment Impact Assessment Authority: Authority to which activities may be referred for environmental clearances.
section 19 of the Environment Protection Act, 1986: Section of the act related to filing complaints against contraventions of the notification.
रजिस्ट्री स.ं डी.एल.- 33004/99 REGD. No. D. L.-33004/99
सी.जी.-डी.एल.-अ.-19042025-262537
CG-DxLx-xEG-I1D9H0x4x2x0 25-262537
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.ं 1761] नई दिल्ली, बृहस्ट्प जतवार, अप्रलै 17, 2025/चत्रै 27, 1947
No. 1761] NEW DELHI, THURSDAY, APRIL 17, 2025/CHAITRA 27, 1947
पर्ाावरण, वन और िलवार् ु पररवतना मत्रं ालर्
अजधसचू ना
नई दिल्ली, 17 अप्रलै , 2025
का.आ. 1794(अ).— केंद्रीर् सरकार न,े 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) और धारा 3 की उपधारा (3) द्वारा प्रित्त िजिर्ों का प्रर्ोग करते हुए, नरपुह वन्र्िीव अभर्ारण्र्, मेघालर्
के आसपास एक पाररजस्ट्तजथकी संवेिी िोन घोजित करन ेके जलए, भारत के रािपत्र, असाधारण, भाग II, खंड 3, उपखंड (ii)
में, संख्र्ा का.आ. 2942(अ), तारीख 6 जसतम्बर, 2017 द्वारा एक अजधसूचना िारी की ह;ै
और, केंद्रीर् सरकार की र्ह रार् ह ैदक उि अजधसूचना का सिं ोधन करना लोकजहत में आवश्र्क और समीचीन ह;ै
और, पर्ाावरण (संरक्षण) जनर्म, 1986 के जनर्म 5 का उपजनर्म (4) र्ह उपबंध करता ह ैदक िब भी केंद्रीर् सरकार
को र्ह प्रतीत होता ह ैदक ऐसा करना लोकजहत म ेंह,ै तो वह पर्ाावरण (संरक्षण) जनर्म, 1986 के जनर्म 5 के उपजनर्म (3)
के खंड (क) के अधीन सूचना की अपेक्षा से अजभमुजि िे सकती है;
2623 GI/2025 (1)2 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA : EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—SEC. 3(ii)]
और, केंद्रीर् सरकार की र्ह रार् ह ैदक अजधसूचना संख्र्ांक का.आ. 2942(अ), तारीख 6 जसतम्बर, 2017 में संिोधन
करने के जलए पर्ाावरण (सरं क्षण) जनर्म, 1986 के जनर्म 5 के उपजनर्म (3) के खडं (क) के अधीन सूचना की अपेक्षा से
अजभमुजि िेना लोकजहत म ें ह;ै
अत:, अब, केंद्रीर् सरकार, पर्ाावरण (सरं क्षण) 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 खडं (xiv) और
धारा 3 की उपधारा (3) द्वारा प्रित्त िजिर्ों का प्रर्ोग करत ेहुए, भारत के रािपत्र, असाधारण, भाग 2, खंड 3, उपखडं (ii)
में, सख्ं र्ा का.आ. 2942(अ), तारीख 6 जसतम्बर, 2017 द्वारा प्रकाजित, भारत सरकार के पर्ाावरण, वन और िलवार् ु
पररवतान मंत्रालर् की अजधसूचना में जनम्नजलजखत संिोधन करती ह,ै अथाात्:--
उि अजधसूचना म,ें पैरा 5 औऱ 6 के स्ट्थान पर, जनम्नजलजखत परै ा रख े िाएगे, अथाात:् --
“5. मानीटरी सजमजत-- (1) केंद्रीर् सरकार इस अजधसूचना एक जनगरानी सजमजत का गिन करेगी िो जनम्नजलजखत
व्यजिर्ों से जमलकर बनगे ी, अथाात्:
(i) उपार्ुि, पूवी िंजतर्ा जहल्स, िोवाई अध्र्क्ष, पिेन;
(ii) प्रत्र्ेक तीन विा के बाि मघे ालर् सरकार द्वारा नामजनर्िाष्ट प्रजतजित संस्ट्थान र्ा सिस्ट्र्;
जवश्वजवद्यालर् स ेपाररजस्ट्थजतकी और पर्ाावरण र्ा िैव जवजवधता का एक जविेिज्ञ
(iii) जवरासत संरक्षण सजहत पर्ाावरण र्ा वन्र् िीवन के क्षत्रे म ें काम करने वाले गैर- सिस्ट्र्;
सरकारी संगिन का एक प्रजतजनजध, जिसे मेघालर् सरकार द्वारा प्रत्र्ेक तीन वि ा
म ें नामजनर्िाष्ट दकर्ा िाएगा।
(iv) कार्ाकारी अजभर्ंता, मेघालर् राज्र् प्रििू ण जनर्ंत्रण बोड ा सिस्ट्र्, पिेन;
(v) राज्र् िैव जवजवधता बोडा के सिस्ट्र्-सजचव र्ा सिस्ट्र् सिस्ट्र्, पिेन;
(vi) प्रधान मुख्र् वन संरक्षक र्ा वन बल प्रमुख सिस्ट्र्, पिेन;
(vii) प्रभागीर् वन अजधकारी (वन्र्िीव) सिस्ट्र्-सजचव, पिने ;
6. मानीटरी सजमजत के कार्.ा - (1) मानीटरी सजमजत, वास्ट्तजवक जवजनर्िाष्ट स्ट्थलीर् ििाओं के आधार पर भारत सरकार
के तत्कालीन पर्ाावरण और वन मंत्रालर् की अजधसूचना सं0 1533(अ), तारीख 14 जसतंबर 2006 की अनुसूची म ें
सजम्मजलत दिर्ाकलापों और इस अजधसूचना के परै ा 4 के अधीन सारणी में र्था जवजनर्िाष्ट प्रजतजिद्ध दिर्ाकलापों
के जसवार्, आने वाल ेऔर उस अजधसूचना के उपबंधों के अधीन पूवा पर्ाावरण जनकासी के जलए, र्थाजस्ट्थजत, केंद्रीर्
सरकार के पर्ाावरण, वन और िलवार्ु पररवतना मंत्रालर् र्ा राज्र् पर्ाावरण प्रभाव आंकलन प्राजधकरण को जनर्िाष्ट
दिर्ाकलापों की संवीक्षा करेगी।
(2) इस अजधसूचना के पैरा 4 के अधीन सारणी में र्था जवजनर्िाष्ट दिर्ाकलापों के जसवार्, उपपैरा (1) म ें जनर्िाष्ट
अजधसूचना की अनुसूची के अधीन ऐसे दिर्ाकलापों, जिन्ह ें सजम्मजलत नहीं दकर्ा गर्ा ह ै और िो पाररजस्ट्थजतक
संवेिी िोन म ें आत े ह,ैं की वास्ट्तजवक जवजनर्िाष्ट स्ट्थलीर् ििाओं पर आधाररत मानीटरी सजमजत द्वारा संवीक्षा की
िाएगी और उसे संबद्ध जवजनर्ामक प्राजधकरणों को जनर्िाष्ट दकर्ा िाएगा ।
(3) मानीटरी सजमजत का सिस्ट्र्-सजचव र्ा संबद्ध कलेक्टर र्ा संबद्ध उप वन संरक्षक, ऐसे व्यजि के जवरुद्ध, िो इस
अजधसूचना के दकसी उपबंध का उल्लघं न करता ह,ै पर्ाावरण (संरक्षण) अजधजनर्म, 1986 (1986 का 29) की धारा
19 के अधीन पररवाि फाइल करने के जलए सक्षम होगा ।[भाग II—खण् ड 3(ii)] भारत का रािपत्र : असाधारण 3
(4) मानीटरी सजमजत, प्रत्र्ेक मामले के आधार पर अपेक्षाओं पर जनभार रहते हुए, संबद्ध जवभागों के प्रजतजनजधर्ों र्ा
जविेिज्ञों, औद्योजगक संगमों र्ा संबद्ध पणधाररर्ों के प्रजतजनजधर्ों को, अपन े जवचार-जवमिा में सहार्ता के जलए,
आमंजत्रत कर सकेगी ।
(5) मानीटरी सजमजत, प्रत्र्ेक वि ा की 31 माचा तक की अवजध की अपन े दिर्ालापों की वार्िाक कारावाई ररपोटा, इस
अजधसूचना के साथ सलं ग्न उपाबधं -IV में जवजनर्िाष्ट प्ररूप म,ें उस विा की 30 िून तक मुख्र् वन्र्िीव वाडान को
प्रस्ट्तुत करेगी ।
(6) केंद्रीर् सरकार, मानीटरी सजमजत को उसके कृत्र्ों के प्रभावी जनवाहन के जलए, जलजखत में ऐस े जनिेि िे सकेगी, िो
वह उजचत समझे ।
[फा. सं. 25/156/2015-ईएसिेड-आरई]
डॉ. एस. केरकेट्टा, वैज्ञाजनक ‘िी’
रटप्पण.-- मलू अजधसूचना, भारत के रािपत्र, असाधारण, भाग- II, खंड 3, उपखडं (ii) म ें का.आ. 2942(अ),
तारीख 6 जसतम्बर, 2017 द्वारा प्रकाजित की गई थी ।
MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
NOTIFICATION
New Delhi, the 17th April, 2025
S.O. 1794(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 the Narpuh Wildlife Sanctuary, Meghalaya in the Gazette of India, Extraordinary,
Part-II, Section 3, Sub-section (ii), vide S.O. 2942 (E), dated the 6th September, 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. 2942(E), dated the 6th September, 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 (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 S.O. 2942(E), dated
the 6th September, 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 here by constitute a Monitoring Committee consisting
of the following persons, namely: -
(i) The Deputy Commissioner, East Jantia Hills, Jowai Chairman,ex
officio;
(ii) One expert in ecology and environment or Biodiversity from Member;
reputed institution or university to be nominated by the
Government of Meghalaya after every three years
(iii) One representative of a non-governmental organisation working in Member;
the field of environment or wildlife including heritage
conservation to be nominated by the Government of Meghalaya
after every three years
(iv) Executive Engineer, Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board Member,
ex officio;
(v) Member-Secretary or Member of the State Biodiversity Board Member,
ex officio;
(vi) Principal Chief Conservator of Forest or Head of Forest Force Member,
ex officio;
(vii) Divisional Forest Officer (Wildlife) Member-
Secretary,
ex officio.
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 Forests, vide 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 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, 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 in proforma 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. 25/156/2015-ESZ]
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 number S.O. 2942(E), dated the 6th September, 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.