## Report on Amendment to Eco-Sensitive Zone Policy Around Todgarh Raoli Wildlife Sanctuary, Rajasthan
**1. Executive Summary:**
This report analyzes an amendment to the existing policy regarding the Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) around Todgarh Raoli Wildlife Sanctuary in Rajasthan. The amendment, detailed in Notification S.O. 1238(E) dated March 18, 2025, primarily focuses on restructuring the Monitoring Committee responsible for overseeing activities within the ESZ. Key changes include alterations to the committee's composition and specification of its functions, with an emphasis on site-specific scrutiny of activities and referral processes. The amendment aims to enhance the effectiveness of ESZ monitoring and ensure environmental protection compliance.
**2. Introduction:**
This report provides an informative overview and analysis of the amendment to the notification declaring an Eco-Sensitive Zone around the Todgarh Raoli Wildlife Sanctuary, Rajasthan, as outlined in the provided government policy text (Notification S.O. 1238(E), March 18, 2025). The analysis is based solely on the information contained within the provided text.
**3. Policy Overview:**
* **Original Policy:** The amendment modifies the original notification S.O. 1173(E), dated April 13, 2017, which declared an Eco-Sensitive Zone around the Todgarh Raoli Wildlife Sanctuary, Rajasthan.
* **Core Objective(s):** The primary objective, inferred from the text, is to ensure environmental protection and regulate activities within the designated Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) around the Todgarh Raoli Wildlife Sanctuary. This is achieved through monitoring and regulation of activities within the zone.
**4. Background and Rationale:**
The amendment is likely intended to improve the operational effectiveness of the ESZ policy by addressing potential shortcomings in the original Monitoring Committee structure or its functions. The text indicates that the Central Government considers the amendment "necessary and expedient in the public interest." This suggests a need for a more effective mechanism to scrutinize activities within the ESZ and enforce environmental regulations.
**5. Key Provisions / Changes:**
This amendment focuses specifically on altering the structure and functions of the Monitoring Committee. The amendment replaces paragraphs 5 and 6 of the original notification. Key changes are:
* **Committee Composition:** The amendment alters the composition of the Monitoring Committee. The amended text specifies the roles of various officials and representatives, including:
* District Collector, Rajasamand and Pali (Chairman)
* District level officers (Public Works, Mining, Irrigation, Tourism, Police, Municipal Council, Industry, Unit Trust of India)
* Regional Officer, State Pollution Control Board
* Honorable Wildlife Warden Rajasamand
* Representative of Non-Governmental Organization nominated by the Government of Rajasthan
* Expert in ecology and environment nominated by the Government of Rajasthan
* Sub-Divisional Officer, Rajasamand or Pali
* Block Development Officer, Rajasamand or Pali
* Deputy Conservator of Forest, Pali or Rajasamand or Ajmer
* Deputy Conservator of Forest Wildlife, Rajasamand (Member Secretary)
* **Committee Functions:** The amended text provides specific instructions to the Monitoring Committee including:
* Scrutinizing activities within the ESZ based on site-specific conditions, and referring activities for environmental clearances.
* Scrutinizing activities not covered in Schedule S.O. 1533 E, dated the 14th September, 2006 and refer to regulatory authorities concerned.
* The MemberSecretary of the Monitoring Committee or the Collector or the Deputy Conservator of Forests is competent to file complaints under section 19 of the Environment Protection Act, 1986.
* Submitting annual action taken reports to the Chief Wildlife Warden.
The *effect* of these changes is likely to streamline the monitoring process, clarify roles and responsibilities, and potentially enhance the Committee's ability to enforce environmental regulations within the ESZ.
**6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:**
Based on the provided text, the following are directly affected by this amendment:
* **Industries and developers operating within the Todgarh Raoli Wildlife Sanctuary Eco-Sensitive Zone:** The amendment alters the procedures and oversight related to environmental compliance, which will impact these entities.
* **The Monitoring Committee members:** The amendment specifies their roles and responsibilities.
* **The Rajasthan State Government:** As the nominating authority for NGO representatives and experts.
* **The Central Government (Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change):** Receives referrals and provides direction to the Monitoring Committee.
**7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):**
* **Responsible agency/bodies:** The Monitoring Committee, under the leadership of the District Collector, is the primary body responsible for implementing the changes. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change provides overall guidance.
* **Timelines/Procedures:** The Monitoring Committee is required to submit an annual action taken report to the Chief Wildlife Warden by June 30th of each year. The amendment does not specify a timeline for the initial establishment of the reconstituted committee.
* **Specific to the Amendment:** The reconstituted Monitoring Committee needs to be formed, with the Government of Rajasthan needing to nominate the NGO representative and Ecology/Environment expert.
**8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:**
The intended outcome of these specific changes is to improve the effectiveness of environmental monitoring and regulation within the Todgarh Raoli Wildlife Sanctuary ESZ. The more clearly defined structure and functions of the Monitoring Committee are likely to lead to:
* More rigorous scrutiny of activities within the ESZ.
* More efficient referral of projects requiring environmental clearance.
* Improved enforcement of environmental regulations.
* Better protection of the wildlife sanctuary's ecosystem.
**9. Conclusion:**
The amendment to the Eco-Sensitive Zone policy around Todgarh Raoli Wildlife Sanctuary signifies a proactive step towards strengthening environmental governance in the region. By restructuring and clarifying the functions of the Monitoring Committee, the amendment aims to enhance the effectiveness of ESZ management and ensure sustainable development practices that are compliant with regulations for industries operating in the area and support the protection of the Todgarh Raoli Wildlife Sanctuary. This amendment should be carefully reviewed and its implications understood by all relevant stakeholders.
Key Entities Referenced
Environment Protection Act, 1986: A central environmental law in India. Specifically, section 3 and section 19 are mentioned.
Environment Protection Rules, 1986: Rules enacted under the Environment Protection Act. Subrule 3, subrule 4 and rule 5 are mentioned.
EcoSensitive Zone around Todgarh Raoli Wildlife Sanctuary, Rajasthan: An ecologically sensitive area in Rajasthan, India, which is the subject of the notification.
Gazette of India, Extraordinary, PartII, Section 3, Subsection ii: The official publication where the original notification (S.O. 1173E) and subsequent amendments are published.
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change: The Indian government ministry responsible for environmental policies and regulations.
S.O. 1238E: The notification number for declaring an EcoSensitive Zone around Todgarh Raoli Wildlife Sanctuary, Rajasthan in the Gazette of India.
S.O. 1173E: Original notification number related to EcoSensitive Zone, being amended.
Monitoring Committee: A committee constituted by the Central Government for the effective monitoring of the provisions of this notification.
District Collector, Rajasamand: Chairman, ex officio of the Monitoring Committee.
District Collector, Pali: Chairman, ex officio of the Monitoring Committee.
Public Work Department: District level officers of the Public Work Department is Member, ex officio of the Monitoring Committee.
Mining Department: District level officers of the Mining Department is Member, ex officio of the Monitoring Committee.
Irrigation Department: District level officers of the Irrigation Department is Member, ex officio of the Monitoring Committee.
Tourism Department: District level officers of the Tourism Department is Member, ex officio of the Monitoring Committee.
Police Department: District level officers of the Police Department is Member, ex officio of the Monitoring Committee.
Municipal Council: District level officers of the Municipal Council is Member, ex officio of the Monitoring Committee.
Industry: District level officers of the Industry is Member, ex officio of the Monitoring Committee.
Unit Trust of India: District level officers of the Unit Trust of India is Member, ex officio of the Monitoring Committee.
State Pollution Control Board: Regional Officer of the State Pollution Control Board is Member, ex officio of the Monitoring Committee.
Wildlife Warden Rajasamand: Honble Wildlife Warden Rajasamand is Member, ex officio of the Monitoring Committee.
Government of Rajasthan: Nominates representative of NonGovernmental Organisation and expert in the area of ecology and environment from a reputed institution or university to the Monitoring Committee.
SubDivisional Officer, Rajasamand: Member, ex officio of the Monitoring Committee.
SubDivisional Officer, Pali: Member, ex officio of the Monitoring Committee.
Block Development Officer, Rajasamand: Member, ex officio of the Monitoring Committee.
Block Development Officer, Pali: Member, ex officio of the Monitoring Committee.
Deputy Conservator of Forest, Pali: Member, ex officio of the Monitoring Committee.
Deputy Conservator of Forest, Rajasamand: Member, ex officio of the Monitoring Committee.
Deputy Conservator of Forest, Ajmer: Member, ex officio of the Monitoring Committee.
Deputy Conservator of Forest Wildlife, Rajasamand: MemberSecretary, ex officio of the Monitoring Committee.
S.O. 1533 E: Notification of the Government of India in the erstwhile Ministry of Environment and Forest, dated the 14th September, 2006.
State Environment Impact Assessment Authority: Authority to which activities falling in the Ecosensitive Zone are referred for prior environmental clearances.
Chief Wildlife Warden: Authority to whom the Monitoring Committee submits the action taken report of its activities annually.
Dr. S. KERKETTA: Scientist G.
रजिस्ट्री स.ं डी.एल.- 33004/99 REGD. No. D. L.-33004/99
सी.जी.-डी.एल.-अ.-19032025-261710
CG-DxLx-xEG-I1D9H0x3x2x0 25-261710
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.ं 1225] नई दिल्ली, मगं लवार , माच ा18, 2025/फाल्ग नु 27, 1946
No. 1225] NEW DELHI, TUESDAY, MARCH 18, 2025/PHALGUNA 27, 1946
पर्ाावरण, वन और िलवार् ु पररवतना मत्रं ालर्
अजधसचू ना
नई दिल्ली, 18 माच,ा 2025
का.आ. 1238(अ).— केन्द्रीर् सरकार, पर्ाावरण (सरं क्षण) जनर्म, 1986 के जनर्म 5 के उपजनर्म (3) के
साथ परित पर्ाावरण (सरं क्षण) अजधजनर्म, 1986 (1986 का 29) की धारा 3 की उपधारा (1), उपधारा (2) के खंड (v)
और खंड (xiv) एव ं उपधारा (3) द्वारा प्रित्त िजिर्ों का प्रर्ोग करत े हुए, टोडगढ़ रावली वन्द्र्िीव अभर्ारण्र्, रािस्ट्थान
के आसपास एक पाररजस्ट्तजथकी संवेिी िोन घोजित करन े के जलए भारत के रािपत्र, असाधारण, भाग II, खंड 3, उपखडं
(ii) में संखर्ांक का.आ. 1173(अ) द्वारा, तारीख 13 अप्रलै , 2017 को एक अजधसूचना िारी की थी;
और केंरीर् सरकार की र्ह रार् ह ै दक उि अजधसूचना का संिोधन करना लोकजहत में 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 में है, तो इसके जलए पर्ाावरण (संरक्षण) जनर्म, 1986 के जनर्म 5
के उप-जनर्म (3) के खडं (क) के अधीन नोरटस की अपेक्षा से अजभमुजि िी िा सकती है;
1793 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. 1173(अ) द्वारा, तारीख 13 अप्रलै , 2017 म ें
संिोधन करन े के जलए पर्ाावरण (सरं क्षण) जनर्म, 1986 के जनर्म 5 के उपजनर्म (3) के खंड (क) के अधीन नोरटस की
अपेक्षा से अजभमुजि िने ा लोकजहत में ह;ै
अतः, अब, केन्द्रीर् सरकार, पर्ाावरण (संरक्षण) जनर्म, 1986 के जनर्म 5 के उपजनर्म (4) के साथ परित
पर्ाावरण (सरं क्षण) अजधजनर्म, 1986 (1986 का 29) की धारा 3 की उपधारा (1), उपधारा (2) के खंड (v) और खंड
(xiv) एवं उपधारा (3) द्वारा प्रित्त िजिर्ों का प्रर्ोग करत े हुए, भारत सरकार के तत्कालीन पर्ाावरण और वन मंत्रालर्
की भारत के रािपत्र, असाधारण, भाग II, खडं 3, उपखडं (ii) में सखं र्ांक का.आ. 1173(अ) द्वारा, तारीख 13 अप्रलै ,
2017 को प्रकाजित अजधसूचना, म ेंजनम्नजलजखत संिोधन करती ह,ै अथाात:् -
उि अजधसूचना म,ें पैरा 5 और 6 के स्ट्थान पर, जनम्नजलजखत परै ा रख ेिाएंगे, अथाात:् -
“5. जनगरानी सजमजत. – केंरीर् सरकार उपबंधों की प्रभावी जनगरानी के जलए एक जनगरानी सजमजत का गिन करेगी, िो
जनम्नजलजखत व्यजिर्ों से जमलकर बनगे ी, अथाात-् :
(i) जिला कलेक्टर, रािसमंि र्ा पाली अध्र्क्ष -, पिेन;
(ii) जनम्नजलजखत जवभागों के जिला स्ट्तरीर् अजधकारीलोक जनमााण जवभाग :, खनन, सिस्ट् र् -, पिेन;
ससंचाई, पर्ाटन, पुजलस, नगर पररिि, उद्योग, र्ूजनट रस्ट्ट ऑफ इंजडर्ा
(iii) क्षेत्रीर् अजधकारी, राज्र् प्रििू ण जनर्ंत्रण बोड ाके सिस्ट् र् -, पिेन;
(iv) माननीर् वन संरक्षक रािसमंि सिस्ट् र् -, पिेन;
(v) पर्ाावरण के क्षेत्र म ें काम करन े वाले गैर सरकारी सगं िन का एक प्रजतजनजध जिस े सिस्ट् र् -;
आंध्र प्रिेि सरकार द्वारा समर्-समर् पर प्रत्र्ेक तीन विा में नामजनर्िाष्ट दकर्ा
िाएगा।
(vi) राज्र् के प्रजतजित संस्ट्थान र्ा जवश्वजवद्यालर् से पाररजस्ट्थजतकी और पर्ाावरण के सिस्ट् र् -;
क्षेत्र म ें एक जविेिज्ञ जिसे आंध्र प्रििे सरकार द्वारा हर तीन साल म ें समर्समर् -
पर नामजनर्िाष्ट दकर्ा िाएगा।
(vii) उपखण्ड अजधकारी, रािसमंि अथवा पाली सिस्ट् र् -, पिेन;
(viii) खंड जवकास अजधकारी, रािसमंि र्ा पाली सिस्ट् र् -, पिेन;
(ix) उप वन संरक्षक ,पाली र्ा रािसमंि र्ा अिमरे सिस्ट् र् -, पिेन;
(x) उप वन संरक्षक( वन्द्र्िीवन) -सिस्ट् र् -सजचव,
पिेन।
6. जनगरानी सजमजत के कार्ा.-(1) जनगरानी सजमजत, स्ट्थल जवजिष्ट पररजस्ट्थजतर्ों के आधार पर उन दिर्ाकलापों की िााँच
करेगी िो दक भारत सरकार के तत्कालीन पर्ाावरण और वन मंत्रालर् की तारीख 14 जसतंबर, 2006, की अजधसूचना[भाग II—खण् ड 3(ii)] भारत का रािपत्र : असाधारण 3
संखर्ा का.आ. 1533(अ), की अनुसूची म ें िाजमल ह ैं और पाररजस्ट्थजतकी संवेिी िोन के अतं गात आती हों, उसके पैरा 4 के
अधीन िी गई सारणी म ें र्था जवजनर्िाष्ट जनजिद्ध दिर्ाकलापों को छोड़कर और उि अजधसूचना के उपबंधों के अधीन
पर्ाावरणीर् अनापजत्त के जलए भारत सरकार के पर्ाावरण, वन और िलवार्ु पररवतना मंत्रालर् र्ा राज्र् पर्ाावरण प्रभाव
आकलन प्राजधकरण के पास भिे े गए ह ैं।
)2( ऐसे दिर्ाकलापों, िो उप-पैरा (1) म ें जनर्िाष्ट अजधसूचना की अनुसूची में िाजमल नहीं ह ै और पाररजस्ट्थजतकी संवेिी
िोन के भीतर आते ह,ैं इसके परै ा 4 की सारणी में प्रजतबंजधत दिर्ाकलापों को छोड़कर, की िााँच जनगरानी सजमजत द्वारा
स्ट् थल जवजिष्ट वास्ट् तजवक पररजस्ट्थजतर्ों के आधार पर की िार्ेगी और इन्द् हें जवजनर्ामक प्राजधकरणों को जनर्िाष्ट दकर्ा
िाएगा।
(3) जनगरानी सजमजत के सिस्ट् र् सजचव र्ा कलेक्टर र्ा उप वन संरक्षक इस अजधसूचना के उपबंधों का उल् लंघन करने वाल े
दकसी भी व् र्जि के जवरुद्ध पर्ाावरण (सरं क्षण) अजधजनर्म, 1986 की धारा 19 के अधीन जिकार्त ििा करने के जलए सक्षम
होंगे।
(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 प्रबंधक को उपाबंध-V म ेंजनर्िाष् ट प्रो-फामाा में प्रस्ट् ततु करेगी।
) 6( केंरीर् सरकार अपन े कार्ों के प्रभावी जनवाहन के जलए जनगरानी सजमजत को जलजखत रूप म ें ऐसे जनििे ि े सकती है,
िैसा वह उजचत समझे।”
[फा.स.ं 25/53/2015-ईएसिेड-आरई]
डॉ. सु. केरकेट्टा, वैज्ञाजनक ‘’िी’’
रटप्प ण.- मलू अजधसूचना भारत के रािपत्र, असाधारण, भाग ।।, खंड 3, उप खडं (ii) म ें तारीख 13 अप्रलै , 2017 को
जवस्ट्तृत का.आ. 1173(अ) द्वारा प्रकाजित की गई थी।
MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
NOTIFICATION
New Delhi, the 18th March, 2025
S.O. 1238(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 Todgarh Raoli Wildlife Sanctuary,
Rajasthan in the Gazette of India, Extraordinary, Part-II, Section 3, Sub-section (ii), vide number S.O.
1173(E), dated the 13th April, 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;4 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA : EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—SEC. 3(ii)]
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. 1173(E), dated the 13th April, 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, Ministry of
Environment, Forest and Climate Change, published in the Gazette of India, Extraordinary, Part-II, Section
3, Sub-section (ii), vide number S.O. 1173(E), dated the 13th April, 2017, namely:-
In the said notification, for paragraphs 5 and 6, the following paragraphs shall be substituted, namely: -
“5. Monitoring Committee. - The Central Government hereby constitutes a Monitoring Committee
for effective monitoring of the provisions of this notification consisting of the following persons,
namely: -
i. District Collector, Rajasamand and Pali Chairman, ex officio;
District level officers of the following departments: Public Work
ii. Department, Mining, Irrigation, Tourism, Police, Municipal Member, ex officio;
Council, Industry, Unit Trust of India
iii. Regional Officer, of the State Pollution Control Board Member, ex officio;
iv. Hon’ble Wildlife Warden Rajasamand Member, ex officio;
One representative of Non-Governmental Organisation working in
v. the field of environment to be nominated by the Government of Member;
Rajasthan for a period of three years
One expert in the area of ecology and environment from a reputed
vi. institution or university to be nominated by the Government of Member;
Rajasthan for a period of three years.
vii. Sub-Divisional Officer, Rajasamand or Pali Member, ex officio;
viii. Block Development Officer, Rajasamand or Pali Member, ex officio;
ix. Deputy Conservator of Forest, Pali or Rajasamand or Ajmer Member, ex officio;
Member-Secretary, ex
x. Deputy Conservator of Forest (Wildlife), Rajasamand
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 Forest, vide number 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 that 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[भाग II—खण् ड 3(ii)] भारत का रािपत्र : असाधारण 5
Table under paragraph 4 thereof, shall be scrutinised by the Monitoring Committee based on
the actual site-specific conditions and referred to the regulatory authorities concerned.
(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 a representative or expert from the Department, a
representative from the industry associations or stakeholders to assist 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 to the Chief Wildlife Warden by the 30th June of
that year in pro forma 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. 25/53/2015-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. 1173(E), dated the 13th April, 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.