Sitamata Wildlife Sanctuary Rajasthan Amendment

## Policy Analysis Report: Amendment to Ecosensitive Zone Monitoring Committee Notification **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes an amendment to a notification concerning the monitoring of Ecosensitive Zones (ESZ), specifically focusing on the constitution and operation of the Monitoring Committee. The amendment, issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change on October 3, 2022, primarily modifies the composition of the Monitoring Committee and clarifies the tenure of its members. The key change involves specifying the members of the Monitoring Committee, adding a provision for reconstitution of the committee, and the addition of District Collector, Pratapgarh as Chairperson. This report details the changes, their rationale (as inferred from the text), and potential impacts on the effective monitoring of ESZs. **2. Introduction:** This report aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the Notification issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change on October 3, 2022, which amends a previous notification (S.O. 1191E, dated April 17, 2017) regarding the monitoring of Ecosensitive Zones. This analysis is based solely on the provided policy text and will focus on the changes introduced by the amendment and their potential implications. **3. Policy Overview:** * **Original Policy:** This notification amends the Government of India, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change notification published in the Gazette of India, Extraordinary, Part II, Section 3, Subsection ii, vide S.O. number 1191E, dated the 17th April, 2017. * **Core Objective(s):** Based on the text, the core objective is to ensure the "effective monitoring of Ecosensitive Zone" through the establishment and proper functioning of a Monitoring Committee. **4. Background and Rationale:** The amendment seems designed to improve the operational effectiveness of the ESZ Monitoring Committee. The changes to the committee's composition suggest a desire to involve relevant local authorities and expertise in the monitoring process, ensuring a more comprehensive and informed approach. The addition of "or till the reconstitution of the new Committee" suggests a mechanism for ensuring continuity in the committee. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** This amendment introduces specific changes to the original notification: * **Change 1: Composition of the Monitoring Committee (Paragraph 5):** * **Original Policy (Inferred):** The text indicates that the original policy likely outlined a different (or less specific) composition for the Monitoring Committee. * **New Rule/Provision:** The amendment substitutes the original paragraph 5 with a detailed list of members for the Monitoring Committee. The committee now includes: * District Collector, Pratapgarh (Chairperson) * District level officer of Public Works Department (Member) * District level officer of Town Planning Department (Member) * District level officer of Industries Department (Member) * Regional officer, Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board (Member) * An expert in the area of ecology and environment for a period of three years (Member) * A representative of NonGovernmental Organisation working in the field of environment for a period of one year (Member) * Member of State Biodiversity Board (Member) * Honorary Wildlife Warden (Member) * Deputy Conservator of Forests, Sitamata Wildlife Sanctuary (Member Secretary) * **Difference/Effect:** This change defines the specific stakeholders and expertise that *must* be represented on the committee. This aims to provide a more robust and balanced oversight of the ESZ. The inclusion of local officials (District Collector, officers from Public Works, Town Planning, and Industries) indicates a greater emphasis on local involvement and enforcement. * **Change 2: Tenure of Committee Members (Paragraph 6):** * **Original Policy (Inferred):** The text indicates that the original policy stated that the committee members held their position for three years. * **New Rule/Provision:** The amendment inserts the words "or till the reconstitution of the new Committee" after the words "three years". * **Difference/Effect:** This change clarifies the tenure of the committee members. Now, members will either serve for three years or until the committee is reconstituted. This ensures that the committee can be replaced to avoid a member from overstaying their tenure. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The primary target audience and stakeholders affected by this amendment include: * The State Government (responsible for constituting the Monitoring Committee) * Officials within the Public Works Department, Town Planning Department, and Industries Department at the district level * The Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board * Environmental experts and NGOs working in the relevant ESZ areas * The State Biodiversity Board * Honorary Wildlife Warden * Deputy Conservator of Forests, Sitamata Wildlife Sanctuary * Industries and other entities operating within or near the Ecosensitive Zone of Pratapgarh district. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible Agency/Bodies:** The State Government is responsible for constituting the Monitoring Committee. The District Collector of Pratapgarh, as the Chairperson, likely plays a key role in its functioning. * **Timelines/Procedures:** The amendment specifies the tenure for the expert member (3 years) and the NGO representative (1 year). The additional clause regarding the reconstitution of the new Committee gives insight into timelines. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The intended outcome of these amendments is likely to improve the effectiveness of Ecosensitive Zone monitoring in Pratapgarh district. By clearly defining the composition of the Monitoring Committee and ensuring representation from key local authorities and relevant experts, the amendment aims to: * Ensure comprehensive oversight of environmental regulations within the ESZ. * Facilitate better coordination between government agencies and stakeholders. * Promote more informed and effective decision-making regarding environmental protection and sustainable development within the ESZ. * Provide a clear process for the reconstitution of the new Committee **9. Conclusion:** The amendment to the Ecosensitive Zone Monitoring Committee notification represents a refinement of existing policy, focusing on enhancing the structure and operational aspects of the monitoring process. By explicitly defining the committee's composition and clarifying the tenure of members, this amendment seeks to improve the effectiveness of ESZ monitoring and enforcement. The changes underscore the importance of local involvement and expert input in safeguarding ecologically sensitive areas.

Key Entities Referenced