Latest news with #EcoSensitiveZone
Hindustan Times
02-08-2025
- Hindustan Times
Bird park cleared at flamingo haven in Bhandup, but experts flag ecological concerns
MUMBAI: The Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA) has cleared a proposal to develop a bird park at the Bhandup water pumping station, a thriving habitat for flamingos and other migratory birds along the Thane Creek. The project, spearheaded by the state forest department's Mangrove Cell, was approved at a meeting held in the second week of July. Bird park cleared at flamingo haven in Bhandup, but experts flag ecological concerns The park will include a 1.5-kilometre mangrove trail, three watchtowers, an information centre, and a designated car park to accommodate an expected influx of visitors. Officials say the project aims to strike a balance between public engagement and conservation by educating visitors about the region's biodiversity without disturbing the delicate wetland ecosystem. Situated within the Eco Sensitive Zone (ESZ) of the Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary (TCFS), the Bhandup site is a biodiversity hotspot, home to both native and migratory birds, including flamingos, which seasonally feed and nest in the shallow lake near the pumping station. According to minutes of the MCZMA meeting, the lake's depth averages around two feet—ideal for wading birds—and the surrounding environment, enriched with algae, mosses, and fungi, attracts a variety of species. The area is also marked by the presence of salt pans, which draw salt-dependent bird species. To minimise human interference, a concealed bird photography hide will be constructed, ensuring that birdwatchers and photographers can observe avifauna without disrupting their natural behaviour. Visitors will be required to leave their vehicles outside the site and walk to the park, where they will receive a guided orientation on the local ecosystem, including the workings of the Bhandup pumping station and the bird species inhabiting the region. However, experts have flagged potential risks to the sanctuary's ecological balance. Dr Anish Andheria, a wildlife expert and MCZMA member, stressed the importance of conducting a carrying capacity study to determine how many visitors the site can sustainably host. 'A proper crowd management plan must be implemented to avoid over-tourism, which could disturb bird populations and their habitats,' the minutes quoted him as saying. The Mangrove Cell's initiative comes even as another aviary is being planned by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) in nearby Nahur. While the bird park seeks to protect and showcase Mumbai's fragile wetlands, other decisions cleared by the MCZMA may pose challenges for mangrove conservation. The authority has approved major high-voltage electric transmission lines in the extended Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), including the 400kV Padgaon-Nagothane line for the JSW Dolvi Steel Plant, and the 132kV Dahanu-Boisar (MIDC) transmission line for Palghar. The JSW Dolvi project, to be executed by the Maharashtra State Electricity Transmission Company Limited (MSETCL), is expected to boost industrial power supply in Raigad district. However, the minutes state that the line will affect approximately 112 mangroves and impact 18.22 hectares of mangrove land. Similarly, the Dahanu-Boisar transmission line will cut through mangrove patches in Palghar district, raising concerns about further habitat loss in coastal Maharashtra. Environmentalists have urged the state to ensure that compensatory afforestation and stringent safeguards are enforced before such infrastructure projects proceed, particularly in ecologically sensitive zones.
Time of India
31-07-2025
- General
- Time of India
Boundaries of Nahargarh sanctuary redrawn without Wildlife Board nod
Jaipur: The Rajasthan Forest Department has altered the boundaries of Nahargarh Wildlife Sanctuary (NWS), reportedly benefiting luxury hotels and commercial establishments within the sanctuary and its Eco Sensitive Zone (ESZ). Conservationists claim the move violates legal requirements, as the state submitted documentation and an updated map to the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on July 22 without obtaining the necessary approval from the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL), as mandated under Section 26A of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. An affidavit filed with the NGT states that the sanctuary now covers 6,025.74 hectares across 16 villages, including three additional villages beyond the original 13 listed in 1980. This is only the second instance since Sariska where Rajasthan has redrawn the boundaries of a protected area, raising concerns about the integrity of the notified boundaries. Experts have cited the Supreme Court's decision in 2013 Centre for Environmental Law, WWF-India vs Union of India case, which mandated an NBWL recommendation before making any changes to protected area boundaries. Environmental solicitor Vaibhav Pancholy criticised the revised map and said this includes areas qualifying solely as Reserved Forest while excluding the "Described Area" — comprising revenue lands owned privately and by public bodies — traditionally documented within the sanctuary's bounds. He said, "The state forest department has unilaterally altered the boundaries. The new map was issued without obtaining the mandatory recommendation from NBWL, thereby diluting environmental safeguards and benefiting influential parties. Moreover, the no objection certificates issued on the basis of the earlier, allegedly inaccurate map, were neither revoked nor adequately addressed." According to procedure, the forest department should officially withdraw the existing map of the sanctuary before notifying a map with the revised boundaries. RTI activist Rajendra Tiwari alleged, "Last year, the NBWL standing committee refused to grant wildlife clearance to a hotel project built on ESZ land, and demolition orders were issued. Several such establishments have come up within the sanctuary and ESZ in connivance with forest officials. The state is setting a dangerous precedent by tampering with ecologically sacrosanct areas. This entire exercise appears aimed at protecting violators. " A committee member involved in preparing the new map, speaking on condition of anonymity, explained that when the sanctuary was notified in 1980, the boundary descriptions were "grossly approximate." Over the past 45 years, significant topographical changes and extensive urbanisation have occurred along the original boundary. To address this, a detailed GIS-based mapping exercise was undertaken using high-resolution satellite imagery and data from sources such as e-Dharti, the Settlement Department, DoIT, and State Remote Sensing Application Centre. "The finalised file and digital map were submitted to the head of forest forces and the additional chief secretary (forest) on July 16, 2025, and to the forest minister on July 17, 2025. Final administrative approval was granted on July 18, 2025. Thus, the re-delineated boundary has received all necessary clearances," the official told TOI.
Indian Express
04-07-2025
- General
- Indian Express
After protests, Uttarakhand Pollution Control Board orders closure of incinerator in eco-sensitive zone near Gangotri
Days after Gangotri residents protested against its establishment, the Uttarakhand's State Pollution Control Board has ordered the closure of an incinerator set up by the state tourism department in the eco-sensitive zone. The unit was found to have violated the provisions under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, and for operating in the Bhagirathi Eco Sensitive Zone without obtaining a consent to operate. It was also found that it had no proper monitoring facilities, a logbook of operations, or a disposal of waste generated from the process, said the Uttarakhand Pollution Control Body. The residents, part of the collective Himalayi Nagarik Drishti Manch, had written to authorities, stating that the incinerator was burning mixed solid waste disposed of in the area, causing emissions. Such units are required to obtain a Consent to Establish and Consent to Operate certificate from the State Pollution Control Board, and they are mandated to keep their effluent quality within the specified norms as specified under the Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986. The Gangotri unit processes one tonne of solid waste every day. Moreover, the unit was set up in the Bhagirathi Eco Sensitive Zone, an area in which every activity is monitored and regulated by a committee under the chairmanship of the Chief Secretary of the state. The incinerator was permitted by the committee last year and was set up by the Ministry of Tourism under the PRASAD Scheme (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive). Officials from the state and Central Pollution Control Body visited the facility on June 24 and found that the Uttarkashi District Tourism Development Officer had not obtained a Consolidated Consent and Authorisation (CCA) under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 and authorisation under the Hazardous and other wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016. Though the unit representative said that it processes one tonne of solid waste every day, they could not provide a logbook record. Similarly, the unit representative said the ash generation is negligible and it is kept on the premises, but there was no record of the ash generation, the pollution control body said. The unit also did not maintain records for plastic waste collection. The pollution control bodies also recommended that the facility obtain necessary permissions, including a Consent to Operate from the UKPCB. Following a letter from residents of Uttarkashi to authorities regarding the operation of the unit at Bhagirathi Eco Sensitive Zone, the Uttarkashi DM had said that the unit is a zero-emission system with a solar-powered furnace and operates through a programmed oxygenation plasma technology. He also said that the waste is processed without any combustion or involvement of water or other moving parts. However, according to CPCB guidelines, incinerators have a pollution index of 100 and fall under the red category. Aiswarya Raj is a correspondent with The Indian Express who covers South Haryana. An alumna of Asian College of Journalism and the University of Kerala, she started her career at The Indian Express as a sub-editor in the Delhi city team. In her current position, she reports from Gurgaon and covers the neighbouring districts. She likes to tell stories of people and hopes to find moorings in narrative journalism. ... Read More
The Hindu
22-06-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Cautious welcome to final notification on area around Kappatagudda Wildlife Sanctuary
Samaj Parivartana Samudaya (SPS) and National Committee for Protection for Natural Resources (NCPNR) have extended a cautious welcome to the final notification declaring 423.7 sq km area as Eco Sensitive Zone (ESZ) around Kappatagudda Wildlife Sanctuary. Now, they plan to hold in-depth discussion with all those concerned. Addressing presspersons in Hubballi on Saturday, founder-president of SPS and NCPNR S.R. Hiremath said that while they cautiously welcome the notification, they plan to hold in-depth discussion with all those concerned, including the seer of Gadag Tontdarya Mutt who successfully continues the movement initiated by his predecessor Sri Siddalinga Swami opposing mining and seeking protection to the unique eco system in Kappatagudda. The Kappatagudda Wildlife Sanctuary is spread out over 244.15 sq km comprising four taluks of Gadag district. And, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change issued the final notification on June 4, declaring 423.7 sq km area around the sanctuary as Eco Sensitive Zone. Mr. Hiremath said that they plan to call for a meeting about the notification and also discuss the need to pressurise the Karnataka government to drop the 18 mining proposals. Earlier, the State government put off (not dropped) the decision on these proposals. The meeting will also deliberate the sustained decade-long people's movement led by the Tontadarya Mutt and various organisations, including SPS and NCPNR, he said. He said that as the government is expected to prepare the zonal master plan in consultation with local communities, various departments and other stakeholders, the proposed meeting will also deliberate the related issues so that the mining proposals are cancelled permanently. Book release Mr. Hiremath, meanwhile, said that during the Emergency, the Indian diaspora in the United States resisted Indira Gandhi's authoritarian rule and many who believed in Gandhian values came together to save India's democracy. A book, The Conscience Network: A chronicle of resistance to a dictatorship, by Sugata Srinivasraju, which records these efforts, will be released in Bengaluru on July 4, he added.
