Environment Ministry issues final notification on Eco-Sensitive Zone in Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Mumbai
The Government today issued
the Final Notification for an Eco-Sensitive Zone area of 59.46 sq kms of which
19.25 sq km is forest land and 40.21 sq km is non-forest land in Sanjay Gandhi
National Park in Mumbai suburb. Announcing the decision, the Minister of
State (Independent Charge) of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Anil
Madhav Dave, said, "After
completing all processes, the final notification has been done. Now from its
boundary, 100 metres to upto 4 kms, we have marked it. The extent (of ESZ) varies
at different places taking into consideration its geographical area. No
construction will take place in this (ESZ) area”. The Minister added that the
step has been taken with a view to avoid man-animal conflict.
The Eco-Sensitive Zone has a
minimum extent of 100 metres and maximum extent of up to 4 km from the Park
boundary. The objective of notifying Eco-Sensitive Zones is to create a
buffer as further protection around Protected Areas (PAs) such as National
Parks and Wildlife sanctuaries.
The Notification also
provides that in areas around Housing Societies and with high human habitation,
and in view of the fact that the National Park has a large population of
leopards, a high wall with fencing may be erected to ensure that man-animal
conflict is avoided.
Background
Background
In order to conserve and protect the unique habitat in and around the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, a draft notification S.O (229 (E) was published on 22.01.2016 around the Park as Eco-Sensitive Zone from ecological and environmental point of view and for regulating development around the National Park.
The Ministry of Environment,
Forest and Climate Change had received a large number of responses from elected
representatives, various organisations and agencies such as the Bombay Municipal
Corporation, the Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation and others on the Draft
Notification.
Taking these into
consideration, an area of 1.65 sq km land for the Mumbai Metro Rail Shed of
Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation, temple etc has been excluded in the Final
Notification published on 05.12.2016.
Due to its unique location
in the middle of a bustling city, any new construction within ESZ shall be in
accordance with Bombay Municipal Bye-Laws and Approved Development Plans and
applicable laws and regulations under the Maharashtra Regional and Town
Planning Act and vide provisions of the ESZ notification.
About Sanjay Gandhi National
Park
Sanjay Gandhi National Park
is spread over three districts – Palgar, Thane and Mumbai Suburb and falls
within the Tehsils of Kurla, Borivalli and Thane. The National Park is home to
a number of endangered species of flora and fauna and harbours approximately
800 species of flowering plants, 45 species of mammals, 43 species of reptiles,
38 species of snakes, 12 species of amphibians, 300 species of birds, 150
species of butterflies. Notable amongst them are large mammalian species such
as leopard, wild boar, four-horned antelope, black-naped hare, wild cat, jackal
and porcupine and many bird species such as Lesser grebe, Purple Heron, Smaller
Egret, Lesser Whistling Teal, Pariah Kite. Many reptiles, including snakes as
Indian Cobra and Viper are also found in the National Park.
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