The eco sensitive zones identified by the State Government and regulation, namely on sand mining and stone quarrying, will feature in the final notification of the Union Government regarding implementation of Kasturirangan Committee report, said Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Vinay Luthra.
Talking to reporters here on Friday, Mr. Luthra said following extensive survey and public consultation the State Government submitted its report in July on the recommendations of Kasturirangan Committee.
Mr. Luthra said they had regarded as eco sensitive areas not only the wildlife areas but also the eco sensitive zones in 40 talukas of the state. While seeking ban on mining activity in these areas, the State Government sought regulation on sand mining and stone quarrying in these areas.
Following request in August, the Department submitted to Union Government on September 1 the GPS coordinates and maps of eco sensitive areas that had been identified. By this time, the Union Environment and Forest Ministry had sent for printing the draft notification on the recommendations Hence State Government's stand on the recommendations was not featured on the draft notification
Mr. Luthra said he has met the Secretary to the Ministry of Environment and Forests on October 26 and reiterated the objections and other observations on the Kasturirangan Committee. "Our stand will be reflected in the final notification," Mr. Luthra said.
Mr. Luthra said the department has started the process of taking possession of forest land that have been encroached upon. The action was being taken where encroachment has been more than three acres. "In cases where encroachment was less than three acres, we are leaving it to the State Government to decide," he said.
