Question : ECO -SENSITIVE ZONES

(a) the total number of eco-sensitive zones declared by the Union Government in various parts of the country;

(b) the steps proposed by the Union Government for creating ecological balance in eco-sensitive zones;

(c) whether the financial assistance would be given to eco-sensitive zones to maintain the ecological balance and preservation of natural forests and habitats in these areas;

(d) if so, the details thereof;

(e) whether the monitoring committees have been set up in all the eco-sensitive zones; and

(f) if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI NAMO NARAIN MEENA)

(a) to (f): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.


STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (f) OF THE LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 117 REGARDING “ECO-SENSITIVE ZONES” ASKED BY SHRI SHRINIWAS DADASAHEB PATIL DUE FOR ANSWER ON 31.7.2006.

(a) Government of India, Ministry of Environment & Forests have notified three areas namely; Dahanu Taluka, Mahabaleshwar Panchgani and Matheran in Maharashtra State as eco-sensitive zones under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

(b) The developmental activities in the eco-sensitive zones are to be regulated for creating ecological balance in these zones.

(c) No, Sir.

(d) Does not arise.

(e) Yes, Sir.

(f) A high level Monitoring Committee was constituted under the Chairmanship of Shri J.G. Kanga on 29th October, 2001 for Mahabaleswar Panchgani Region. The tenure of this Committee was upto 28.1.2005. For Matheran, a Monitoring Committee was constituted on 1st January, 2004 under the Chairmanship of Shri U.K. Mukhopadhay. The tenure of this Committee was two years. A Dahanu Taluka Environment Protection Authority was setup under the Chairmanship of Shri Justice (retired) C.S. Dharmadhikari on 19.12.1996 to deal with the issues relating to Dahanu Taluka.