14 August 2024

The Central Government, under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, has decided to amend its 2016 notification establishing an Eco-Sensitive Zone around Painganga Wildlife Sanctuary in Maharashtra for public interest. The amendment involves forming a new Monitoring Committee with members including the District Collector of Yavatmal, representatives from Nanded and the Zilla Panchayat, an NGO representative, an ecology expert, members from the Maharashtra State Biodiversity Board, State Pollution Control Board, and a Town Planning Officer, with the Deputy Conservator of Forests serving as Member-Secretary. 

The Committee will assess activities within the Eco-Sensitive Zone based on specific conditions and existing guidelines, excluding prohibited activities, and will refer these activities for necessary environmental clearances. It will also handle non-scheduled activities, file complaints against violations, invite relevant experts and stakeholders, and submit an annual report by June 30 each year to the Chief Wildlife Warden of the State. The Central Government retains the authority to issue further directions to ensure effective functioning of the Committee.