NGO representative, eco expert on Bhindawas sanctuary panel

With a view to effectively enforcing environmental laws in the eco-sensitive zone around the Bhindawas Wildlife Sanctuary in Jhajjar, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has decided to include a representative of an NGO, besides an expert from the area of ecology and environment in the monitoring committee.

To be headed by the Deputy Commissioner, the committee has also been authorised to invite an expert from the department and a representative from the industry association or stakeholders to assist it in the deliberation depending on a case-to-case basis, a notification issued by F Kerketta, scientist 'G' from the ministry, has said.

Based on the actual site-specific conditions, the monitoring committee is mandated to scrutinise certain activities falling under the eco-sensitive zone for prior environmental clearances. The committee will submit the annual action taken report of its activities for the period up to March 31 every year to the Chief Wildlife Warden by June of that year.

It is also authorised to send its recommendations to the regulatory authorities for final clearances of any project in the zone.

Meanwhile, other members of the committee included Additional Deputy Commissioner, Jhajjar; Regional Officer, Haryana State Pollution Control Board, District Town Planner, Jhajjar; Divisional Wildlife Officer, Rohtak; a representative of the State Biodiversity Board; and Deputy Conservator of Forests (Territorial), Jhajjar, who will be the member secretary.

Spread over 1,792 hectares, the sanctuary is recognised as a Ramsar Wetland site and is home to a diverse range of migratory birds and other wildlife. It also serves as an important ecological corridor in Haryana, connecting various natural habitats for the conservation of biodiversity.