Dehradun: Clear directives have been issued regarding non-agricultural and commercial activities in the Bhagirathi Eco-Sensitive Zone. The government has clarified that before granting any permission in such cases, all regulations must be reviewed, and if necessary, a study by a leading agency should be conducted.
An important meeting of the Bhagirathi Eco-Sensitive Zone Monitoring Committee was held on Tuesday under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan. At the meeting, the Chief Secretary clarified that there should be no delay in safety and protection work within the eco-sensitive zone. He stated that immediate protective and remedial work can be undertaken in areas adjacent to the river, for which the relevant agencies, including the Irrigation Department, must take effective steps. Prioritizing projects that protect river banks for flood control was also emphasized.
The meeting focused on a detailed study of the provisions related to permitting non-agricultural and commercial activities in the zone. The Chief Secretary directed the District Magistrate, Uttarkashi, and the concerned officials to ensure that a comprehensive study of the relevant Zonal Master Plan, environmental provisions, and biodiversity regulations is mandatory before granting any permission. He also stated that, if necessary, expert studies from reputable scientific institutions such as IIT Roorkee, the National Institute of Hydrology, or the Wadia Institute should be included in the permission process.
The Chief Secretary directed that the Zonal Master Plan be presented in detail at the next meeting of the Monitoring Committee. Furthermore, if a proposal is made to permit any commercial activity, all related regulatory provisions, environmental clearances, NOCs from relevant bodies, and a complete documentation of the scientific assessment must also be included at the meeting.
Solid waste management for the ESZ area was considered a crucial issue at the meeting. The Chief Secretary directed all departments and agencies to prepare a practical and practical solid waste management plan, taking into account the actual needs and geographical sensitivity of the area, and present it at the next meeting.
He directed the committee members and departmental officials to conduct on-site inspections of various designated sites and prepare their report. Instructions were also issued to set a specific date for this. This move to prioritize scientific and environmental studies before any non-agricultural or commercial activity in the Bhagirathi Eco-Sensitive Zone is considered to be a new direction for the conservation of the area.
