State finalises monitoring committees for Gorumara and Chapramari eco-sensitive zones

The Bengal government has finalised the Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) monitoring committees for Gorumara National Park and Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary, clearing the way for implementation of ESZ guidelines.

- RAJDEEP MONDAL

JALPAIGURI:

Official sources have indicated that the first meetings of the committees will be held soon.

The committees will operate strictly within the scope of the guidelines issued by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. No activities beyond the centrally approved framework will be permitted.

As per the Central notification issued last year, a 278 sq km area around Gorumara—ranging from 1 km to 17 km from the park boundary—and a 2 km zone beyond the 9.6 sq km Chapramari Wildlife Sanctuary have been declared eco-sensitive. The guidelines impose restrictions on tourism development, mining, stone crushing, deforestation and river pollution in these areas.