Final notification on ESZ around Okhla sanctuary issued

The union environment ministry on Wednesday released the final notification on the Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) around Okhla Bird Sanctuary giving relief to thousands of distressed house owners around the sanctuary located in Noida, an official said.

"The final notification declaring ESZ around Okhla bird sanctuary has been issued in the Gazette of India vide S/o-2262 (E) dated August 19, 2015. The final notification has been issued after following due procedure of law," a statement from the ministry said.

The National Green Tribunal had stopped the Noida authority from giving completion certificates to projects within a 10 km radius around the sanctuary and had asked the ministry to consult with National Board for Wildlife while notifying the ESZ.

"The proposal was formulated as per the provisions of Environment Protection Rules, by publication of draft notification, providing 60 days of public comments and has been finalised after consideration of the comments received. After discussions, the committee decided to recommend the ESZ proposal for final notification," the ministry said.

Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar on Tuesday said a final decision on the demarcation of an ESZ would be taken within a week.

According to officials, the ESZ would comprise of 100 metres from the eastern, western and southern boundary and up to 1.27 km from the northern boundary of the bird sanctuary.