Development of Tourism and Hospitality Services under Community Nature Conservancy around Wild Life Sanctuaries and National Park in UDCPR 2020

Apr 10, 2024

UDCPR 2020 Chapter 14 is all about the Special Schemes as per mentioned in the UDCPR

This is Applicable to all Planning Authorities and Regional Plan Areas except Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai, Other Planning Authorities/Special Planning Authorities/ Development Authorities within the limit of Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai, MIDC, NAINA, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust, Hill Station Municipal Councils, Eco-sensitive/Eco-fragile region notified by MoEF & CC and Lonavala Municipal Council, in Maharashtra.

Rule No. 14.9 Development of Tourism and Hospitality Services under Community Nature Conservancy around Wild Life Sanctuaries and National Park

14.9.1 Applicability -

These regulations shall apply to the privately owned (not applicable to forest land) lands falling in the Agriculture/No Development Zone situated within 5 km. distance from the boundaries of wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in the State of Maharashtra. The provisions of existing Regional Plans/Development Plans will prevail over these regulations, wherever lands are earmarked for urbanisable zones in such plans.

14.9.2 Regulation -

For the lands situated within 5 km. distance (or up to a limit of notified eco-sensitive zone, whichever is more) from the boundaries of wildlife sanctuaries and national parks, if the land owner applies for development permission, for the development of eco-tourism, nature tourism, adventure tourism, same may be allowed; provided the land under consideration has a minimum area of one hectare in a contiguous manner.

i) Permissible users and built-up area -

The users permissible in the Agricultural Zone / No Development Zone area shall be as follows :-

a) Agriculture, Farming, development of wild animal shelters, plantation, and allied uses.

b) Tourist homes, Resorts, Hotels, etc. with Rooms/suites, support areas for reception, kitchen, utility services, etc. along with ancillary structures like covered parking, Watchman’s quarter, guard cabin, landscape elements, and only one observation tower per tourist resort up to the height of 15.0 m. with platform area up to 10 sq.m. in permanent / semi-permanent structural components.

ii) The norms for buildings shall be as follows -

a) The construction activities shall be as per the Zonal Master Plan/Regional Plan/Development Plan of the concerned protected area.

b) The maximum permissible total built-up area shall not exceed 10% of the gross area with only G + 1 structure having a height not more than 9.0 m. and it should blend with the surroundings.

c) The Fencing/fortification may be permissible for only 10% of the total land area around built-up structures in the form of chain links without masonry walls thereby keeping the remaining area free for the movement of wildlife.

d) Tourism infrastructure must conform to environment-friendly, low height, aesthetic architecture, natural cross ventilation; no use of asbestos, no air pollution, minimum outdoor lighting, and merging with the surrounding landscape. They should generate at least 50% of their total energy and fuel requirement from non-conventional energy sources like solar and biogas, etc.

e) The owner shall establish an effective sewage disposal and recycling system during the construction and operational phase of the development. No sewage shall be allowed to be discharged into the natural stream.

If in cases, where a lack of compliance is observed, the concerned authority should issue a notice to the resort owner/operator for corrective action within 15 days, failing to do so or having not been satisfied with the action taken or reply/justification received, any decision to shut down the unit may be taken, by the respective authority.

f) The owner shall establish effective systems for collection, segregation, composting and/or reuse of different types of solid waste collected during the construction and operational phase of the development.

g) The plastic components used within the area shall be recycled; failing which the resort shall be closed down within 48 hours.

h) Natural streams/slopes/terrain shall be kept as it is, except for the built-up area.

i) On an area other than 10% area, only local trees shall be planted and only natural vegetation shall be allowed.

j) For the development of such type already taken place, Condition no. (c) above shall be applicable retrospectively to the extent of restricting the fencing and keeping the remaining area free for the movement of wildlife.

k) While allowing such development, principles given in the National Tiger Conservation Authority, New Delhi Notification No.15-31/2012-NTCA, dated 15/10/2012 published in the Gazette of India Ext. pt. III S-4 dated 08/11/2012 and Government of Maharashtra as amended from time to time shall be used as guidelines.

l) All regulations prescribed in the Eco-Sensitive zone Notification of the concerned National Park/Wildlife Sanctuary should be strictly followed and all clearances required should be taken.