Board Meetings

Board Meetings

MINUTES OF THE 1^ST MEETING OF THE

BIODIVERSITY BOARD HELD ON 24.01.2011

The first meeting of the Rajasthan State Biodiversity Board was taken on 24.01.2011 at 10.30 am by the Chief Secretary and Chairman, Rajasthan State Biodiversity Board. The following members of the Board were present during the meeting:

1. Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, Rajasthan, Jaipur.

2. Director, Agriculture, jaipur.

3. Additional commissioner, Tribal Area Development, Udaipur.

4. Member Secretary, Rajasthan State Biodiversity Board.

After deliberations on the agenda, the following decisions were taken:-

Agenda Item No. 1.01: Creation of new posts and mode of recruitment for such posts:-

The Board considered and approved the creation of the following new posts. The mode of recruitment for all the posts was decided to be on deputation or by retired personnel or by out-sourcing, wherever feasible.

S.No.	Designation of post	Number	Pay Band	Grade pay
1	General manager (AA)	1	15600-39100	7600
2	General Manager (Tech.)	1	15600-39100	7600
3	Private Secretary	2	15600-39100	6000
4	Manager (Tech.)	1	15600-39100	5400
5	Confidential Asstt.	1	9300-34800	4200
6	Programmer	1	9300-34800	4200
7	Asstt. Programmer	1	9300-34800	3200
8	Accountant	1	9300-34800	3600
9	Personal Asstt.	4	9300-34800	3600
10	Sr. Clerk	4	9300-34800	3200
11	Jr. Clerk	2	5200-20200	2400
12	IV Class	9	4750-7440	1300

The security of the office may be contracted out preferably to a society of ex-serviceman. A part-time retainer-ship may be given for the legal cases/opinions to a person, who is expert in biodiversity and IPR related laws and cases.

Agenda Item No. 1.02: Budget proposals including new items for infrastructure and office space for Board office:-

(A) Telephones:

New telephone connection considered and approved are as follows:-

S.No.	Designation	Office	Residence
1	Chairperson	1	1
2	Member Secretary	1	1
3	General Manager (AA)	1	1
4	General manager (Tech.)	1	1
5	Manager (Tech.)	1	1
6	Rest of the officials	2	-
7	Fax	1	-
	Total	8	5
	Grand Total		13

(B) Vehicles:

The following vehicles were approved for use by the officials of the Board:

S.No.	Designation	Type	No.
1	Chairperson	Indigo Diesel	1
2	Member Secretary	Indigo Diesel	1
3	Pool Vehicle for 2 GMs, Manager and other Staff.	Indica Diesel	2

The vehicles will be hired on rent and new vehicles will not be purchased.

(C) Computers with Printer:-

Ten computers with printer were approved to be procured for the office use of the Chairman, Member Secretary, 2 GMs, Manager, 2 Personal Secretaries, Programmer, Asstt. Programmer and the Technical wing (one each). Also procurement of 2 Laptop Computers was approved.

(D) Photocopy and FAX Machines:-

For the office use, one Photocopier and two FAX machines were approved to be procured.

(E) Office Space:

The Board office has to be set up immediately. Estimated space requirement is around 500 sq. mt. The office may be set up in any government building if the requisite space is available. A provision for hiring the space needs to be made in the budget proposals. The actual requirement of furniture including AC, Coolers etc. for the Board room and chambers of officials can be works out only after the space is actually made available/hired. The estimated board requirement was approved as follows:-

S.No.	Item	No.
1	Air Conditioners (1.5 Ton each)	12
2	Desert Coolers	8
3	Fans	23
4	Office Tables	30
5	Almirah	21
6	Computer Tables	21
7	Side Tables	7
8	Visitor Chairs	60
9	Sofa	4
10	Central Table for Board Room	1
11	Chairs for Board Room	25
12	PA System for Board Room	1

Budget: The following budget proposal was approved for the year 2011-12:

1	Salary		144.00
2	TA		7.00
3	Medical		1.00
4	OE recurring Building rent Electricity & Water Telephone Other Misc. Total	6.00 4.00 3.50 1.50 15.00	15.00
5	OE Non-Recurring Computer with Printer (10) Laptop (2) Photocopier FAX Machine (2) Air Conditioners (12) Desert Coolers (8) Fans (23) Furniture Board Room Furniture Public Address System (PA) Total	4.00 1.00 1.00 0.20 3.00 0.60 0.40 13.00 6.00 0.50 29.70	29.70
6	Hiring of Vehicles		7.60
7	Contractual Services Man with Machine (5) Security Services Cleaning Services Total	3.60 4.60 0.60 8.80	8.80
8	Pension Contribution		0.50
9	Stationary and Printing		1.00
10	Legal fees/Expenses		1.20
11	Miscellaneous		1.00
	Grand Total		216.80

Lumpsum provision of Rs. 10.00 Lac was also approved for the current financial year 2010-11.

Agenda Item No. 1.03: Authorization of Member Secretary to operate the PD account to be created for the Board under section 18(2) of the Rules:-

A PD account of the Board has to be opened in accordance with the Rule 18(1) of the Rajasthan Biological Diversity Rules, 2010 for the State Biodiversity Fund. The account may be opened in Treasury Office in Government Secretariat, Jaipur with the concurrence of the Finance Department. As per Rule 18(2) of the Rajasthan Biological Diversity Rules, 2010, the State Biodiversity Fund shall be operated by the Chairperson of the Board under his seal and signature or by such other officer of the Board as may be authorized by the Board in this behalf. The following resolution was passed by the Board:-

“RESOLVED that the approval is herby given to authorize the Member Secretary, Rajasthan State Biodiversity Board to operate the State Biodiversity Fund kept in the PD account of the Board under his seal and signatures on behalf of the Board as per Rule 18(1) & 18(2) of Rajasthan Biological Diversity Rules, 2010.”

Agenda Item No. 1.04: Any other item with the permission of the chair.

Outsourcing the identification of the biological resources:-

The State of Rajasthan has a number of species of plants, animals and micro-organism whose parts, produce and other material have potential of use in many value added products including pharmaceutical, cosmetics and other commercial or industrial activities. After due deliberations it was decided that identification job of the biological resources of the State may be outsourced to some institution like the Botanical Survey of India (BSI) or the Arid Zone Forestry Research Institute (AFRI).

Minutes of the 2^nd meeting

held on 23.09.2011

The second meeting of Rajasthan State Biodiversity Board was held on 23.09.2011 at 4.00 P.M. under the chairmanship of the Chief Secretary & Chairman, Rajasthan State Biodiversity Board. List of the members & special invitee, present in the meeting is attached as Annexure – A

After deliberations on the agenda, following decisions were taken:

Agenda Item No. 1 :

Approval & compliance of the proceedings of the first meeting held on 24.01.2011.

The board approved the proceedings of the first meeting and reviewed the compliance. It was felt that only two posts General Manager (Adm. & Accounts) and General Manager (Technical) have been filled by deputation staff so far, against the 11 sanctioned posts. Efforts should be done to obtain other staff on deputation from Forest/Environment/Other Departments.

Agenda Item No. 2

Filling of certain posts (for which no deputation staff is available by direct recruitment for effective discharge of functions of the board.

It was decided that no direct recruitment will be allowed to fill up the vacant posts. The staff against vacant post should be either taken on deputation from Forest/Environment/Other Departments/PSUs or retired person should be engaged after due approval from State Govt. PCCF & HOFF, Rajasthan assured that he will spare one LDC for the board.

Agenda Item No. 3

Approval of rent of Office building

The rent assessed by PWD as Rs. 40801/- per month was approved by the board.

Agenda Item No. 4

Approval of draft 12^th Five Year Plan

After discussions and looking to the urgency of the matter, it was decided to approve the proposed expenditure for 12^th Five Year Plan and it may be sent to the nodal department for inclusion in the sectoral plan.

After deliberations following decisions were also taken:

1. Biodiversity conservation should be included in school syllabus. At least one chapter on Biodiversity conservation should be added in course books of 8^th to 10^th class standard. These chapters should be in a easy to grasp language. For this a drafting committee is constituted as follows:

1	Sh. S.M.Mohnot	Expert Member
2	Sh. Hanuman Singh	Director, Ayurveda
3	Dr. Soumana Datta	Asstt. Professor in Botany, UOR, Jaipur
4	Sh. K.K.Garg	Member Secretary

2. Aangan Wadi Kendras, Eco-Clubs, Village Forest Protection and Management Committees (VFPMCs) and Self Help Groups (SHGs) should be associated with biodiversity conservation work. The list of these institutions shall be obtained from concerning departments.

3. Awareness education camps shall be organized for students & teachers.

4. Charts depicting myths & facts about local flora and fauna should be prepared and displayed in Aangan Wadi Kendras, schools etc so that these species can be saved from hunting. For example species like monitor lizard are hunted in villages due to a myth that it is highly poisonous and even its breath may harm the person. Such myths and beliefs shall be rooted out from the society by creating mass awareness through charts and real facts.

5. Science clubs in all the schools have got sufficient money in their accounts which can be utilized for protection, conservation and propagation of endangered species.

6. Letters shall be issued to Primary & Secondary education departments to direct the district level officers to associate the school students with biodiversity conservation campaign.

7. Special emphasis should be given to create awareness about the importance and conservation of common species like vultures, house sparrow, butterflies etc. which are depleting from our surroundings very fast.

Agenda Items No. 5 to 12 were deferred for discussion in the next meeting to be held in future.

Agenda Item No. 13

Allowances to non-official members, special invitees & members of expert committee

Following criteria for different allowances to be given to above categories of persons were discussed and approved for attending the board meetings subject to approval by State Government.

S.No.	Item	Amount
1	Honorarium/Sitting Charges (fees)	As per rates payable to SEIAA & SEAC members
2	Travel Expenses	As per Rule 33(1) of Rajasthan TA Rules as amended from time to time.
3	Incidental charges	As per Rule 33(1) of Rajasthan TA Rules as amended from time to time.
4	Local transport	As per rates payable to SEIAA & SEAC members
5	Hotel Accommodation	As per rates payable to SEIAA & SEAC members
6	Food	As per rates payable to SEIAA & SEAC members

Minutes of the 3^rd meeting

Held on 14.02.2012

The third meeting of Rajasthan State Biodiversity Board was held on 14.02.2012 at 10.30 A.M. under the chairmanship of the Chief Secretary & Chairman, Rajasthan State Biodiversity Board. List of the members & special invitee, present in the meeting is attached as Annexure – A

After deliberations on the agenda, following decisions were taken:

Agenda Item No. 1:

Approval & compliance of the proceedings of the second meeting held on 23.09.2011:

The board approved the proceedings of the second meeting and reviewed the compliance. Following decisions were taken:

(i) The draft chapters prepared to be added in course books of 8^th to 10^th class standard in Rajasthan were approved. These chapters shall be sent to Principal Secretary, School Education for inclusion in the school syllabus of these classes.

(ii) Awareness education camps proposed to be organized during 2012-13 shall be organized near National Parks / Wild life Sanctuaries / eco-sensitive zones so that these may prove more fruitful.

(iii) Posters prepared to depict the myths & facts about local flora and fauna were approved.

Agenda Item No. 2

Grant to Biodiversity Management Committees:

Proposal of giving a grant of Rs. 0.30 lac to each BMC constituted, to perform its statutory functions i.e. to prepare and maintain people’s biodiversity registers and to convene its meetings from time to time, was approved under the provisions of Section 15(XVI) of Rajasthan Biological Diversity Rules-2010.

Agenda Item No. 3

Identification of Biodiversity Heritage Sites:

Following sites were selected to be notified as Bio-diversity Heritage Sites under the provisions of Section 22 of Rajasthan Biological Diversity Rules, 2010, in first phase:

(i) Akal wood fossil park, Jaisalmer.

(ii) Keora-ki-nal, Udaipur.

(iii) Ram-kunda, Udaipur.

(iv) Nag-Pahar, Ajmer.

(v) Chhapoli-Mansa mata, Jhunjhunu.

Guide lines for the management, conservation and other aspects of ‘Heritage Sites’ will be framed at the level of the Board and will be submitted for approval in the next Board meeting.

Agenda Item No. 4

Identification of endangered species in the state:

After discussions, list of threatened, endangered and endemic plant and animal species was approved for onward transmission to National Biodiversity Authority. The approved list is enclosed as Annexure - B.

Agenda Item No. 5

Selection of site for development of Biodiversity Park:

It was decided that site wise proposals for development of Biodiversity Park shall be obtained from Regional Chief Conservator of Forests and shall be submitted in the next Board meeting for deciding the priority.

Agenda Item No. 6

Selection of rare and threatened species for raising in Forest nurseries:

The following list of species was approved.

S.No.	Species	Common name	Importance
1.	Oroxylum indicum	श्योनाक	दषमूलारिष्ट
2.	Steriospermum suavalence	पाडल	दषमूलारिष्ट
3.	Hesperethes crenulata	नौ-पत्ती	गले की खराष, खाॅसी
4.	Pterocarpus marsupium	बीजा-साल	मधुमेह
5.	Cretiva nervala	वाही-वरना	यकृत
6.	Garuga pinnata	कपटा	यकृत, पाचन
7.	Capparis grandis	पाडन-बोर	पोषक फल
8.	Ehratia laevis	तम्बोलिया	आदिवासी लिपिस्टिक
9.	Cordia cranulata	पहाडी लिसोडा	अल्सर उपचार
10.	Feronia acidisima	कैथ	दषमूलारिष्ट
11.	Terminalia chebula	हरड़	त्रिफला
12.	Bridelia retusa	लम्पाण	विटामिन-सी
13.	Sapindus laurifolia	रीठा	बाल धुलाई
14.	Commifera whitii	गूगल	जोडों का दर्द
15.	Terminalia arjuna	अर्जुन	तनाव मुक्ति
16.	Terminalia balerica	बहेड़ा	त्रिफला
17.	Sterculia urens	गोंद कतीरा	अल्सर उपचार

Agenda Item No. 7

Delegation of powers for granting administrative and technical sanctions to all the estimates:

It was decided that, for the time being, powers to grant administrative and technical sanction to the estimates shall not be delegated to the Member Secretary.

Agenda Item No. 8

To decide the fees for application in Form-1 (of rules) submitted to the board:

It was decided by the Board that the fees of Form no. 1 for seeking permission of the board, under Rule 19(1) of Rajasthan State Biological Diversity Rules, 2010, by any citizen of India or a body corporate, association or organization registered in India for access to / collection of biological resources for commercial utilization or bio-survey and bio-utilization for commercial utilization shall be fixed as Rs. 5000/-. The proposal for approval of this rate shall be sent to State Government.

Agenda Item No. 9

Decision on application received from Mr. Prahalad Rai Vyas of Bikaner through N.B.A. for intellectual property right:

Since no BMC has been constituted so far and the required Bio-resource does not fall in the jurisdiction of a particular local body it was decided by the Board that the consent may be sent to National Biodiversity authority with a condition that at the time of granting permission for commercial exploitation of ‘Biological Resource’ the interests of concerning BMC shall be taken care of, with reference to ‘Access Benefit Sharing’.

Agenda Item No. 10

Decision on application received from Directorate of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Research, Anand, Gujarat:

Since Biological Diversity Act - 2002 and Rajasthan Biological Diversity Rules – 2010 does not inhibit collection of any biological resource from any source for non-commercial research purposes, it was decided by the Board that the original application shall be forwarded to Forest Department for necessary action.

Agenda Item No. 11

Decision on application received from Dr. Shiv Prasad and Dr. Kilambi of Ahmedabad, Gujarat, through N.B.A. for intellectual property right:

Agenda Item No. 12

Services of CAG empanelled Chartered Accountant for Annual Audit of the Board:

The Board approved the rates of M/s S. Singhal & Co., Gordhan Enclave, II Floor, 4-B, Yudhithir Marg, C-Scheme, Jaipur, for annual audit of accounts and for submission of annual tax returns to Income Tax Department.

Agenda Item No. 13

Deputation allowance to officers/staff on deputation to Board:

The Board decided that a deputation allowance of 2.5% or Rs. 600/-, whichever is less, shall be given to all the officers/staff of the board on deputation. The proposals in this regard shall be sent to the State Government for approval.

Agenda Item No. 14

Allowances to non-official members, Special invitees and members of the expert committees for attending the meeting(s):

The Board decided that since the status of members of this Board is the same as that of the members of “State Level Environment Impact Assessment Authority”, same rates of honorarium and other allowances shall be payable to the Non-official members of Rajasthan State Biodiversity Board and its Special Invitees for attending the meeting(s), subject to approval by the State Government.

Minutes of the 4^th meeting

Held on 28.08.2012

The fourth meeting of Rajasthan State Biodiversity Board was held on 28.08.2012 at 3.00 P.M. under the chairmanship of the Chairman, Rajasthan State Biodiversity Board. List of the members & special invitees, present in the meeting is attached as Annexure – A

After deliberations on the agenda, following decisions were taken:

Agenda Item No. 1:

Approval & compliance of the proceedings of the third meeting held on 14.02.2012:

The board approved the proceedings of the third meeting and reviewed the compliance. Following decisions were taken:

(iv) The guide lines for the management, conservation and other aspects of ‘Heritage Sites’ shall be submitted for approval in the next meeting.

(v) It was decided that for selection of site for development of Biodiversity Park during 2012-13 in Udaipur, a sub-committee under the Chairmanship of Chief Conservator of Forests, Udaipur, shall be constituted with following members:

(a) Prof. K.K.Sharma, M.D.S. University, Ajmer.

(b) Dr. Vineet Soni, M.L.Sukhadia University, Udaipur.

This sub-committee shall visit the probable sites near Udaipur and shall submit briefs on the existing Biodiversity of finally selected site, along with G.P.S. locations.

(vi) The approval of the Government, regarding fees for application in Form no.1 shall be obtained at an early date so that the interested persons / corporate bodies / Associations / Organizations may seek approval of this Board for access to bio-resources for commercial utilization.

(vii) About deputation allowance to officers on deputation to Board, it was decided that since the officers posted in ‘Pollution Control Board’ are getting deputation allowance and the Administrative Department of both the Boards is the same, the discrimination is undesirable. The matter shall be referred to the Government for reconsideration.

(viii) Posters on the Biodiversity of Agriculture and Domestic animals shall also be published.

(ix) Field studies done in context of Biodiversity, by the special invitees of this General Body Meeting and other eminent persons in the State shall be utilized by the Board for its future publications and copies shall also be kept in the library of the Board.

Agenda Item No. 2:-

Approval of draft ‘Logo’ of Rajasthan State Bio-diversity Board:-

The draft ‘Logo’ of Rajasthan state Biodiversity Board was approved without any change and is enclosed at annexure ‘B’.

Agenda Item No. 3:-

Approval of ‘Audit Report’ for financial year 2011-12:-

The audit report for the financial year 2011-12 was approved without any change and is enclosed at annexure ‘C’.

Agenda Item No. 4:-

Approval of the amended list of rare, endangered and threatened plant species in the State of Rajasthan:-

After deliberations following decisions were taken:

(a) Prof. Brij Gopal (Special invitee) pointed out, and other members also agreed that the list of rare, endangered and threatened plant species, approved by the Botanical Survey of India has following discrepancies:

(i) Lemna maxima and Lemna minima at serial no. 38 & 39 of the list, are synonyms, this shall be checked again.

(ii) Likewise Lindernia bracteoides at serial no. 40 of the list is valid species, while Bonnaya bracteoides at serial no. 13 is its synonym. This shall be checked.

(iii) There are a few spelling mistakes in the names of genus and species of some plants, which should be corrected.

(iv) The nomenclature used by the Botanical survey of India, Jodhpur in their list is not International and thus it will not be acceptable at the International Forum. Only International nomenclature shall be used for this purpose. Plant names available at website http://www.theplantlist.org or http://www.ipni.org/index.html shall be relied upon. These websites provide the accepted Latin name for most species, with links to all synonyms, by which that species has been known.

(b) Efforts shall be made to mention the local names of these species, as far as possible, and a separate column for the local name shall be inserted in the list.

(c) There shall be uniformity in the pattern of writing the name of species and in the narration of their details in the list.

(d) Additional list of 17 rare, endangered and threatened plant species in the State was reviewed and it was found that species Crypsis schoenoides is commonly found in the State and thus it should be deleted from the list. Other 16 species were approved for inclusion in the list of rare, endangered and threatened plant species in the State.

(e) Shri Abhijit Ghose, member, mentioned that one list of rare, endangered and threatened plant species of the State was prepared by the Forest Department for the purpose of inclusion in a schedule under ‘Wild Life (Protection) Act’. This list shall also be studied in this context. Dr. Suresh Chandra, C.C.F. (Plan) was requested to provide this list.

(f) Shri H.M.Bhatia, member, pointed out that some plants, included in the list of rare, endangered and threatened plant species in the State, approved in the third meeting of the Board held on 14.02.2012, have now been deleted by Botanical Survey of India, Jodhpur on the basis that those plants are not rare, endangered and threatened as per IUCN list. He mentioned that the list being prepared by this Board should include all the plant species which are rare, endangered and threatened in the context of Rajasthan, irrespective of their global (IUCN) status. This was agreed upon by the Board.

(g) Dalbergia latifolia is also rare, endangered and threatened plant species in the State of Rajasthan but it has not been included in either of the lists. This should also be included in this list.

(h) It was agreed upon in the Board that these lists shall be forwarded to the Botanical Survey of India, Kolkata with these observations of the Board, for their comments and required corrections.

Agenda Item No. 5

Approval of additional list of rare and threatened plant species for raising in Forest nurseries during 2012-13:-

Following additional seven rare and threatened plant species of commercial importance, found is Rajasthan, were approved for raising of two year old seedlings in the existing nurseries of Forest Department.

S.No.	Species	Common name
1.	Commiphora agallocha Engl.	Badi gugal
2.	Manilkara hexandra Roxb.	Rayan
3.	Buchanania lanzan Spreng.	Chironji
4.	Cordia gharaf	Gundi
5.	Butea monosperma var. lutea	Dhaula Khakra
6.	Anogeissus sericea	Indrok-dhaukra
7.	Dalbergia latifolia Roxb.	Safed shisum

This will also include raising of plants by tissue culture. These plants will be planted by the BMCs and Forest Department under their regular planting schemes. In future, some targets of raising these seedlings shall also be allotted to ‘Grass Farm Nursery’ Jaipur and ‘Banki Nursery’, Udaipur, so that close observations on the results can be kept. Shri Abhijit ghose, member suggested that raising of these species shall be done initially, in a few identified Forest nurseries where committed staff is posted, till we standardise the nursery technique. In Jodhpur University, protocol of Anogeissus sericea was developed and plants raised, were given to Forest Department. We can tie up with them, if Dr. Shekhawat is still there. We may ask AFRI and CAZRI also to help us and next time in our Board meeting, we may invite Directors of these institutions as special invitee.

Agenda Item No. 6

Approval for purchase of required furniture for the office of the Chairman:-

Following items of furniture were approved for the office of the Chairman:

S.No.	Name of Item	Approximate cost (Rs.)
1.	Office table (1)	50000/-
2.	Officer chair (1)	8000/-
3.	Side rack (1)	10000/-
4.	Almirah (1)	5000/-
5.	Guest chairs (6)	30000/-
6.	Sofa set (1)	20000/
7.	Central table (1)	10000/-
	Total	133000/-

These items will be purchased from out of the funds being made available by the National Biodiversity Authority for development of infrastructure.

Agenda Item No. 7

Approval for purchase of one vehicle (car) for the Board:-

It was approved that one A/C car shall be purchased for full time use of the Board because, at times, private hired vehicle does not serve the purpose for out station touring and in odd hours. This vehicle will be purchased from out of the funds being made available by the National Biodiversity Authority for development of infrastructure. Rs. 7.00 Lac was approved for the purchase of car.

Agenda Item No. 8

Hiring of one Driver on contract basis and one Forester on deputation:-

It was approved that one driver (Ex-military man) shall be hired on contract basis to run the car and one Forester, in the Pay band 5200-20200 and Grade pay Rs. 2400/-, shall be taken on deputation from Forest Department for field work. This staff is very much required for effective discharge of the functions of the Board. It was approved that these posts shall be created in the Board after due approval from the State Government.

Agenda Item No. 9

Decision on application received from Mr.Vishnu Kumar Sharma, Village Nangal Lotwada, Dausa (Rajasthan), through N.B.A. for intellectual property right:

Since no BMC has been constituted so far in Dausa district and the required Bio-resource does not fall in the jurisdiction of a particular local body, it was decided by the Board that the consent may be sent to the National Biodiversity authority with a condition that at the time of granting permission for commercial exploitation of ‘Biological Resource’ the interests of concerning BMC shall be taken care of, with reference to ‘Access Benefit Sharing’. Intimation in this regard shall be sent to the local body.

Agenda Item No. 10

Constitution of Sub-committees to take care of Agro-biodiversity, Domestic Animal Biodiversity, Aquatic Biodiversity and Plant Biodiversity of Rajasthan:-

It was agreed that following sub-committees shall be constituted, as per the provisions of Section 13 of Biological Diversity Act, 2002, for the study of the status, invention & documentation and conservation of various plants, animals and microbe species in the State,:

(a) Sub–committee for Animal Biodiversity: - This sub-committee will be responsible for studies regarding Biodiversity of Wild as well as Domestic Animals.

(b) Sub-committee for Plant Biodiversity: - This sub-committee will be responsible for studies regarding Biodiversity of Agricultural as well as Wild Plants.

(c) Sub-committee for Microbial Biodiversity: - This sub-committee will be responsible for studies regarding Microbial Biodiversity.

Each sub-committee shall have a coordinator. The names of the persons to be included in these Sub-committees shall be suggested by Dr. S.M.Mohnot, Marudhar Vikas Sansthan, Jodhpur, Prof. Brij Gopal, Centre for Inland Waters in South Asia, Jaipur, Prof. K.K.Sharma, Head, Zoology Department and Dean Faculty, M.D.S. University, Ajmer and Dr. Vineet Soni, M.L.Sukhadia University, Udaipur. Separate working groups will be constituted for different fields of work. These working groups will be constituted as per the recommendations of the sub-committees.

The terms of references of these sub-committees shall also be proposed by these eminent Scientists.

Agenda Item No. 11

Discussions regarding modalities to be adopted for preparation of “People’s Biodiversity Registers” at Panchayat level and their compilation at Block/District level:

It was decided that preparation of “Peoples’ Biodiversity Registers” shall be initiated with Science teachers of College and Senior secondary schools. The Biology students of these Educational Institutions shall also be associated with this work. They will be happy to perform this task with their regular work because this will help in their regular studies. NGOs with good reputation and experience shall also be associated with this work at some places. Later on, modalities shall be finalized as per their performances.

Agenda Item No. 12

Any other issue/point with the permission of the Chair:

It was agreed that at least one Taxonomist, each for Flora and Fauna, who has made significant contribution in taxonomic studies of Rajasthan, as evidenced by International publications, shall be associated with this Board as a consultant for its day to day requirements. Professor K.K.Sharma, M.D.S. University, Ajmer agreed to send copies of reprints of his publications on Biodiversity of Herpeto-fauna of Rajasthan, for the library of the Board. He also suggested that the library of the Board should have such collection of other floral, faunal and microbial species from the taxonomists who have made contributions on the documentation of Taxonomy/Biodiversity of Rajasthan.

Minutes of the special meeting

Held on 03.10.2012

A special meeting of Rajasthan State Biodiversity Board was held on 03.10.2012 at 3.00 P.M. under the chairmanship of the Chairman, Rajasthan State Biodiversity Board. List of the members, present in the meeting and those who have sent their consent/approval by email/in writing is attached as Annexure – A.

After deliberations on the agenda, following decision was taken:

Agenda:-

Approval of the Members of the Board for taking supporting staff on reverse deputation from RAJSICO:-

The State Government, vide its order dated 18.03.2011, has sanctioned following posts of supporting staff for regular functioning of the Board:

(a) Senior Personal Assistant-1.

(b) Steno-1.

(d) Upper Division Clerk-1.

(e) Lower Division Clerk-1.

(f) Supporting Staff (Class-IV)-2.

These posts have to be filled by deputation of staff from Forest /Environment/other Departments. Forest/Environment Department has expressed their inability to spare the staff for the Board because of shortage in their own offices.

Rajasthan Small Industries Corporation (a public sector undertaking), vide their letter no. 6440-41 dated:24.07.2012 and 6776 dated 30.07.2012 intimated this Board that spare personnel of the rank of U.D.C., L.D.C. and supporting staff (class-IV) are available with them. The matter of taking this staff on reverse deputation from RAJSICO was referred to the State Government. The Government vide their letter dated 18.09.2012 has given approval that the surplus staff of RAJSICO can be taken on deputation by this Board after receiving mutual consent of “The Board of Directors” of both the Boards.

The RAJSICO vide their letter dated 20.09.2012 has intimated that their Board of Directors have already agreed to send the spare staff on reverse deputation to other offices. The matter was placed before the members of this Board for their approval. All of the members present and those who have sent their approval by email/in writing agreed to the proposal of taking the above mentioned staff on reverse deputation from Rajasthan Small Industries Corporation.

Minutes of the 5^th meeting

Held on 22.11.2012

The fifth meeting of Rajasthan State Biodiversity Board was held on 22.11.2012 at 2.00 P.M. The meeting was headed by the Chairman, Rajasthan State Biodiversity Board, Jaipur. List of the members & special invitees, present in the meeting is attached as Annexure – ‘A’.

After deliberations on the agenda, following decisions were taken:

Agenda Item No. 1:

Approval & compliance of the proceedings of the fourth meeting held on 28.08.2012:

The Board approved the proceedings of the fourth meeting and reviewed the compliance. Following decisions were taken:

(x) Regarding selection of site for development of Biodiversity Park at Udaipur, committee constituted under the Chairmanship of C.C.F., Udaipur has not yet submitted its report. Representative of Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (HoFF) was requested to issue suitable direction from the Headquarter in this matter so that the available funds are utilized timely. He should coordinate with other members also, so that visit to the site is ensured.

(xi) Regarding approval of the Government, about fees for application in Form no.1, Member Secretary intimated that the matter is still pending with the Government with reference to clarification about provisions of Rule 19 of Rajasthan Biological Diversity Rules, 2010. The matter will again be discussed with Finance Department. Members of the Board felt that instead of change of Rule, appropriate Administrative Order can be issued under the Rule prescribing formats for various requirements.

(xii) Regarding publication of Posters on the Biodiversity of Agriculture and Domestic Animals, Dr. Anand Sejra, Joint Director, Animal Husbandry assured that he will arrange required material about indigenous breeds of Domestic animals. The Central Institute of Sheep Research at Avika Nagar can also be a good source of information for sheep. Regarding indigenous Agricultural crops, it was observed that required material can be obtained from National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, New Delhi and Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi. ICRISAT, Hyderabad can also provide some information about traditional agricultural crops of Rajasthan. Central Goat Research Institute and Camel Research Institute, Bikaner are also few other institutes which can throw light upon domestic breed of animals from Rajasthan.

(xiii) Regarding submission of publications to the Board library, on the field studies done in the context of Biodiversity, the Board acknowledged and put it on record its deep appreciation for the research publications received from Prof. Brij Gopal, Centre for Inland Waters in South Asia on ‘Biodiversity in wetlands’ and from Prof. K.K.Sharma, Head, Department of Zoology and Dean, Faculty of Science, MDS University, Ajmer on ‘Biodiversity of herpeto-fauna and other fauna of Rajasthan’. Efforts shall be made to enrich library of the State Biodiversity Board with the publications made by other persons in the State about their original works/issues related to the Biodiversity of Rajasthan.

(xiv) The Board reviewed its decision taken in the last meeting dated 28.08.2012, regarding taking one Forester on deputation from Forest Department for field work. It was agreed that since most of the senior and experienced Foresters in Forest Department have been promoted to the post of Range Officer, instead of Forester a Range Officer, in the Pay band II (9300-34800) and Grade pay Rs. 3600/- shall be taken on deputation from the Forest Department for field work of the Board. Accordingly, the post of Range Officer in place of Forester shall be created in the Board after due approval from the State Government.

(xv) Regarding services of Taxonomist to the Board, it was decided that the committees constituted under Section 13 of Biological Diversity act, 2002 shall suggest suitable names to the Board who are best persons as experts in the field of Taxonomy. Prof. Brij Gopal suggested the name of Prof. S. Mishra, Retd. Professor of Botany, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur for the position of a part time consultant. His candidature can be considered.

Agenda Item No. 2:-

Approval of the decision taken in the special meeting dated 03.10.2012:-

The issue of taking office staff on reverse deputation from Rajasthan Small Industries Corporation, Jaipur was referred to the Government for their approval. The Government directed that the staff of RAJSICO can be taken on reverse deputation only if Boards of Directors of both the Boards agree to it. An urgent special meeting under Rule 13 of Rajasthan Biological Diversity Rules, 2010 was held on 03.10.2012 to decide, whether this Board shall take office staff from Rajasthan Small Industries Corporation on reverse deputation or not. It was agreed in that meeting that this Board shall take office staff on reverse deputation from RAJSICO for proper day to day functioning of the Board. The decision taken in the special meeting dated 03.10.2012 was approved by the General Body.

Agenda Item No. 3:-

Approval of Annual Administrative Report for the year 2011-12:-

The Board members agreed that they will provide their suggestions/ additional input on the Annual Administrative Report within a period of 15 days. It was requested that their additional contribution should reach this Board, either by email or by post, latest by 10^th December, 2012so that the report can be finalized in time.

Agenda Item No. 4:-

Formation of Sub-Committees under Section-13 of Biodiversity Act 2002 to take care of Agro-biodiversity, Animal Biodiversity and Microbial Biodiversity of Rajasthan:-

Section 13 of Biological Diversity Act, 2002 has following provisions: (1) The National Biodiversity Authority may constitute a committee to deal with Agro-biodiversity.

Explanation – For the purposes of this sub-section, “agro-biodiversity “means, biological diversity of agriculture related species and their wild relatives.

(2) Without prejudice to the provisions of sub-section (1), the National Biodiversity Authority may constitute such number of committees as it deems fit for the efficient discharge of its duties and performance of its function under this Act.

(3) A committee constituted under this section shall co-opt such number of persons, who are not the members of the National Biodiversity Authority, as it may think fit and the persons so co-opted shall have the right to attend the meetings of the committee and take part in its proceedings but shall not have the right to vote.

Shri Abhijit Ghose, member of the Board, suggested that instead of Sub-committees, Committees shall be constituted. The Board endorsed his opinion and following committees were constituted:

(a) Committee for Animal Biodiversity:-

(i) Prof. K.K.Sharma, Head, Department of Zoology and Dean Faculty of Science, M.D.S. University, Ajmer. – Coordinator.

(ii) Dr. M.M.Saxena, Head, Department of Environment, Bikaner University, Bikaner.

(iii) Dr. L.L.Sharma, Ex-Dean, College of Fisheries, MPUAT, Udaipur.

(iv) Dr. Satish Sharma, Assistant Conservator of Forests, Udaipur.

This Committee will be responsible for the issues related to the Biodiversity of Wild as well as Domestic Animals.

(b) Committee for Plant Biodiversity:-

(i) Prof. Brij Gopal, Centre for Inland Waters in South Asia, Jaipur. – Coordinator.

(ii) Prof. M.M.Bhandari, Ex-Professor, JNV University, Jodhpur.

(iii) Prof. C.B.Gena, Ex-Vice Chancellor, Bikaner University, Bikaner.

(iv) Prof. Shashi Kala Kshetrapal, retired Prof. of Botany, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur.

(v) Dr. Vineet Soni, Department of Botany, M.L.Sukhadia University, Udaipur.

This Committee will be responsible for the issues related to the Biodiversity of Agricultural as well as Wild Plants.

(c) Committee for Microbial Biodiversity:-

(i) Dr. M.Krishna Mohan, Birla Institute, Statue Circle, Jaipur. – Coordinator.

(ii) Prof. Pushpa Srivastava, Botany Department, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur.

(iii) Dr. Ashish Bhatnagar, Head, Department of Zoology, MDS University, Ajmer.

(iv) Prof. B.C.Lodha, Ex. Vice Chancellor, Jain Vishva Bharti Institute, Post Box No. 6, Ladnu. 341306.

This Committee will be responsible for the issues related to Microbial Biodiversity.

Consent of the experts co-opted in above committees shall be obtained separately. In order to decide the ‘Terms of References’ of these committees, a meeting of all the coordinators will be convened within a period of one month.

Agenda Item No. 5

Proposals for survey of domestic and wild biodiversity of the State:-

In past, a lot of studies in the field of domestic and wild Biodiversity in the State by various individual/Universities/NGOs/Institutes have been done and a volume of information is available at various places. It is in the interest of the Board that the entire available data may be procured and compiled by the subject experts.

The Board observed that ‘Foundation for Ecological Security’, Udaipur has done a commendable work regarding district wise documentation of Biodiversity in the State. They have covered a few districts. Their work shall be studied and similar work shall be done for the remaining districts.

Agenda Item No. 6

Approval of guidelines for development of ‘Biodiversity Heritage Sites’:-

The Board members desired that they will give their suggestions on the guidelines for development of ‘Biodiversity Heritage Sites’ within a period of 15 days. It was requested that their suggestions should reach this Board, either by email or by post, latest by 10^th December, 2012 so that the guidelines are framed and circulated in time.

Agenda Item No. 7

Any other issue/point with the permission of the Chair:

Agenda item no. 7 (a)

Preparation of State Biodiversity Atlas:-

It has been felt that there is no information available readily about type and status of Biodiversity in different Districts of Rajasthan. Hence to bring it to the knowledge of policy makers, NGOs, Scientific institutions, a State Biodiversity Atlas shall be prepared as early as possible after compilation of data..

The Board observed that this task shall be assigned to the committees constituted under Section 13 of Biological Diversity Act, 2002. The format adopted by the ‘Foundation for Ecological Security’, Udaipur can be further examined and adopted by the Board, if found appropriate.

Agenda item no. 7(b)

Approval of rent of additional accommodation in the office:-

Additional accommodation has been taken on rent in the existing office building for the Office of the Chairman and his supporting staff. The constructed area of this accommodation is 48.82 Sq. meter. The rent assessed by PWD is Rs. 9052/- per month. Non-availability certificate has been obtained from GAD. The Board approved the rental value for the space.

Agenda item no. 7 (c)

Creation of post of Accounts officer instead of Chief Accounts Officer:-

The annual budget of the Board, at present, is about 200.00 Lac and a post of Chief Accounts Officer has been sanctioned in the Board to take care of this meager budget. As per the approved 12^th five year plan, it will not be more than 3 to 4 Crore per annum during rest of the years. Looking to the small budget provisions, the Board is of the opinion that only a post of Accounts Officer shall suffice for the purpose of the Board. The proposals in this regard shall be sent to the State Government.

Agenda item no. 7 (d)

The post of Chief Manager (Tech.) to be filled by a scientist or Lecturer from Biological Sciences:-

It has been felt that the Board has to deal with flora and fauna of the State, including agricultural and domestic animal Biodiversity, in its day to day activities. In this way an expert having knowledge of flora and fauna of the State will be more suitable for the post of Chief Manager (Technical) in the Board. It was proposed that the Chief Manager (Technical) should be a scientist or a College/school lecturer in the same pay scale and grade pay as assigned for Deputy Conservator of Forests.

The Board observed that there is shortage of Scientists/Lecturers in most of the Universities and Colleges and in this situation the Board may not get the required personnel. It was decided that a suitable interested person shall be searched first and only then decision can be taken as regard his/her induction modality.

Agenda item no. 7 (e)

Formation of sub-committee for updating/preparation of State Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan:-

State Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan has to be prepared/updated to put in place a system to conserve the biological resources of the state, to ensure their sustainable use and to promote equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the commercial utilization of these biological resources. A sub-committee shall be constituted to perform this task.

The Board observed that instead of sub-committee a committee shall be constituted. After deliberations following Committee was constituted:

1. Shri Abhijit Ghose, IFS (Retd.), Member, R.S.B.B.. – Chairman.

2. Prof. Brij Gopal, Centre for Inland Waters in South Asia, Jaipur.

3. Prof. K.K. Sharma, M.D.S. University, Ajmer.

4. Shri J.K.Tanania, Joint Director, Agronomy, Department of Agriculture, Jaipur. - Representative of Agriculture Department.

5. Dr. Anand Sejra, Joint Director, Animal Husbandry Department. - Representative of Animal Husbandry Department.

6. Member Secretary, RSBB, Jaipur.—Secretary.

This committee shall submit its concept paper within a period of six months.

Minutes of the 6^th meeting

Held on 08.03.2013

The sixth meeting of Rajasthan State Biodiversity Board was held on 08.03.2013 at 2.00 P.M.. The meeting was headed by the Chairman, Rajasthan State Biodiversity Board, Jaipur. List of the members & special invitees, present in the meeting, is attached as Annexure – ‘A’.

After deliberations on the agenda, following decisions were taken:

Agenda Item No. 1:

Approval & compliance of the proceedings of the fifth meeting held on 22.11.2012:

The Board approved the proceedings of the fifth meeting and reviewed the compliance. Following decisions were taken:

(xvi) The Board accepted the recommendations of the committee constituted for selection of site for development of Biodiversity Park. ‘Gamdhar Block’ of Udaipur (North) division has been selected for this purpose.

(xvii) Regarding notification about the fees for application in Form no.1 (of Rajasthan Biological Diversity Rules, 2010), Dy. Secretary, Environment Department intimated that as per provisions under Rule 19(1) of Rajasthan Biological Diversity Rules, 2010, the notification has to be issued by the Board itself. The approved draft notification has been sent to the Board for issuance.

(xviii) Regarding creation of a post of Range Officer in Board, Dy. Secretary, Environment Department, intimated that the matter is under consideration with the Government. The decision will be communicated shortly.

(xix) Regarding deputation allowance to officers on deputation to Board, the Dy. Secretary, Environment Department, intimated that the issue is under consideration with the Government. The decision will be communicated shortly.

(xx) A copy of the Annual Administrative Report for the year 2011-12, as approved by the Board, was made available to the members.

(xxi) Regarding committees constituted under section-13 of Biological Diversity Act, 2002, in the last meeting held on 22.11.2012 to take care of plant biodiversity, animal biodiversity and microbial biodiversity, Prof. S.M. Mohnot, member, intimated that Prof. M.M.Bhandari, Ex-Professor, JNV University, Jodhpur, included in the committee for plant biodiversity, has expired and thus his name should be deleted. Instead of Mr. Bhandari, Dr. R.P. Pandey, retired from Botanical Survey of India, Jodhpur and Dr. Suresh Kumar from CAZRI, Jodhpur should be included in this committee. Beside this, he also suggested that Dr. N.S. Rathore, retired Additional Director, Zoological Survey of India, Jodhpur should also be included in the committee for animal biodiversity. The Board agreed to his suggestions.

The members observed that the ‘Terms of References’ for these committees shall be drafted at an early date.

(xxii) Regarding finalization of the list of rare, endangered and threatened plants, it was decided that the Botanical Survey of India, Kolkata shall be reminded for an early action.

(xxiii) Regarding approved guidelines for Identification, Notification and Management of ‘Biodiversity Heritage Sites’, Member Secretary intimated that the booklet is being published for wider circulation.

(xxiv) Regarding Creation of post of Accounts Officer instead of Chief Accounts Officer, the Member Secretary intimated that the issue is being taken up with the Government.

(xxv) Regarding updating/preparation of State Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, the Member Secretary intimated that the outlines have been prepared and the meeting of the committee will be called with in a short period.

Agenda Item No. 2:-

Selection of districts for district wise documentation of domestic and wild biodiversity:-

It was decided that as per the provision of Rs. 8.00 Lac available during current financial year, the task of District wise documentation of biodiversity shall be initiated in four districts viz. Ajmer, Udaipur, Baran and Jaisalmer. It is difficult to estimate the anticipated expenditure at this stage and thus a token money of Rs. 2.00 Lac per district shall be allotted to the nodal Deputy Conservator of Forests of these districts to initiate the process and they shall be asked to submit the detailed estimate of anticipated expenditure to perform this task. The received estimates will be reviewed later. Prof. S.M. Mohnot, member, suggested that the Regional Offices of Botanical Survey of India and Zoological Survey of India located at Jodhpur shall also be associated with this work. All other members also endorsed the opinion. It was also decided that a proper and uniform format shall be developed by the Board for this purpose.

Agenda Item No. 3:-

Sanction of additional grant in aid and grants to Biodiversity Management Committees:-

The Board agreed that an additional grant of Rs. 0.10 Lac, to each Biodiversity Management Committee, shall be given to help them establish their office by purchasing an almirah and other required office material. This grant will be in addition to the grant of Rs. 0.30 Lac approved by this Board in its meeting dated 14.02.2012 to let the BMCs perform their statutory functions that is to prepare and maintain People’s biodiversity registers and to convene its meetings from time to time.

Agenda Item No. 4:-

Preparation of Management Plans of ‘Biodiversity Heritage Sites’:-

It was decided in the Board meeting that out of the five provisionally selected Biodiversity Heritage Sites, the task of notification, this year, shall be initiated for Akal wood fossil park, Jaisalmer and Chhapoli-Mansa mata, Jhunjhunu. An amount of Rs. 1.00 Lac, for each site, shall be allotted initially to the concerning Deputy Conservator Forests for survey etc. and later on additional money shall be allotted for preparation of Management Plan, as per the actual requirement.

Agenda Item No. 5

Approval of out of State visits of the officers of the Board:-

The Board decided that out of State official visits of the officers working under the Chairman shall be approved by the Chairman and in case when the Chairman has to perform out of State official visit then he shall intimate the Administrative Department before performing the visit.

Agenda Item No. 6

Adoption of Service and other Rules for the staff of the Board:-

The Board members observed that the Board has no staff recruited by its own self and all the Officers and staff of the Board are on deputation from different Departments. In this situation, the services of these officers/staff will be governed by the prevailing rules of the Government and hence the adoption of Rules of the State Government by the Board is not required.

Agenda Item No. 7

Adoption of guidelines for Finance and maintenance of accounts of the Board:-

During discussions the Board members observed that Rajasthan Biological Diversity Rules, 2010 has following provisions in this regard:

Provisions under Rule-15, 16, 22 and 24 empowers this Board with specific powers for implementation of Biological Diversity Act, 2002 and Rajasthan Biological Diversity Rules, 2010. As specified under Rule 22(3), the Board shall be a body corporate by the name aforesaid; having independent working with its own financial rules and regulations hence the implementation of this Act and Rules requires autonomous and independent working of this Board.

Rule-21(ii):- The Board shall lay down the procedure for upkeep of the accounts. The accounts of the Board shall be audited annually by the Chartered Accountant appointed for the purpose by the Board. The Accountant General of the State may as well audit the accounts and the fee for the same shall be payable by the Board.

In absence of separate financial guidelines, presently the Board is following General Financial & Accounts Rules of the State Government for expenditure and maintenance of Accounts. The Board members were of the opinion that adoption of G.F. & A.R. in regular working will not meet out the requirements of the Board as the Board has to meet and fulfill the requirements up to BMCs level and the G.F. & A.R. does not incorporate the modalities for this purpose. Apart from the grant of the State Government, Board is also receiving funds from National Biodiversity Authority. In future the Board will also generate its own funds by fee, loan from external agencies, benefit arising out of use of bio-resources etc. So it was felt that a corporate/ independent working of the Board is the need of the hour.

After due discussions, it was decided that the Board should have separate Operational Manual/guidelines for the funds being received by the Board and for transfer of funds to the BMCs and maintenance of their accounts. The powers of ‘Head of Department’ may vest with the Chairman.

The Chief Manager, Administration and Accounts who belongs to Rajasthan Accounts Services shall prepare draft guidelines in this regard within a fortnight and submit it to the Member Secretary for getting it approved by this Board.

Agenda Item No. 8

Any other issue/point with the permission of the Chair:-

1. Prof. S.M. Mohnot, member, mentioned that since Regional offices of Botanical Survey of India and Zoological Survey of India, located at Jodhpur have almost complete data of Flora and Fauna of the State and their participation in the Board meetings will be useful so representatives of these institutions shall also be called in the meetings of this Board in future. Other members also endorsed the view. It was decided that the representatives of these institutions shall be invited in the meetings going to be held in future.

2. Prof. K.K. Sharma, special invitee, mentioned that a lot of research work has been done in various institutions of the State on Biodiversity and thus CAZRI, BSI, ZSI and other universities of the State shall be requested to send copies of these research publications to this Board. These publications will be useful for reference. The members of the Board agreed to his suggestion. Action shall be taken accordingly.

Minutes of the 7^th meeting

Held on 23.08.2013

The seventh meeting of Rajasthan State Biodiversity Board was held on 23.08.2013 at 2.00 P.M. The meeting was headed by the Chairman, Rajasthan State Biodiversity Board, Jaipur. List of the members & special invitees, present in the meeting, is attached as Annexure – ‘A’.

After deliberations on the agenda, following decisions were taken:

Agenda Item No. 1:

Approval & compliance of the proceedings of the sixth meeting held on 08.03.2013:

The Board approved the proceedings of the sixth meeting and reviewed the compliance. Following decisions were taken:

(xxvi) Regarding committees constituted under section-13 of Biological Diversity Act, 2002, in the meeting held on 08.03.2013 for taking care of plant biodiversity, animal biodiversity and microbial biodiversity, Prof. K.K.Sharma suggested that Professor and Scientist having knowledge of Taxonomy should be included in the committee .The Board agreed to his suggestions.

(xxvii) The final list of rare, endangered and threatened plants has been received from the Botanical Survey of India, Kolkata. The list was placed before the board and discussed. It was decided that the local name of species should also be added in the list.

Regarding endangered fauna Prof. K.K.Sharma suggested that list should be more extensive. He will provide a tentative list of endangered fauna to be forwarded to Govt.

(xxviii) Regarding updating/preparation of State Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, it was decided that the action plan will be written based on the action plan written earlier 2003.

Different chapters will be written by the officers separately and discussed at the end of month and so on. Following decision were taken-

Ø Current status and profile of the state shall be written by The Chairman, RSBB.

Ø Strategy and Action Points shall be written by Sh Abhijit Ghosh.

Ø Threats and drives shall be written by Sh. Brij Gopal . He will take care of floral biodiversity also.

Ø Prof. K.K.Sharma will write the faunal part of action plan.

The members may meet in Jaipur on weekends as per their convenience informing Member Secretary, RSBB.

T.A. and D.A. shall be borne by the board for such meetings.

Agenda item No. 2

Adoption of guideline for Finance and maintenance of Accounts of the Board.

Presently Board is following General Financial & Accounts Rules of the State Government for expenditure and maintenance of Accounts. Separate ‘Operational Manual’ may be drafted for the funds being received from NBA and for transfer of funds to the BMCs and maintenance of their accounts.

It has been felt that owing to the adoption of G.F. & A.R. in regular working, Board like a like a State Government Department, having no financial autonomy, hence it is necessary to have its own financial guidelines. Apart from the grant of the State Government, Board is receiving funds from National Biodiversity Board. In future the Board will also generate its own funds by fee etc. Similarly in Section 44 (I) of Biological Diversity Act, 2002, it has been envisaged that “Subject to the provisions of sub section (2), the management and the custody of the Local Biodiversity Fund and the purposes for which such fund shall be applied, be in the manner as may be prescribed by the State Government”.

The drafted guide lines were placed before the Board for discussion. It was decided that board members will study these guidelines and comments on these within 15 days. If no comments are received from the members within the time limit, then the guidelines would be forwarded to Govt. for further action of approval.

Agenda item No. 3

Approval for appointment of Chief Executive Officer, Zila Parishad as Nodal Officer for the compliance of Bio-diversity Act 2002 and Rajasthan Bio-diversity Rules 2010 in the districts as per the provision 2.2 in the Guide Lines 2013 issued by NBA .

As per the provision 2.2 in the Guide Lines 2013 issued by NBA”The State Government on the recommendation of the SBB shall designate Nodal Officer for each of the districts to observe the various matters of the BMC. An officer from appropriate line department relevant to the local conditions may be appointed as Nodal Officer, who will report to the SBB.”

The matter was discussed before the Board, the members were of the view that CEO , Zila Parishad is already overburdened with other responsibilities and would not be able to do justice to the task. it was decided that the information regarding this matter can be obtained from other SBB’s and then appropriate officer may be nominated as Nodal Officer.

Agenda item No. 4

Approval for honorarium for Secretaries of concerned BMC’s ( ACEO/ BDO/ Executive Officer /Panchayat Secretaries) as per the provision 2.6 in the Guide Lines 2013 issued by NBA .

As per the provision 2.6 in the Guide Lines 2013 issued by NBA “The custody of the funds of the BMC is the responsibility of the person belonging to the permanent establishment like local administration and will take necessary steps for safeguards during receipt, deposition and transmission of the money, maintain suitable records for purposes of accounting and auditing.

For this purpose the task would be treated as an additional charge for the member of the permanent establishment. And therefore is suitable honorarium in rupees would be paid for the services rendered to every Secretary. In this regard the State Government may issue a suitable Government Order/ Resolution in consultation with SBB.”

The matter was discussed before the Board, it was decided that in case of determining Nodal Officers the information regarding this matter can be obtained from other SBB’s and then appropriate honorarium may be decided for the Secretaries.

Agenda item No. 5

Approval of Fees for pre-intimation by the industries based on biological resources to the Board.

As per provision of Section 7 of Biodiversity Act 2002”No person, who is a citizen of India or a body corporate, association or organization which is registered in India, shall obtain any biological resource for commercial utilization, or bio survey and bio utilization of commercial utilization except after giving prior intimation to the State Biodiversity Board concerned.”

The matter was discussed in the 3^rd meeting of Board also and it was decided that for access of biodiversity resource a fees of Rs.5000/- for research purpose or commercial utilization should be charged.

Minutes of the 8^th meeting of State Biodiversity Board

held on 17.02.2014

The eighth meeting of Rajasthan State Biodiversity Board was held on 17.02.2014 at 2.00 P.M. The meeting was headed by the Chairman, Rajasthan State Biodiversity Board, Jaipur. List of the members & special invitees, present in the meeting, is attached as Annexure – ‘A’.

After discussion on the agenda, following decisions were taken:

Agenda Item No. 1:

Approval & compliance of the proceedings of the Seventh meeting held on 23.08.2013:

The Board approved the proceedings of the seventh meeting and reviewed the compliance. Following decisions were taken:-

(xxix) Regarding committees constituted under section-13 of Biological Diversity Act, 2002, in the meeting held on 23.08.2013 for taking care of plant biodiversity, animal biodiversity and microbial biodiversity, Prof. K.K.Sharma suggested that Professor and Scientist having knowledge of Taxonomy should be included in the committee. The Board agreed to his suggestions.

The committees could not start functioning yet. It was decided that Board should prepared TOR for the committees. Names of other members to be included in these committees may be decided later on.

(xxx) Regarding updating/preparation of State Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan.

The task of writing the strategy and action plan have not progressed. The issue was discussed in the meeting .Member Secretary, RSBB suggested that this task may be get done by outsourcing through institution/ NGO/consultant. The matter was discussed and the Board members were of the view that Strategy and Action plan is a highly technical excercise and needs specialist from various fields of science. It is difficult that a quality document can be prepared by one NGO / single specialist personnel. A team of experts should be assigned this job. It is decided to call a meeting in March,2014 to finalize a team of experts for this job.

(xxxi) Adoption of guideline for Finance and maintenance of Accounts of the Board.

Member Secretary apprised the Board members that the guidelines were forwarded to government for approval. Following comments were received from Dy.Sec. (Env. )

“The constitution of SBB and delegation of powers to it are to be done as per memorandum of association. So accordingly direction for finance and administration are to be drafted in which provision of Rajasthan Transparency Act are to be followed. There is no need of any comments from Finance Department”

Member Secretary mentioned in the meeting that guidelines have already been approved by the Board members during 7^th Board meeting and now these are under publication

(xxxii) Approval for appointment of Chief Executive Officer, Zila Parishad as Nodal Officer for the compliance of Bio-diversity Act 2002 and Rajasthan Bio-diversity Rules 2010 in the districts as per the provision 2.2 in the Guide Lines 2013 issued by NBA .

During the 7^th Board meeting it was decided that procedure in other State Board may be studied. Member Secretary apprised the Board members that during Meeting of NBA at Chennai, information was sought from other State Boards and was informed that different Boards are adopting different methodology as per their convenience. MP State Biodiversity Board is getting this kind of job done through NGO’s. In Kerala, the Panchayati Raj department is looking after this work.

Member Secretary further apprised the Board members that he would soon be discussing the matter with Secretary Environment and suitable action would be taken after the discussion.

(v) Approval for honorarium for Secretaries of concerned BMC’s (ACEO/ BDO/ Executive Officer /Panchayat Secretaries) as per the provision 2.6 in the Guide Lines 2013 issued by NBA .

During 7^th Board meeting it was decided that information may be sought from other State Biodiversity Boards with regards to honorarium to Secretaries of the BMCs. Member Secretary apprised the Board members that no formal information has been received from other boards. During informal discussion with other boards during meeting of NBA at Chennai, it has come to our notice that other Boards are not paying any honorarium to secretary of BMC for the additional job. So it was decided after discussion that for the time being no honorarium be fixed for secretaries. The local body will get the work done from their secretary/any permanent Government employee.

(xxxiii) Approval of Fees for pre-intimation by the industries based on biological resources to the Board.

Member Secretary informed the Board members that for access of biodiversity resource a fee of Rs. 5000/- for research purpose and commercial utilization has been approved by Government. The same has also been notified in the State gazette.

Agenda item No. 2

Approval of Endemic Endangered Species of Flora for notification.

Member Secretary apprised the Board members that as decision taken during the 7^th Board meeting a list of 66 threatened plant species received from Botanical Survey of India, Kolkata was forwarded to Ministry of Environment and Forests, GOI, through the State Government GOI vide letter no. P4(P)/forest/05/Part II/Environment dated 11-09-2013 for notification.

Member Secretary further informed that MOEF have suggested for reconsidering the list and include only such threatened species which are on the verge extinction.

The issue was discussed in detail. Following species which are endemic to Rajasthan and highly threatened were primarily selected by the Board members to be forwarded MoEF for notification.

S.N.	Scientific Name	Family
1	Ammania desertorum	Lythraceae
2	Anogeissus sericea	Combretaceae
3	Ceropegia odorata	Asclepiadaceae
4	Ceropegia attenuata	Asclepiadaceae
4	Dicliptera abunensis	Acanthaceae
5	Heliotropium Calcareum	Boraginaceae
6	Indigofera caerulea	Fabaceae
7	Strobilanthus halbergii	Acanthaceae
8	Commiphora wightii	Burseraceae
9	Pterocarpus marsupium	Leguminosae- papilionoideae
10	Euphorbia coccinea	Euphorbiaceae
11	Euphorbia jodhpurensis	Euphorbiaceae
12	Habenaria longicorniculata	Orchidaceae
13	Indigophera angulosa	Leguminosae- papilionoideae
14	Indigophera coerulea	Leguminosae- papilionoideae
15	Lepidogathis bandranensis	Acanthaceae
16	Leucas macrantha	Laminaceae
17	Phyllanthus ajmerianus	Euphorbiaceae
18	Pseudojacobaea lavandulifolius	Asteraceae
19	Pulicaria rajputanae	Asteraceae
20	Scleria indica	Cyperaceae
21	Senecio hewrensis	Asteraceae
22	Smithia capitata	Leguminosae- papilionoideae

Chairman, RSBB, expressed his view that the purpose of notification of threatened plant species under Biological Diversity Act, 2002, is to strictly regulate extraction/collection of these plants for any commercial use. He also expressed that the list can be further shortened if only those plant species are considered for notification which are having some economical value. The members agreed to this and it was decided that the economical value of these selected plant species may be enquired into.

Agenda item No. 3

Approval of Amendment in Rajasthan Biodiversity Rules, 2010.

The Rajasthan Biodiversity Rules 2010 were reviewed by NBA. The review report of NBA and proposed amendments were put up before the board. Members discussed in detail. It was decided that the proposed amendments should be circulated to all board members for their expert comments. After incorporating comments the proposals may be sent to government. The members were of the view that appropriate amendments in Rajasthan State Biodiversity Rules, 2010, as suggested by National Biodiversity Authority may be incorporated in the rules and it must be ensured that the State Rules are not in contravention of provisions laid down in Biological Diversity Act, 2002, so that any probable legal issue arising in future may be avoided.

Agenda item No. 4

Approval for engaging a firm for preparing a documentary film.

Member Secretary expressed need for a Short documentary film as a training tool for generating awareness amongst the stake holders during various training programmes about the Biodiversity Act, role of BMCs, preparation of PBRs etc. He apprised the Board Members that DVP Films have forwarded to produce a short film at the cost of Rs.1,45,000/- for this purpose. The matter was discussed and it was brought to notice of the Board members by the Account Section that only those firms registered in DPR could be engaged for this job otherwise it would attract audit objections. It was decided that the Firm may be intimated accordingly. It was also suggested that good quality still photographs from different individual/institutes may be invited to be posted on the website of the Board. It was further decided that after sufficient collection of such photographs a documentary may be prepared.

Agenda item No. 5

Approval of launching website of Board.

Member Secretary informed that the website of the board is running on trial mode and proposed to launch the website in the meeting. All board members agreed and the website was launched in the meeting by Chairman Raj. State Biodiversity Board.

Agenda item No. 6 Any other issue/point with the permission of the Chair.

1. Approval of annual report 2012-13.

Member Secretary placed the annual report 2012-13 before the Board which was approved and released by Chairman RSBB and Board members.

2. Approval of journey by Air.

Member Secretary informed the Board members that two officers of the Board Mr. R.K. Khairwa and R.K. Bhargava went to Kolkata to attend a National Level Workshop organized by West Bengal Biodiversity Board. Due to non availability of reserved seats in the train the officers had to travel back by Air. So it was proposed to approve the journey by Air. Board Members approved the Journey by Air.

3. Honorarium for constitution of BMCs.

Member Secretary apprised that as per guidelines for Operationalization of BMC issued by NBA following provision have been kept for startup fund.

S.No.	Item	Village Level BMC (in Rs.)	Block Level BMC (in Rs.)	District Level BMC (in Rs.)
	Startup fund	60,000	80,000	1,00,000
1	On Opening of Bank Account	10,000	13,328	16,660
2	Purchase of Office Equipment including stationary	15,000	20,000	25,000
3	Conduct of meetings (2 meetings in a year)	3,000	4,000	5,000
4	One Training to BMC and Panchayat general BD Profile	7,000	9,328	11,660
5	Formation of BMC	25,000	33,328	41,660

Member Secretary expressed that Rs. 25,000/- seems to be on higher side for purpose of constitution of BMCs and proposed that an amount of Rs. 5000/- may be given to NGO/Institutions for constitution of BMC as honorarium, so that the process of constitution of BMC may be accelerated. He further expressed that some amount from this activity could be diverted towards the activity of holding about 4 meetings of BMCs Board members as the amount provided for this is not sufficient. The Board members approved this proposal.

Minutes of the 9^th meeting

Held on 21.03.2014

The Ninth meeting of Rajasthan State Biodiversity Board was held on 21.03.2014 at 2.00 P.M. The meeting was headed by the Chairman, Rajasthan State Biodiversity Board, Jaipur. List of the members & special invitees, present in the meeting, is attached as Annexure – ‘A’.

After discussion on the agenda, following decisions were taken:

Agenda Item No. 1:

Approval & compliance of the proceedings of the Eighth meeting held on 17.02.2014:

The Board approved the proceedings of the eight meeting and reviewed the compliance. Following decisions were taken:-

(xxxiv) Regarding committees constituted under section 13 of Biological Diversity Act, 2002 in the meeting held on 23.08.2013 for taking care of Plant Biodiversity, Animal Biodiversity and microbial Biodiversity, Prof. K.K. Sharma suggested that professor and scientists having knowledge of Taxonomy should be included in the committee. The Board agreed to his suggestion.

The committees could not start functioning as suitable members have yet not been nominated. During 8th meeting of the board on 17.02.2014 it was decided that Board should prepare TOR for the committees. It was also decided that names of other members to be included in these committees may be decided later on. It was decided that Member Secretary will prepare draft of TOR and the same will be sent shortly to Board members for their comments.

(xxxv) Approval for appointment of Chief Executive Officer, Zila Parishad as Nodal Officer for the compliance of Bio-diversity Act 2002 and Rajasthan Bio-diversity Rules 2010 in the districts as per the provision 2.2 in the Guide Lines 2013 issued by NBA .

Member Secretary briefed the members that the matter discussed with honorable Environment Secretary on 19.02.2014 wherein nature of duties for Nodal Officer was required by the Government. Accordingly the Govt. was informed in writing about the duties of the Nodal Officer.

Member Secretary further apprised the Board members that he would soon be discussing the matter with Secretary Environment and suitable action may be taken by the Government after the discussion.

(xxxvi) Approval for honorarium for Secretaries of concerned BMC’s (ACEO/BDO/ Executive Officer /Panchayat Secretaries) as per the provision 2.6 in the Guide Lines 2013 issued by NBA.

During 7^th Board meeting it was decided that information may be sought from other State Biodiversity Boards with regards to honorarium to Secretaries of the BMCs. Member Secretary apprised the Board members that no formal information has been received from other boards. During informal discussion with other boards during meeting of NBA at Chennai, it has come to notice that other Boards are not paying any honorarium to secretary of BMC for the additional job. So it was decided after discussion that for the time being no honorarium is fixed for secretaries. The local body will get the work done from their secretary/any permanent Government employee.

(xxxvii) Approval of Fees for pre-intimation by the industries based on biological resources to the Board.

Member Secretary further informed the members that suitable amendments in Rajasthan Biodiversity Rules, 2010 have been forwarded to Govt. so that the provisions of BDA, 2002 are followed in letter and spirit in State Rules also.

(xxxviii) Approval of Amendment in Rajasthan Biodiversity Rules, 2010.

(xxxix) Approval for engaging a firm for preparing a documentary film.

(xl) Approval of launching website of Board.

(xli) Approval of annual report 2012-13

Member Secretary placed the annual report 2012-13 before the Board which was approved and released by Chairman RSBB and Board members.

(xlii) Approval of journey by Air.

(xliii) Honorarium for constitution of BMCs

Member Secretary apprised that as per guidelines for Operationalization of BMC issued by NBA following provision have been kept for startup fund.

S.No.	Item	Village Level BMC (in Rs.)	Block Level BMC (in Rs.)	District Level BMC (in Rs.)
	Startup fund	60,000	80,000	1,00,000
1	On Opening of Bank Account	10,000	13,328	16,660
2	Purchase of Office Equipment including stationary	15,000	20,000	25,000
3	Conduct of meetings (2 meetings in a year)	3,000	4,000	5,000
4	One Training to BMC and Panchayat general BD Profile	7,000	9,328	11,660
5	Formation of BMC	25,000	33,328	41,660

Agenda item No. 2

Approval of final list of Endemic Endangered Species of Flora for notification.

Member Secretary apprised the Board members that as per decision taken during the 7^th Board Meeting following species which are endemic to Rajasthan and highly threatened have been primarily selected by the Board members to be forwarded MoEF for notification.

S.N.	Scientific Name	Family	Medicinal/Other Uses
1	*Anogeissus sericea* var nimmularia (Brandis King Ex Duthie	Combretaceae	Tanning, Calico Printing
2	*Ceropegia odorata* Nimmo	Asclepiadaceae	Used by Tribals for curing stomach ache, juice from tubers used to cure eye ailments
3	*Commiphora wightii* (Arn) Bhandari	Burseraceae	Gum
4	*Caralluma edulis ,* Edgew	Asclepiadaceae	Sold as vegetable in markets if Jaisalmer
5	*Dicliptera abunensis* Blatt	Acanthaceae	Used as medicine for liver ailments
6	*Strobilanthes halbergii*	Acanthaceae	Traditional medicinal herb used as anti-inflammatory agent
7	*Pterocarpus marsupium* Roxb.	Leguminosae- papilionoideae	Heartwood used as astringent, anti diabetic formulation
8	*Withania coagulans,* Stocks, Dunal	Solanaceae	Fruits are used for coagulating milk and making paneer.

Agenda item No. 3

Approval draft out lines of State Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan.

The task of writing the strategy and action plan have not progressed satisfactorily. The issue was discussed in the meeting .Member Secretary, RSBB put up the draft out line before the board. The draft was discussed and the Board members were of the view that Strategy and Action plan is a highly technical exercise and needs specialists from various fields of science. A team of experts should be assigned this job. It is decided to call a workshop cum meeting in May, 2014 to prepare the action plan based on these draft guidelines.

Member Secretary also informed the Members that presently fund is not available with RSBB for preparation of such a document. He further apprised that request has been forwarded to NBA to provide suitable funds for this exercise.

Agenda item No. 4

Discussion on research topics to be under taken by RSBB.

There is a great scope of research in the state on different topics. Board members discussed about the districts which are to be taken on priority for research. Mr. G.V. Reddy,IFS ,special invitee from Forest department suggested that the scope of research should be as per natural boundaries rather than political boundaries. Hence it would be feasible if instead of carrying out survey and documentation of biodiversity in districts, it should be carried out as per natural boundaries of agro-climatic zones which may cover more than one district. It was suggested that some stretch of Chambal River and Aravali tracts or such other tracts may be taken up for research survey. He also suggested that some area were notified as closed area before WLP Act 1972. Now since hunting is banned everywhere as per WLP Act, 1972, such closed areas are being notified as Community Reserve. Such areas may be taken for research purpose to know about the change in biodiversity in such areas.

Shri Reddy presented before the members a project proposal for Biodiversity Assessment of Erstwhile Closed Areas of Barmer and Bikaner Districts of Rajasthan for funding. It was decided that Member Secretary would go through the project and put up his comments before the members for further action.

Agenda item No. 5

Release of Administrative & Financial Guidelines for RSBB.

Member Secretary mentioned in the meeting that guidelines have already been approved by the Board members during 7^th Board meeting and now these are being released in form of publication during this meeting. Chairman, RSBB, released the guidelines during the meeting.

Agenda item No. 6

Release of Constitution & Operational Guidelines for BMC’s

Member Secretary apprised the Board members that a book regarding operational guidelines has been prepared by the Board, and proposed that the same may be released in the meeting. The book was released by Chairman, RSBB in the meeting.

The members appreciated the effort of the board for preparing such guidelines.

Member Secretary apprised the members that this was the last meeting of the Board during the financial year and also that the tenure of 5 nominated Non Official members would end on 31^st March, 2014. Member Secretary requested the Board members to come up with suggestions for preparing a panel of experts to be forwarded to Government for nominations.

Minutes of the 10th meeting of state biodiversity board

Here mentioned that 10^th board meeting was called on 25^th July 2019. However, same could not be held the due to lack of quorum.

Minutes of the 11th meeting of state biodiversity board held on 16.11.2021

The Eleventh meeting of Rajasthan State Biodiversity Board was held on 16.11.2021 at 11:00A.M. The meeting was headed by the Chairman, Rajasthan State Biodiversity Board, Jaipur. The list of the members & special invitees, present in the meeting, is attached as Annexure-‘A’.

After discussion on the agenda, following decisions were taken:

Agenda Item No. 1:

Approval & compliance of the proceedings of the Ninth meeting held on 21.03.2014:

The Board approved the proceedings of the ninth meeting.

Agenda Item No. 2

Review of formation of People’s Biodiversity Registers (PBRS) and Biodiversity Management Committee (BMCs).

Member Secretary apprised the Board members that the pendency of BMC formation and PBR preparation is being very closely reviewed on a monthly basis by National Biodiversity Authority/NBA as per the directions of Hon’ble National Green Tribunal/NGT.

So far on the basis of secondary data, out of 11,919 PBRs, 10,406 are prepared and out of 11,919 BMCs, 10,406 are formed. Further to expedited the progress of formation of BMCs and preparation of PBRs, Panchayat Raj department was requested to appoint a nodal officer to interface between Rajasthan State Biodiversity Board/RSBB and local bodies. Nodal officer was appointed on dated 13.09.2021. Member Secretary also assured during the Board Meeting to the Members regarding process of formation of BMC and preparation of PBR will be completed by December, 2021. The Chairman and PCCF (HoFF) appreciated the progress of BMC formation and PBR preparation by the Board.

Agenda Item No. 11.3: Approval of Audit Report 2020-21.

The audit reports of the financial year 2020-21 approved by the Board.

Agenda Item No. 11.4: Approval of budget proposal for 2021-22.

The budget proposal for the year 2021-22 has been submitted to the State Government on dated 11/12/2020 for Rs. 484.64 lacs. Out of which Budget Provision of Rs. 132.00 lacs has been approved in BFC of F.Y. 2021-22 and Rs. 45.00 lacs was received till date. The budget proposal for the year 2021-22 has been approved by the Board.

Agenda Item No.11.5: Approval of annual progress report (2020-21).

The annual progress report for the year 2020-21 has been sent by the Environment Department, GoR Annual Progress Report of 2020-21 has been approved by the Board.

Meeting ended with a vote of thanks to the chair and all the members.

Minutes of the 12^th Meeting of the Rajasthan State Biodiversity Board held on April 20^th, 2022.

The twelfth meeting of the Rajasthan State Biodiversity Board was convened on 20^th April, 2022 at 11:00 AM. The meeting was headed by the Chairman of the Rajasthan SBB, Jaipur. The list of members and special invitees present in the meeting is attached as Annexure-1.

The meeting began with the permission of the Chair and the agenda items were discussed. After the members were briefed on the agenda items, the following decisions were taken.

Agenda Item No. 1

Approval of minutes of the eleventh board meeting held on 16^th Nov, 2021:

The Board approved the proceedings of the eleventh meeting and reviewed compliance.

Agenda Item No. 2

Review of formation and upgradation of People’s Biodiversity Registers (PBRs).

The member secretary informed the board that on the basis of secondary data, out of total 11,883 PBRs, so far, 11,860 PBRs have been prepared and handed over to concerned Zilla Parishad CEOs for further distribution to the BMCs. To improve the quality of PBRs, RSBB has initiated training for 50 trainees as master trainers in every district (33) across the state. Remaining 23 PBRs will be handed over to Zilla Parishad CEOs after concerned BMCs are formed. The members appreciated the efforts of the staff and their achievement in fulfilling the mandate of the Biodiversity Act, 2002.

Dr S.L.Meena, Scientist-in-charge, Botanical Survey of India, Arid Zone Regional Centre. (Special invitee), asked if some of the sample PBRs could be sent to BSI for verification and quality monitoring. To this, PCCF (HoFF) responded that due to strict order by the National Green Tribunal, PBRs have been prepared on the basis of secondary data. However, a State Level PBR Quality Monitoring Committee has been checking the prepared PBRs on a sample basis and providing advice on ways to improve the quality of PBRs. As discussed, some of the sample PBRs will be shared with the BSI.

Agenda Item No. 3

Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs).

The Member Secretary briefed the board that out of total 11,883 BMCs, so far, 11,860 have been constituted. 23 BMCs in total (5 BMCs at Gram Panchayat level and 18 BMCs at Panchayat Samiti level) are yet to be constituted. The formation of remaining BMCs is under progress. However, due to issues with one of the Gram Panchayat (Sabad) in Dungarpur district, the CEO, Zilla Parishad has given in writing that BMC formation would not be possible in this Gram Panchayat at present.

Board has concluded a “Training of Trainers (ToT)” for 50 selected master trainers in every district (33) across the state to enhance the capacity of BMC members in the month of February and March,2022.

Agenda Item No. 4

Approval of Budget Plan 2022-23.

The budget proposal for the year 2022-23 has been submitted to the State Government on 24.11.2021 for Rs. 4,25,40,000/- out of which budget provisions for Rs. 1,09,00,000/- has been approved in BFC of F.Y. 2022-23. The budget proposal for the year 2022-23 has been approved by the board.

Agenda Item No. 5

Identification of Biodiversity Heritage Sites (BHS).

The Board Members were informed that “Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan” has given memorandum for declaring seven orans in Jaisalmer, Barmer and Jodhpur districts, as Biodiversity Heritage Sites (BHS). Similar proposal for declaring Lohargal Pilgrim Area, which hosts a unique Arawali ecosystem, in Jhunjhunu district was also received from BMC Lohargal. RSBB has issued a letter dated 16.02.2021 to CCF, Jodhpur for preparing a proposal for these sites. The said proposal was received from CCF, Jodhpur on 02.03.2022 regarding declaration of seven orans as BHS. However, out of these seven proposals for BHS, three orans (Dhonk Oran, Eita Oran and Jakhan Oran) were considered as disputed sites by CCF, Jodhpur and hence unsuitable for declaring as BHS.

The 5 sites which are proposed for notification as Biodiversity Heritage Sites are as follows:

• Ramdevra, Jaisalmer,

• Sanvta, Jaisalmer,

• Oonrod, Barmer,

• Mungeria, Barmer and

• Lohargal, Jhunjhunu.

These proposals have already been sent to Environment Department, Government of Rajasthan for further action.

On this issue, PCCF (HoFF) shared his experience and drew the attention of the board members to the importance of Biodiversity Heritage sites as an effective method to ensure conservation of important ecosystems by efficient management. He also highlighted that “Orans” of Rajasthan are great example for the whole country in community stewardship and traditional practices of in-situ conservation. Furthermore, he suggested that while selecting an area to be notified as a BHS, it must be kept in mind that representation of biodiversity-rich sites is ensured.

Dr. S.L. Meena, Scientist-in-charge, Botanical Survey of India, Arid Zone Regional Centre. (Special invitee), requested the board that, if possible, a visit should be arranged for representatives of the Botanical Survey of India and Zoological Survey of India to these potential Biodiversity Heritage Sites for documentation of flora and fauna of the area to assist the management of these sites.

Shri Rishi Garg, Additional Director, Tribal area Development, mentioned few sites in Udaipur district like Desuri ki Naal, Kewra ki Naal and area around Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary have great potential to be notified as BHS. PCCF (HoFF) agreed to the point that these are all potential sites for declaration as BHS although they are part of existing Protected Area network and the matter shall be discussed with the forest department.

The Board Members approved the proposal for declaration of 5 orans as Biodiversity Heritage sites.

Agenda Item No. 6

Approval of Micro-Plan for ABS fund distribution to BMCs.

Member Secretary informed the Board that National Biodiversity Authority has allotted Rs. 47,24,412/- ABS fund to be distributed amongst respective benefit claimers, which include BMCs and three Research Institutes. Rs. 45,600/- has already been released to these Research Institutes.

This fund, as per NBA’s direction, is to be used for conservation of Biodiversity, promote its sustainable use and activities for socio-economic development. However, due to lack of any proper guidelines from the NBA, Micro-Plans has been prepared for 9 (nine) BMC of Pali & Jodhpur District for utilization of ABS fund by BMCs. Each BMC will receive a sum of Rs. 2,00,000/- for conservation and socio-economic activities.

The following BMCs have been identified as benefit claimers-

· Pali - Bornadi, Bilawas, Dheenawas, Dhundhala and Siyat.

· Jodhpur - Chakhu, Dholiya, Ghantiyali and Khara.

The Board approved the Micro-Plans for ABS fund utilization.

Agenda Item No. 7

Approval of Annual Progress Report (2021-22).

Annual Progress Report for the year 2021-22 has been approved by the Board.

Agenda Item No. 8

Delegation of DDO Power to Chief Manager (Tech.)/DCF to operate the PD account to be created for the Board under section 18(2) of the Rajasthan Biological Diversity Rules, 2010.

Member secretary pointed out that the Biodiversity Board may authorize any other officer of the Board to operate the State Biodiversity Fund under powers vested by Rule 18 of the Rajasthan Biodiversity Rules, 2010.

At present, this power has been delegated to the Member Secretary of the Board. However, to conduct daily businesses of the office, this power needs to be delegated to the Chief Manager (Tech.)/DCF.

The board approved the delegation of DDO power to chief manager (tech.)/DCF to operate PD account.

Agenda Item No. 9

Approval of use of PD a/c no. 5294 for hiring of 6 consultants.

Member Secretary informed the Board members that it is necessary to hire 6 consultants to ensure compliance of Hon’ble NGT’s orders. The honorarium for these post holders will be paid from PD Account 5294 (State Fund). The proposed posts are as follows:-

Sr. No.	Position	Honorarium per month	No. of Post	Total
1	Consultant Technical	49,000	1	49,000
2	Consultant Scientific-PBR	40,000	4	1,60,000
3	Consultant Office Assistant	20,000	1	20,000
Total per Month				2,29,000
Total for one year (12 x 2,29,000)				27,48,000

The Board approved the use of PD a/c no. 5294 for hiring of 6 consultants.

Miscellaneous

Dr S.L. Meena, Scientist-in-charge, Botanical Survey of India, Arid Zone Regional Centre. (Special invitee), also suggested to the board that as BSI, ZSI and other such organizations have collected extensive records on the local biodiversity, a library should be managed by the SBB to hosts all these documents at place. This will not only help researchers and policy makers but will also benefit society as a whole. The Board noted this suggestion.

Shri M.L. Agiwal, Joint Director (Plan), Department of Agriculture, brought to attention that the Agriculture Department has been promoting organic farming to ensure sustainability in food production and other agricultural activities. On this, PCCF (HoFF) acknowledged the efforts and lauded the move by Chief Minister of Rajasthan to declare a budget provision for promotion of organic agriculture. He added that there is a need to focus on traditional crop varieties of Rajasthan. The traditional genetic diversity that has been a part of Rajasthan’s Ecosystems since early Holocene period (Geological time scale) are not only an import part of the natural heritage, but also pivotal in addressing the concerns related to climate change such as increase in evapo-transpiration rates.

The valuable suggestions of all the members were noted by the Board.

The meeting ended with a vote of thanks to the chair and all the members.