4.2 PROPOSED ENVIRONMENTAL ENHANCEMENT ZONES

Development is inevitable and must be accommodated. However, uncontrolled growth is destructive. Any development, which does not address the environmental factors of the region, will lead to degradation and destruction. Conservation principles can avert destruction and ensure enhancement.

Conservation principles are adopted in the form of the Environmental Enhancement Zones in the Structure Plan for Thimphu, to protect and conserve the identified ecologically fragile areas. The proposed Environmental Enhancement Zones are classified into:

1. Riparian Protection Zone
2. Flora, Fauna And Avifauna Protection Zone
3. Slope and Soil Stabilization Zone

4.2.1 THE RIPARIAN PROTECTION ZONE

The land and the ecosystem supported by the river, streams, rivulets and their immediate surroundings form the Riparian Zone. The ecosystem supported by the Wang Chhu, streams, and rivulets includes the existing natural watercourses, banks of the watercourses, flora and fauna habitats supported by them, terraces and marshlands associated with the watercourses. This ecosystem plays a significant role in protecting the edges and banks of the watercourses and also helps in filtering and purifying the water of the river and streams.

The objective of this proposed zone is to protect and conserve the ecology of the Riparian Zone, to control pollution along the river, streams and rivulets and to establish a greenbelt within the valley along the watercourses. The Riparian Protection Zone is to be classified into:
a) River and Stream Side Protection Zone
b) Ground Water Protection and Management Zone

4.2.1.1 RIVER AND STREAM SIDE PROTECTION ZONE

The Proposed River Side Protection Zone includes, the Wang Chhu, all streams and rivulets within the Municipal Corporation boundary. The banks of rivers and streams are physically supported by a soil and biomass ecology which extends far back from the water’s edge. Construction even twenty - five meters from the edge can initiate a process leading to vast erosion and river bank collapse. There are two different widths proposed to define the zone along the watercourses, which is in relation to the hierarchy and the environmental importance of the watercourses.

a. The zone defined for the Wang Chhu, and major streams, includes the natural watercourse and its immediate surroundings within a minimum distance of thirty meters from the banks, or edge, of the watercourse. The major streams include the Ngabe Rong Chhu, Ola Rong Chhu, Chhubar Chhu including its three major tributaries, Samteling Chhu or Silikha Chhu, two streams of Taba, the stream north of the Dechencholing Palace and the Dechencholing Stream.

b. The zone defined for minor streams and rivulets includes the watercourses and their immediate surroundings within a minimum distance of fifteen meters from the edge of the watercourse.

c. The minimum width of thirty meters for the river and major streams is based on the “Forest and Conservation Act, 1995”, which reads as, “No permit shall be issued to fell and take any timber within hundred feet of the bank or edge of any river, stream, watercourse or water source.” The objective of the Act is to protect the environment of the streams and the river. Unfortunately, this Act is not respected within the urban areas. Implementing this Act within urban areas, as a part of the River and Stream Side Protection Zone, will help to protect the environment of the watercourses and also minimize the pollution level of the water.

Proposed Actions for River and Stream Side Protection Zone

The proposed River and Stream Side Protection Zone is a part the Environment Conservation Precinct under the Proposed Precinct Plan. The proposed actions for this zone are:
• No development or construction shall be permitted within thirty meters of the edge of the watercourse, or the edge of the gullies of the Wang Chhu, and major streams, or such distance as may be prescribed under any other general or specific orders of the Royal Government, or any other competent authority.
• No development or building construction shall be permitted within fifteen meters of the edge of all natural rivulets and natural drainage channels, or such distance, as may be prescribed under any other general or specific orders of the Royal Government, or any other competent authority.
• Natural landscape features of the river, major streams and rivulets, which include the natural course of water, banks or edges, soil, vegetation (trees, shrubs and ground covers), rocky outcrops, boulders and any feature, or element, which is part of the ecosystem, or which is considered to be of scenic value may not be damaged or disturbed from its natural state of being.
• Construction of roads, laying of underground cables and other service networks, other structures like high - tension cable pylons, transmission towers and installations of electric substations shall not be permitted within the thirty meters zone of the river and major streams, and within the fifteen meters zone of the rivulets.
• Dumping of solid wastes, disposal of domestic wastewater and sewage, washing of automobiles, or any other action considered as a cause of polluting this zone will not be permitted.
• Existing structures within this zone can be retained, but their further development shall not be allowed and subsequent development should get clearance from the National Environment Commission.
• Existing land use, which is considered not to cause any impact on the ecosystem, can be retained after a detailed assessment by the National Environment Commission, and their no - objection certification.

Guidelines and Permitted Actions

• Footpaths and cycle tracks, vehicular bridges, footbridges, vegetable and flower gardens, nurseries, landscape elements like lamp posts, benches, gazebos, children’s play equipment and litter bins, shall be permitted only beyond fifteen meters of the edge of the Wang Chhu and major streams.
• Footpaths shall be permitted along the boundary of fifteen meters wide protection zone of the rivulets.
• The location and layout for the above - mentioned developments be endorsed by the National Environment Commission and Nature Conservation Division (MoA).
• Actions related to protection, conservation and enhancement of the zone will be permitted under the guidance of the National Environment Commission and the Nature Conservation Division (MoA).
• Edge/Bank protection works for river and major streams shall be permitted with the clearance from the National Environment Commission and Nature Conservation Division (MoA).
• Certain stretches of the zone, which are not ecologically sensitive, shall be permitted to have recreational open spaces like parks, sports facilities and riverfronts, with the approval form National Environment Commission and Nature Conservation Division (MoA).
• The Wang Chhu, streams and rivulets and their protection zones can be adopted and maintained by any institution or organization in the immediate surroundings of the zone.

Proposed Stream Water Purification Ponds

The natural streams within Municipal Corporation limits, which are the tributaries of the Wang Chhu, are heavily polluted due to disposal of domestic waste water and solid waste. The proposed stream water purification ponds will filter and purify the organic and suspended particles carried by these urbanized streams before joining the river. These purification ponds will be natural water retention ponds located at the confluence of streams and the river. These ponds will have water plants and micro - organisms, which purify the water. These ponds will also act as a recreational feature along the riverside green belt.

4.2.1.2 GROUND WATER PROTECTION AND MANAGEMENT ZONE

The objective of this zone is to protect, conserve and manage the potential ground water resources and flood plains within the valley and also to prevent development on flood prone areas. The extent of land demarcated and defined by the Department of Geology and Mines as Lower River Terraces is defined as the Ground Water Protection and Management Zone. Areas to be identified as ground water aquifers or ground water recharge sites in the future would also be categorized under this zone.

Proposed Actions and Guidelines for Ground Water Protection and Management Zones:
• The proposed Ground Water Protection and Management zone will be part of the proposed Green Space System and National Open Space System as per Proposed Precinct Plan.
• Agriculture, floriculture and horticulture are the best suitable land uses for the zone.
• Existing vegetation cover, which is indigenous to the area, should be retained.
• Construction of buildings and hard paving of ground surfaces shall not be permitted.
• The zone will be developed as parks, nurseries or gardens without disturbing the characteristics of the soil and subsurface geology of the area.
• Parks, nurseries and gardens shall be permitted with minimum basic structures. The layout of the proposed park, location, ground coverage, construction material, technology and process of construction of the structures related to the parks should obtain approval and clearance from the National Environment Commission, and the Nature Conservation Division (MoA).
• Out - door sports activities which do not require hard paved surfaces and built structures shall be permitted after approval by the National Environment Commission.

4.2.2 FLORA, FAUNA AND AVIFAUNA PROTECTION ZONES

Areas demarcated as forests, reserved forests, areas rich in biodiversity, wildlife habitats and corridors, habitats and corridors of migratory birds and endangered species, and marshlands within the Municipal Corporation boundary will come under flora, fauna and avifauna protection zones. The objective of creating this zone is to protect and conserve the forest wealth, bio - diversity and the habitats of migratory birds within the valley, and also to maintain the greenery of the valley.

The proposed flora, fauna and avifauna protection zone is classified into
a. Bird Habitat and Marshlands Conservation Zone
b. Proposed Forest Environment Precinct

4.2.2.1 BIRD HABITAT AND MARSHLANDS CONSERVATION ZONE

This zone includes all marshlands which are of environmental importance and areas which act as habitats for migratory birds. The following locations are identified as Bird Habitat and Marshlands Conservation Zone:
• The marshland (in Babesa) south of sewage treatment plant and its surrounding land up to the existing road, east of the marshland.
• The marshlands along the banks of the river and the islands near Langjophaka
• The existing protected area within the Center for Bhutan Studies campus.
• The marshlands along the banks of the river near Taba.

Proposed Actions and Guidelines for Bird Habitat and Marshlands Conservation Zone:
This zone is defined as a part of the Environment Conservation Precinct as per Proposed Precinct Plan.
• Any action/development/construction that will cause disturbance or damage to the habitats and their environment shall not be permitted.
• The existing landform, landscape and natural features should be protected and should be enhanced if necessary.
• Activities like bird watching shall be permitted. Related field experts from the Nature Conservation Division in consultation with other related Non Governmental Organizations, would prepare the norms for conservation of these lands and bird watching.
• These lands can be directly under the control and monitoring of the Nature Conservation Division, or the National Environment Commission, and can be maintained or adopted by institutions related to environmental research and education.

4.2.2.2 PROPOSED FOREST ENVIRONMENT PRECINCT

The proposed forest environments aim at protecting the existing forest cover within the Municipal Corporation boundary, which is at the mercy of urban development. All coniferous, broad leaf and mixed forests within the present Municipal Corporation boundary, demarcated as forests by the Department of Forestry Services, before the extension of city limits in 1999, will be declared as Forest Environment Precinct. Protecting these forests would protect the mountain slopes, wildlife habitats and would also enhance the greenery of the city.

Proposed Actions and Guidelines for Proposed Forest Environment Precinct

• This zone is defined as Forest Environments under the Proposed Precinct Plan.
• The "Forest and Conservation Act 1995,” that is applicable for forest areas will be strictly followed for the forests within the Municipal Corporation limits, to protect the forest from urban development.
• All the forest areas will not be opened for grazing. Only identified areas will be allowed for grazing.
• Wildlife corridors and habitats are located at the periphery of the city and the guidelines for protecting these areas shall be framed by the Nature Conservation Division (MoA).
• Areas identified for densification of forest cover and afforestation should be planted with plants of indigenous species, as directed by the Forest Department.
• No access road or any service installation to service private lots will be permitted through this zone.

4.2.3 SLOPE AND SOIL STABILIZATION ZONES

The objective of the slope and soil stabilization zone is to protect and stabilize the slopes from soil erosion and landslides and to reduce the surface runoff of the area. Areas under Very Steep Slope category (above 30% slopes) and Steep Slope category (20 - 30%) other than forest environments, which are barren and prone to landslides and soil erosion, are defined as Slope and Soil Stabilizations Zones. The barren slopes above (east of) Babesa - Simtokha road and the Lungtenphu - Simtokha road, slopes of Yangchenphug, some parts of Zilukha and Dechenphodrang, and slopes above (west of) the Jongshina - Dechencholing Palace Road, are the areas within the Municipal Corporation boundary, which fall under this zone.

Proposed Actions and Guidelines for Slope and Soil Stabilization Zones

This zone will be defined as Agri - Based Environment Precinct, under the Proposed Precinct Plan, since most of these lands are currently occupied by apple orchards and have development control regulations similar to the agriculture precincts.
• Areas under Very Steep Slopes category (above 30% slopes), which does not have any existing road and infrastructure networks will be prohibited for development and shall be planted for forest cover.
• Areas under Very Steep Slope category (above 30% slopes) and Steep Slope category (20% - 30%) that are barren and have already been provided with roads and other infrastructure networks will be temporarily prohibited to development and shall be planted with trees, shrubs and, ground covers of indigenous species. When the slopes are stabilized and covered with the appropriate distribution of mixed hardwoods to an average height of ten meters, they may be considered as below.
• The development on the Steep Slopes and Very Steep Slopes with existing road and infrastructure networks, with appropriate vegetative cover must be developed in such a manner so as to perpetuate their existing wooded aspect. The maximum density permitted for development will be one house per one thousand square meters of land. The most suitable land uses for these areas are large institutional campuses, eco - resorts and farmhouses.
• All the above - mentioned development shall be permitted after detailed analysis of the soil and geology of the area with approval from the National Environment Commission.
• The development should not alter the existing natural surface drainage pattern and care should be taken to control the surface runoff. Development on these slopes should have well planned and designed storm water drainage networks.

4.2.4 PROPOSED WATERSHED MANAGEMENT ZONES

The slopes define the Watershed Management Zone of a stream, or a river, and drainage networks which contributes to the stream or the river. The watershed region also includes the source and catchment areas of the water bodies. Most of the streams and Wang Chhu have their watershed area outside the Municipal Corporation boundary. The aim of the proposed Watershed Management Zones is to protect the environment of the natural drainage network and other natural sources of the river and the streams, which include the slopes, vegetation, soil and the ecology of the watershed area.

Proposed Actions and Guidelines for Watershed Management Zones

The primary requirement for protecting these watersheds is their detailed study and mapping to demarcate the areas.
• Development on slopes, which are part of the watershed area, shall be permitted after detailed study and analysis of soil, geology, surface runoff and vegetation of the area.
• The vegetative cover in the watershed region should be protected and intensified if necessary, with indigenous plants thus preventing the surface runoff and soil erosion.
• The natural drainage pattern, rivulets, and gullies in this zone should be protected and maintained.
• Grazing on the slopes, associated to the watershed area, should be restricted.

MAP NO. 4.2 PROPOSED ENVIRONMENTAL ENHANCEMENT ZONES (Click to view the maps)

TABLE 4.3: Project List for Environmental Enhancement Zones

Proposed Environmental Enhancement Zones
Environmental Enhancement Zones: The proposal for environmental enhancement of Thimphu valley aims at conserving, protecting and vitalizing the ecologically fragile areas and the environment of Thimphu Valley. The proposed environmental enhancement zones are classified into:
EN1. RIPARIAN PROTECTION ZONE
EN2. FLORA, FAUNA and AVIFAUNA PROTECTION ZONE
EN3. SLOPE AND SOIL STABILISATION ZONE
EN4. WATERSHED MANAGEMENT ZONE
EN1.RIPARIAN PROTECTION ZONE:
The land and the ecosystem supported by the river and streams in its immediate surroundings are called the Riparian Zone. The ecosystem supported by the river, stream, and rivulets includes the existing natural watercourse, banks of the watercourses, the flora and fauna habitats supported by the watercourses and terraces and marshlands associated with the watercourses. The Riparian Protection Zone aims at protecting the river, streams, rivulets and its ecosystem.
The Riparian Zone includes:
a. River and stream Side Protection Zone
b. Ground Water protection and management zones.
No Proposal Extent/Location Objective/Goal Proposed Precinct Actions
EN1 a. River and Stream Side Protection Zone The Proposed River Side Protection Zone will include, the Wang Chhu, all streams and rivulets within the Municipal Corporation Boundary.
a. The zone defined for the Wang Chhu and major streams includes the natural watercourse and its immediate surroundings within a minimum distance of thirty meters from the banks or edges of the watercourse. The major streams include Ngabe Rong Chhu, Ola Rong Chhu, Chhubar Chhu (including its three major tributaries), Samteling Chhu or Silikha Chhu, two streams of Taba, the stream north of Dechencholing Palace and the Dechencholing stream.
b. The zone defined for minor streams and rivulets include the watercourse and its immediate surroundings within a minimum distance of fifteen meters from the edge of the watercourse
 1. The River and Streamside protection zone aims at protecting the river, streams, rivulets and its environment. 2. To control the pollution level of river and stream water.
3. To protect and improve the riverside vegetation thus protecting the river banks/edges from erosion.
4. To conserve the flora, fauna and avifauna habitats along the river
5. To establish a riverside green belt along the valley.
Environmental Conservation Precinct Proposed Actions:
1.No development or construction shall be permitted within thirty meters of the edge of the watercourse or the edge of the gullies of Wang Chhu and major stream or such distance as may be prescribed under any other general or specific orders of Royal government or any other authority.
2. No development or building construction shall be permitted within fifteen meters of the edge of all natural rivulets and natural drainage channels or such distance as may be prescribed under any other general or specific orders of Royal Government or any other authority.
3. Natural landscape features of the river, major streams and rivulets, which includes the natural course of the water feature, banks/ edges, soil, vegetation (Trees, shrubs and ground covers), rocky outcrops, boulders and any feature or element which is part of the ecosystem or which is considered to be of scenic value should not be damaged or disturbed from its natural state of being.
4. Construction of roads, laying of underground cables and other service networks, other structures like high - tension cable pylons, transmission towers and installations of electric substations shall not be permitted within the thirty meters zones of the river and major streams, and the fifteen meters zone of the rivulets.
5. Dumping of solid wastes, sewage disposal, washing of vehicles/automobiles or any action considered being as an action of polluting this zone shall not be permitted.
6. Existing structure can be retained and further development shall not be permitted
7. Existing land use, which is considered not to cause impact on the ecosystem, can be retained under the clearance/No Objection Certificate from National Environment Commission.
Guidelines and Permitted Developments:
1.Footpaths and cycle tracks, footbridges, vegetable and flower gardens, nurseries, landscape elements like lamp posts, benches, gazebos, children’s play equipments and litter bins, shall be permitted only beyond fifteen meters of the edge of the Wang Chhu and major streams. 2. Footpaths shall be permitted along the fifteen meters boundary of the rivulets and other streams protection zone.
3. The location and layout for the above mentioned permitted developments should get the approval of the Nature Conservation Division and the National Environment Commission.
4. Actions related to conservation and enhancement of the zone can be permitted under the guidance of Nature Conservation Division and with the clearance from National Environment Commission.
5. Edge/Bank protection works for river and major streams shall be permitted under the clearance from the National Environment Commission and the Nature Conservation Division.
6. Certain stretches, which are identified, as not ecologically sensitive will have recreational open spaces like parks, sports facilities and riverfronts, under the clearance from the National Environment Commission and the Nature Conservation Division.
7. The watercourses and the zone can be adopted by an Institution/Communities/ which is in the surrounding of the zone, and they will be responsible for maintenance and protection of the zone.
EN1 Proposed stream water purification ponds These ponds will be located at the confluence of the stream and the river and integrated as part of the open space system 1. To minimize the pollution level of stream water before it joins the river thus minimizing the pollution level in the river.
2. These ponds are to purify the streams water before it joins the river. Though the Riparian Protection Zone will control the pollution level in the streams and river, these ponds will be the initial phase of the water pollution control to reduce the pollution level in river.
 Environmental Conservation Precinct These purification ponds will be a natural water retention pond located at the confluence of the streams and the river, with water plants and microorganisms, which purifies the water. These ponds will act also act as a recreational feature in Riverside Green Belt.
EN1 b. Ground Water protection and Management Zones The extent of land demarcated and defined by Department of Geology and Mines as Lower River Terraces will be declared as Proposed Ground Water Protection and Management Zones. (Areas, which would be identified as ground water aquifers, ground water recharge areas in future, should be classified under this category)
1.To protect, conserve and, manage the potential ground water resources within the valley
2. To protect the flood plains and to avoid development on flood prone areas. 		Environmental Conservation Precinct

1. Construction of buildings and hard paving of surfaces shall not be permitted.
2. These lands are best suitable for agriculture, floriculture, horticulture and related parks, and this development can have their basic minimum structures. The National Environment Commission and Nature Conservation Division should approve the location, built up area, construction technology, material and process of construction of these structures. Informal sports activities; Playgrounds shall be permitted under the clearance of National Environment Commission and Nature Conservation Division.

 
EN2. FLORA, FAUNA and AVIFAUNA PROTECTION ZONE:
This zone includes areas demarcated as forest area/ reserve forest areas within city limits, areas rich in bio diversity, wildlife habitats and corridors, habitats and corridors of endangered species, marshlands that remain damp in dry period of the years. This zone is divided into:
a. Bird Habitat and Marshland Conservation Zone
b. Forest Environments.
Objective
1. To protect and enhance the forest cover and greenery of the valley.
2. To protect and conserve the flora and fauna of the region.
3. To protect the habitats of globally threatened species and other migratory birds.
4. To preserve and enhance the scenic value of the valley.
No Proposal Extent/Location Objective/Goal Proposed Precinct Actions
EN2 a. Bird Habitat, and Marsh Land Conservation Zone 1. The marshland south of sewage treatment tank in Babesa and its surrounding lands up to the existing road east of the marshland.
2. The marshland along the banks of the river and the islands near Langjophaka
3. The existing protected area within the Center for Bhutan Studies.
4. The marshlands along the banks of the river near Taba.
 1. To protect and conserve the marshlands within the city limit 2. To protect and provide suitable environment to the Bird Habitat of globally threatened Wood Snipe and other migratory Birds. Environmental Conservation Precinct 1. Any action/development/construction that will cause disturbance or damage to the Bird Habitats and its environment shall not be permitted.
2. The existing landform, landscape and natural features should be protected and enhanced if necessary.
3. Activities like bird watching shall be permitted. Norms for conservation of these lands and Bird watching would be prepared by related field experts from Nature Conservation Department in consultation with other related Non - Governmental organizations.
4. These land can be directly under the control and monitoring of Nature Conservation Division or National Environment Commission and can be maintained or adopted by institutions related to environment research and education.
EN2 b. Forest Environment. All coniferous, broad leaf and mixed forests, demarcated as forests by the Department of Forest and Nature Conservation Division before the extension of city limits in 1999. 1. To conserve, preserve and enhance the existing forest cover within the city limits, thus enchanting the greenery of the city 2. To protect the mountain slopes from erosion and other natural hazards 3. To avoid disturbance to the existing Wildlife corridors.
4. To protect the Blue Pines and other flora species within the valley.
 Forest Environment 1. The forests within city limits are already protected and maintained by the forest department and it shall be protected and maintained by TMC, the" Forest and Conservation Act, 1995" which is applicable for the other forest areas will be strictly followed for the forests within the Municipal Corporation limits, to protect the forest from urban development pressure.
2. All forest areas will not be opened for grazing, only identified areas will be allowed for grazing.
3. Most of the wildlife corridors are located at the periphery of the city and the guidelines for protecting these areas will be framed by the Nature Conservation Division.
3. Areas identified for densification of forest cover and afforestation should be planted with plants of indigenous species.
4. No access road or any service installation to private lots to be permitted through this zone
EN3 SLOPE AND SOIL STABILISATION ZONE:
Areas under Very Steep Slope category (above 30% slopes) and Steep Slopes (20 - 30%), which are barren and other land features, which are prone to landslides and soil erosion.
The barren slopes above (east of) Simtokha - Babesa road and the Lungtenphu - Simtokha road, slopes of Yangchenphug and slopes above (west of) the Jongshina – Dechencholing Palace Road. 1. To protect and stabilize the slopes from soil erosion and landslide
2. To reduce the surface runoff of the area.
3. To protect the slopes from urban development pressure, which will cause damage to the slopes.
 Agri - based Environment 1. Very Steep Slopes (above 30% slopes) and does not have any existing roads and infrastructure networks will be prohibited to development and shall be planted to forest cover.
2. Areas under Very Steep Slope category (above 30% slopes), Steep Slope category (20 - 30%) that are barren and with existing roads and other infrastructure networks will also be prohibited to development temporarily and shall be planted with trees, shrubs, ground covers of indigenous species. when the slops are stabilized and covered with the appropriate distribution of mixed hardwoods to an average height of ten meters, they may be considered as below.
3. The development on the Steep Slopes and Very Steep Slopes with existing road and infrastructure networks, with appropriate vegetative cover should be developed in such a manner as to perpetuate their existing wooded aspect. The maximum density permitted for the development will be one house per one thousand square meters of land area. The most suitable land uses for these areas are large institutional campuses, eco resorts and farm hoses.
4. All the above - mentioned development shall be permitted after detailed analysis of soil and geology of the area and clearance from National Environment Commission.
5. The development should not alter the existing natural surface drainage pattern and should take care of the surface runoff .The storm water drainage network should be well planned.
EN4 WATER SHED MANAGEMENT ZONE: Watershed Management Zone of a stream is defined by the slopes and drainage network which tributes to the stream or the river. The watershed region also includes the source and catchments areas of the watercourses. Most of the streams and the Wang Chhu of Thimphu valley have its watershed area outside the Thimphu Municipal Corporation boundary. The important watersheds in and around Thimphu are the water shed regions of the major streams which includes Chhubar Chhu watershed, Ola Rong Chhu watershed, Ngabe Rong Chhu watershed, Samteling Chhu or Silikha Chhu watershed, Taba streams watershed and Dechencholing streams watershed 1. To protect the streams and its drainage network, springs, and other natural sources of water. 2. To protect and improve the vegetation, soil characteristic and the ecology of the watershed area. 3. To control surface runoff and soil erosion in the watershed area   1. Primary need for protecting these watersheds is a detailed study and mapping of these watershed areas.
2. Development on slopes, which are part of the watershed area, shall be allowed after detailed study and analysis of soil, geology, surface runoff and vegetation.
3. The vegetation cover in the watershed region should be intensified with indigenous plants thus preventing the surface runoff and soil erosion.
4. The natural drainage pattern, rivulets, gullies in this zone should be protected and maintained. 5. Grazing on the slopes associated to the watershed area should not be encouraged.