Last Updated: 12.06.24

Since the MPESZ consists of several plateaus and the ESZ notification had stipulated that particular tracts of land should be designated as being exclusive niche biodiversity spots, the  Regional Planning Board during the preparation of the Regional Plan introduced a new classification: the Conservation Zone.

BEAG was instrumental in conducting surveys of 14 sites peaks and plateaus within the MPESZ in 2004 that required special conservation, and the Government of Maharashtra earmarked all of these sites as Conservation Zones, even formulating provisions in the DCRs for their protection and conservation.

Khingar plateau seen Panchgani Tableland Credit : David Cardoz

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Ambral plateau Credit : David Cardoz

Additionally, BEAG also identified 12 sites where waterfalls originated as sites of valuable natural heritage, as stipulated by the ESZ notification. The HLMC under the chairmanship of Shri Dev Mehta recommended the same sites to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, a recommendation that was approved by the Ministry and accepted by the Government of Maharashtra. Origins of waterfalls are now protected under Conservation Zone.  

Waterfall seen from the Mahabaleshwar Satara Road  Credit : David Cardoz

Thus, the Government of Maharashtra’s Regional SZMP for Mahabaleshwar and Panchgani Region set a precedent in the state by introducing the concept of the Conservation Zone for niche ecological areas.

Conservation Zone Map  Credit : David Cardoz