2 [(1) The State Government may, by notification, declare its intention to constitute any area other than an area comprised within any reserve forest or the territorial
1. Subs. by Act 16 of 2003, s. 10 for the heading (w.e.f. 1-4-2003).
2. Subs. by Act 44 of 1991, s. 15, for sub-section (1) (w.e.f. 2-10-1991).
17 waters as a sanctuary if it considers that such area is of adequate ecological, faunal, floral, geomorphological, natural or zoological significance, for the purpose of protecting, propagating or developing wild life or its environment.]
(2) The notification referred to in sub-section (1) shall specify, as nearly as possible, the situation and limits of such area.
Explanation.—For the purposes of this section, it shall be sufficient to describe the area by roads, rivers, ridges or other well-known or readily intelligible boundaries.
1 [18A. Protection to sanctuaries.—(1) When the State Government declares its intention under sub-section (1) of section 18 to constitute any area, not comprised within any reserve forest or territorial waters under that sub-section, as a sanctuary, the provisions of sections 27 to 33A (both inclusive) shall come into effect forthwith.
(2) Till such time as the rights of affected persons are finally settled under sections 19 to 24 (both inclusive), the State Government shall make alternative arrangements required for making available fuel, fodder and other forest produce to the persons affected, in terms of their rights as per the Government records.