By - King Stubb & Kasiva on May 12, 2023
Eco-Sensitive Zones, also known as Ecologically Fragile Areas, are designated protected areas, National Parks, and Wildlife Sanctuaries.[1] by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC). The notification of the Eco-Sensitive Zone in India aims to create a "shock absorber" for protected areas by regulating and managing activities in nearby areas. The primary objective of ESZs is to safeguard natural resources, maintain ecological balance, and protect the environment of the region.
The concept of creating Eco-Sensitive Zones in India is based on the interdependence between living organisms and their natural surroundings. These zones have a radius of 10 kilometers around the protected areas, depending on the specific area, and were notified according to the National Wildlife Action Plan (2002-2016) of the MoEFCC.[2] ESZs are subject to strict regulations on land use and developmental activities to minimize human impact on the environment. Activities such as mining, logging, and industrial development are restricted in the eco-sensitive zone.
Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs) are designated protected areas that require strict regulation to preserve their natural resources, ecological balance, and environment. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has identified certain permissible, regulated, and prohibited activities in these areas.
Certain activities are strictly prohibited in ESZs, such as commercial mining, establishment of major hydroelectric projects, commercial use of wood, and industries that cause pollution to water, air, soil, noise, etc. Additionally, tourism activities that can harm the ecosystem, such as hot air balloons over National Parks, discharge of effluents or production of hazardous substances, or any kind of solid waste are also prohibited.
Some activities are regulated in ESZs to minimize their impact on the environment. These include the establishment of hotels and resorts, commercial use of natural water, felling of trees, drastic changes in the agriculture system, erection of electrical cables, use of pesticides, widening of roads, and adoption of heavy technology.
Certain activities are permitted in ESZs, such as horticulture practices, rainwater harvesting, use of renewable energy sources, adoption of green technology for all activities, and organic farming.
It is essential to maintain a balance between development and conservation in eco-sensitive zones. Adherence to the permissible, regulated, and prohibited activities identified by MoEFCC can help protect the environment and sustain natural resources for future generations.
In April 2023, the Supreme Court revised its earlier 2022 order regarding eco-sensitive zones (ESZs). The Court clarified that the 2022 order will not apply to areas covered by the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change's draft ESZ notification. The notification exempts inter-state borders or areas that share common boundaries with national parks and wildlife sanctuaries from the ESZ regulations.
The Supreme Court Order directed that mining within an area of one kilometre from the boundary of such National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary will not be allowed. The Apex Court issued an order in 2022 to establish a one km eco-sensitive zone that surrounds the protected forests in the country. In the order, the court-mandated restricting activities in the area to protect forest coverage. This decision was made after considering the environmental impact of mining activities on the surrounding areas, and the need to ensure the preservation of India’s natural resources.
The MoEFCC also stated that any mining activity in the Eco-sensitive zone, whether it is located near the protected forest or not, will require prior permission from the government.[5] This is to ensure that the mining activity does not cause any damage to the surrounding areas and is carried out responsibly and sustainably. It is a significant step towards preserving India’s natural resources and protecting the biodiversity of the surrounding areas. This move will help in ensuring that mining activities are carried out responsibly and sustainably, while also protecting the livelihoods of local communities.
It is crucial to acknowledge that the establishment of an Eco-sensitive zone should be based on specific circumstances rather than a uniform limit for all protected areas. The government must provide incentives to farmers for adopting green practices within these zones to ensure the concerns and suggestions of all stakeholders are addressed. Communities residing near protected areas should promote the conservation of Eco-sensitive zones and participate in environmental policymaking.
The recent court order emphasizes that the primary objective of declaring an Eco-sensitive zone is to protect the environment and wildlife without hindering the daily activities of citizens. Thus, a balance must be maintained between conservation goals and developmental needs. This can be achieved through promoting eco-tourism, sustainable livelihoods, and green infrastructure within the zones. It is essential to monitor and enforce these zones effectively to prevent any illegal activities, encroachments, or violations.
In conclusion, the proper implementation of Eco-sensitive zones can help in maintaining the ecological balance and preserving wildlife habitats while supporting sustainable development. The government and communities must work together to ensure that these zones are effectively managed and monitored for the benefit of all.
An eco-sensitive zone is a geographical area surrounding a protected area such as a national park or wildlife sanctuary. It aims to conserve the ecological balance of the area and protect the wildlife, biodiversity, and other natural resources.
The activities allowed in eco-sensitive zones include horticulture practices, rainwater harvesting, use of renewable energy sources, green technology adoption for all activities, and organic farming.
The activities prohibited in eco-sensitive zones include sawmills, commercial mining, industries that cause pollution (water, air, soil, noise, etc.), the establishment of major hydroelectric projects, and commercial use of wood. Also, tourism activities such as hot air balloons over the National Park, discharge of effluents or production of hazardous substances, or any kind of solid waste.
[1]https://forestsclearance.nic.in
[2]https://www.forests.tn.gov.in/tnforest/app/webroot/img/document/legislations/NATIONAL%20WILDLIFE%20ACTION%20PLAN%20(2002-2016).pdf
[3]In Re: T.N.GodavarmanThirumulpad V Union of India &Ors, Writ Petition (Civil) No 202 of 1995.
[4]In Re: T.N.GodavarmanThirumulpad V Union of India &Ors, Writ Petition (Civil) No 202 of 1995.
[5]https://parivesh.nic.in/writereaddata/ENV/Eco-sensitiveZone/19.pdf
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