Eco-sensitive Zones

Eco-sensitive Zones 

The Supreme Court modified its previous judgment regarding Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZ) around protected forests, stating that ESZs cannot be uniform across the entire country.

What is Eco-sensitive zone ?

The National Wildlife Action Plan (2002-2016) of the MoEFCC stipulated that state governments should declare land falling within 10 km of the boundaries of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries as eco-fragile zones or Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs) under the Environmental (Protection) Act, 1986.

Extent 

• While the 10-km rule is implemented as a general principle, the extent of its application can vary.
• Areas beyond 10 km can also be notified by the Union government as ESZs, if they hold larger ecologically important “sensitive corridors

Restriction in ESZs

• Commercial mining
• Sawmills
• Industries causing pollution
• Major hydroelectric projects
• Commercial use of wood

Permitted Activities in ESZs

• Agricultural or horticultural practices
• Rainwater harvesting
• Organic farming
• Use of renewable energy sources
• Adoption of green technology

Supreme Court recent Judgement 

• In June 2022, the SC ordered that ESZs of a minimum of one kilometer should be declared around protected forests, national parks, and wildlife sanctuaries across the country.
• The court had said that ESZs would act as a “shock absorber” for the protected areas and prevent encroachment, illegal mining, construction, and other activities that could harm the environment and wildlife.
• The June 2022 order affected hundreds of villages in the peripheries of forests. ESZs cannot be uniform across the country and have to be decided on a case-by-case basis
• In latest Judgement:- 
• The purpose of declaring ESZs is not to hamper the day-to-day activities of the citizens but to protect the environment and wildlife.
• And to reduce Human-animal Conflict.

Practice Questions for Prelims

With reference to ‘Eco-Sensitive Zone’, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. It acts as a buffer for further protection around Protected Areas (PAs) such as National Parks and Wildlife sanctuaries.
2. It is notified under Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
3. The purpose of the declaration of eco-sensitive zones is to prohibit all kinds of human activities, in those zones except agriculture.

Choose the correct code:
a) 1 only
b) 1 and 2 only
c) 2 and 3 only
d) All of the above

Ans. b)

Mains Practice Question

Discuss the role of eco sensitive zones in preserving biodiversity.

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