ECO-SENSITIVE
ZONES - ENVIRONMENT
News:
Analysis | Why has the
creation of eco-sensitive zones provoked protests?
What's
in the news?
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The creation of these zones has provoked
protests in Kerala and some other areas, in a precursor to what is likely to
emerge in other parts of the country.
Eco-sensitive
Zones:
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Ecologically sensitive zones (ESZ) are
intended to protect ‘protected areas’ – national parks and wildlife sanctuaries
by transitioning from an area of lower protection to an area of higher
protection.
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ESZs are effectively insulating layers
where humans and nature can be at peace with each other.
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Eco-Sensitive Zones or Ecologically
Fragile Areas are areas within 10 kms
around Protected Areas, National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries.
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ESZs are notified by MoEFCC, Government of
India under Environment Protection Act
1986.
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In case of places with sensitive
corridors, connectivity and ecologically important patches, crucial for
landscape linkage, even areas beyond 10 km width can also be included in the
eco-sensitive zone.
Objective:
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The basic aim is to regulate certain activities
around National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries so as to minimize the negative impacts of such activities on the fragile
ecosystem encompassing the protected areas.
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Environment Ministry guidelines
highlighting that ESZs around national parks, forests and sanctuaries would
function as a “shock absorber” for the
protected areas.
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These zones would act as a transition zone
from areas of high protection to those involving lesser protection.
Activities
Allowed in ESZs:
1.
Prohibited activities: Commercial
mining, saw mills, industries causing pollution (air, water, soil, noise
etc), establishment of major hydroelectric projects (HEP), commercial use of
wood, Tourism activities like hot-air balloons over the National Park,
discharge of effluents or any solid waste or production of hazardous
substances.
2.
Regulated activities: Felling of trees, establishment of hotels
and resorts, commercial use of natural water, erection of electrical cables,
drastic change of agriculture system, e.g. adoption of heavy technology,
pesticides etc, widening of roads.
3.
Permitted activities: Ongoing agricultural or horticultural
practices, rainwater harvesting, organic farming, use of renewable energy
sources, adoption of green technology for all activities.