Eco-Sensitive Zones

Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZs) are areas surrounding Protected Areas that act as a buffer to protect the ecology and biodiversity of the region. The National Environment Policy (2006) and the National Wildlife Action Plan (NWAP) 2002-2016 highlight their importance. ESZs aim to protect the environment, act as shock absorbers for Protected Areas, and create transitional zones. Activities within ESZs are categorized as prohibited, permitted, and regulated. These zones play a vital role in biodiversity conservation, habitat preservation, climate change mitigation, scientific research, and minimizing man-animal conflict. However, inconsistent policies, climate change impacts, and challenges in balancing conservation with development are the issues that are faced by ESZ. There is a need to emphasize a participatory planning process for ESZs and recognizing their case-specific nature.

The Eco-Sensitive Zones, as defined in the National Environment Policy (2006), refer to areas with unique environmental resources of incomparable values requiring special conservation attention due to their landscape, wildlife, biodiversity, and historical significance. These zones are crucial for preventing the isolation of biodiversity fragments, as highlighted in the National Wildlife Action Plan (NWAP) 2002-2016. The Environment Protection Rules, empowers the Central Government (Union Ministry of Environment and Forests-MoEFCC) to take necessary measures for environmental protection. The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 does not explicitly mention the word “Eco-Sensitive Zones”.

Eco-Sensitive Zones, also known as Ecologically Fragile Areas (EFAs), are designated areas by the MoEFCC surrounding Protected Areas, the Wildlife Sanctuaries and National Parks. The primary objective is to regulate specific activities in the vicinity of National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries, mitigating the adverse effects of such activities on the delicate ecosystems within these protected areas.The purpose of ESZ is to:

• Protect the environment from degradation due to anthropogenic activities.
• Create a shock absorber for the Protected Area.
• And act as a transitional zone between areas with higher and lower levels of protection

The NWAP(2002-2016) stipulated that

• state governments declare the land falling within 10 km of the boundaries of protected areas as ESZ under the Environmental (Protection) Act, 1986(EPA).
• The 10-km rule is implemented as a general principle but its application can vary based on region and topographic needs.
• The Union government can also designate areas beyond 10 km as ESZs if they play a significant role as ecologically important "sensitive corridors."

• Prohibited Activities: Activities that are not allowed in Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZ) include commercial mining, operation of sawmills, industries causing various forms of pollution (air, water, soil, noise, etc.), establishment of major HEP (hydroelectric projects), and commercial use of wood.
• Permitted Activities: Activities allowed within ESZ comprise ongoing agricultural or horticultural practices, rainwater harvesting, organic farming, utilization of renewable energy sources, and the adoption of green technology for all activities.
• Regulated Activities: Certain activities are subject to regulation within ESZ, including the felling of trees, establishment of hotels and resorts, commercial use of natural water, installation of electrical cables, and significant alterations to the agriculture system, such as the adoption of heavy technology or the use of pesticides. Additionally, the widening of roads is a regulated activity in ESZ.

• Biodiversity Conservation: Eco-sensitive zones play a crucial role in conserving and protecting the rich biodiversity of an area, including endangered species and unique ecosystems.
• Habitat Preservation: These zones help maintain natural habitats by preventing encroachments and unsustainable activities, providing safe spaces for wildlife to thrive.
• Climate Change Mitigation: Conserving natural vegetation in eco-sensitive zones contributes to carbon sequestration, aiding in climate change mitigation efforts.
• Scientific Research Opportunities: The undisturbed nature of eco-sensitive zones provides valuable opportunities for scientific research and study of ecosystems, contributing to our understanding of biodiversity and ecology.
• Long-term Ecological Resilience: By maintaining the ecological balance, these zones contribute to the long-term resilience of ecosystems, ensuring their ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions.
• Minimise Man-Animal Conflict: Eco-Sensitive Zones minimise man-animal conflict as they are based on the core-buffer model of management. Due to this, the local area communities are also protected and benefitted.

• Inconsistent Policies: There are differences in ESZs policies and their implementation across regions or states.
• Local communities often depend on ESZs for their livelihoods. Balancing conservation goals with the socio-economic needs of these communities is a persistent challenge.
• Climate Change Impact: ESZs are not immune to the impacts of climate change. Changes in temperature, precipitation, and extreme weather events can affect the biodiversity and resilience of these zones.
• Balancing Conservation and Development: Many ESZs are in regions with potential for economic development, leading to conflicts between conservationists and development proponents.
• Tourism in ESZ often leads to environmental degradation of the area.

• In June 2022, the Supreme Court issued a direction mandating ESZs to extend at least one kilometer around protected forests, national parks, and wildlife sanctuaries nationwide. This ruling impacted numerous villages located on the outskirts of forests. The decision was anticipated to impede development activities, affect the livelihoods of residents in ESZs, and pose challenges to the conservation efforts of forest departments.
• In April 2023, the Supreme Court revisited its 2022 judgment and mandated that the Central and State governments should officially designate ESZs based on their own proposals or recommendations from expert committees within a six-month period. Notably, mining activities within national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and within a one-kilometer radius from their boundaries were explicitly prohibited.

The process of declaring ESZ should be a participatory planning process. The revised Supreme Court order of 2023 recognizes the need for a case-specific approach to ESZs, acknowledging that a one-size-fits-all model is impractical. Both the Central and State governments should engage in a collaborative effort with all stakeholders, encompassing local communities, forest departments, environmentalists, and experts, to determine ESZs. It is essential to emphasize that the intention behind declaring ESZs is not to hinder the daily activities of citizens but rather to safeguard the environment and wildlife.