Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZ)
Context:
Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav directed that authorities must not place projects falling within Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZ) before the standing committee of the National Board for Wildlife (SC-NBWL) for appraisal unless the state has published a draft or final ESZ notification.
Definition & Purpose:
ESZs are transition areas notified around Protected Areas (PAs) like National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries.
They act as "shock absorbers" to minimize the negative impact of human activities on the fragile ecosystem of the PA.
They serve as a buffer zone, transitioning from high-protection areas to areas of lower protection.
Legal Framework:
ESZs are Protected Areas (PA’s) notified under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, and not under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
They are declared by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) based on proposals from State Governments.
Extent:
While the general guideline suggests an extent of 10 km around a Protected Area, the actual boundary is site-specific and flexible.
It can be less than 10 km (even near zero in urban areas) or more, depending on ecological requirements.
Classification of Activities:
Prohibited:
Activities like commercial mining, stone quarrying, crushing units, and major hydroelectric projects are strictly banned.
Regulated:
Activities like the establishment of hotels/resorts, felling of trees, and widening of roads are permitted only under strict regulations and oversight.
Permitted:
Benign activities such as ongoing agriculture, rainwater harvesting, and organic farming are fully allowed and encouraged.