Karnataka, Maharashtra and Goa seek shrinking of eco-sensitive areas in Western Ghats.
What are Eco-Sensitive Zones?
Conception– The concept of ESZ was conceived during the XXI meeting of the Indian Board for Wildlife held in 2002, when the Wildlife Conservation Strategy, 2002 was adopted.
The National Wildlife Action Plan (NWAP) (2002-2016) indicated that ‘Areas outside the protected area network are often vital ecological corridor links and must be protected to prevent isolation of fragments of bio-diversity which will not survive in the long run.
National Environment Policy (2006) has defined the ESZ.
Definition – An areas/zones with identified environmental resources having incomparable values which require special attention for their conservation” because of its landscape, wildlife, biodiversity, historical and natural values.
Declaration – They are declared by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) as per the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
Coverage – The lands falling within 10kms of the boundaries of national parks and sanctuaries should be notified as eco-fragile zones under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
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.”
Purpose – Protect environment and avoid its degradation due to anthropogenic activities.
Create some kind of barrier/ shock absorber for the specialized ecosystem (PAs).
Act as transition zone from areas of higher protection to areas involving lesser protection.
Objective – To maintain the response level of an ecosystem within the permissible limits w.r.t environmental parameters.
To notify the area as an Eco- sensitive zone and to regulate the developmental activities in a sustainable manner taking into consideration the needs and aspiration of the local people.
Salient features of ESZ – The ESZ Notification captures the following features:
Brief on the Protected Area
Area of ESZ and Extent of ESZ (Minimum and Maximum)
Available Flora, Fauna [Including Endemic, Rare, Endangered and Threaten (RET) species]
Boundary Description of ESZ
Maps of the ESZ
Geo-coordinates of prominent locations of PA and ESZ along with Shape/ KML files
List of villages along with Geo-co-ordinates
General guideline on Zonal Master Plan
Measures to be taken by the State Government
Prohibited and Regulated Activities along with Promoted Activities
Details of Monitoring Committee
It does not involve displacement and evacuation of farmers/people living in the villages.
What are the Prohibited, Regulated and Permitted activities in ESZs?
Prohibited activities
Commercial mining, but it will not prohibit the digging of earth for construction for repair of houses and for manufacture of country tiles or bricks for personal consumption.
Setting of saw mills
Setting of industries causing pollution (water, air, soil, noise etc)
Commercial use of firewood
Establishment of major hydroelectric projects
Use or production of any hazardous substances
Undertaking activities related to tourism like over-flying the National Park area by any aircraft, hot-air balloons
Discharge of effluent and solid waste in natural water bodies or terrestrial area.
Regulated activities
Felling of trees
Establishment of hotels
Drastic change of agriculture systems
Commercial use of natural water resources including ground water harvesting
Erection of electrical cables be regulated while underground cabling should be promoted
Fencing of premises of hotels and lodges
Use of polythene bags by shopkeepers
Widening of roads should be done with proper EIA and mitigation measures
Movement of vehicular traffic at night for commercial purpose
Introduction of exotic species
Protection of hill slopes and river banks
Air and vehicular pollution
Sign boards & hoardings.
Permitted activities
Ongoing agriculture and horticulture practices by local communities.
However, excessive expansion of some of these activities should be regulated as per the master plan.
Rain water harvesting
Organic farming
Use of renewable energy sources
Adoption of green technology
Why Western Ghats is important?
Western Ghats– They are mountain ranges that runs parallel to the western coastof the Indian peninsula, located entirely in India.
Coverage – It extends along six states of India.
They are Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
Biodiversity – It has over 7,402 species of flowering plants, 1,814 species of non-flowering plants, 139 mammal species, 508 bird species, 179 amphibian species, 6,000 insects species and 290 freshwater fish species.
Measures – Gadgil and Kasturirangan commitee were appointed to identify the areas that needed to be kept out from such activities.
The Kasturirangan panel – It had identified 37% of the Western Ghats as ecologically sensitive and recommended prohibition or regulation of certain activities.
Gadgil Commission- The Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel (WGEEP) also known as the Gadgil Commission has designated the entire hill range as an ESA.
Recognition – It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the eight "hot-spots" of biological diversity in the world.
What are the major concerns in declaring ESZs?
Development Restrictions – Limits on construction, infrastructure projects, and industrial activities can hinder economic growth and development in the region.
Livelihood Impact – Restrictions can affect local communities, particularly those dependent on land and natural resources for their livelihoods, such as agriculture, forestry, and mining.
Property Rights – Landowners may face limitations on how they can use or develop their property, potentially leading to conflicts and disputes.
Economic Loss – Potential loss of revenue for state and local governments due to reduced industrial and commercial activities.
Implementation Challenges – Ensuring effective enforcement of ESA regulations can be difficult, requiring substantial resources and coordination among various government agencies.
Balancing Conservation and Development – Finding a middle ground that protects the environment while allowing for necessary development is often challenging.
What lies ahead?
Implement a zoning system – Designates specific areas for conservation, sustainable agriculture, limited development, and urbanization.
This helps in managing human activities while protecting critical ecosystems.
Involve community participation – They should be allowed to participate in conservation planning and decision-making.
Empower them with knowledge and resources to manage natural resources sustainably.
Promote economic diversification – This will reduce dependency on activities of local communities that harm the environment.
Develop alternative livelihood opportunities, such as eco-tourism, agroforestry, and handicrafts.
Strengthen the legal and policy framework – Enforce existing environmental laws and regulations, and update them to address emerging challenges.
