Sambhav-2025

Approach Define ESZs and their role in balancing conservation and development. Explain their impact on biodiversity, pollution control, and livelihoods, with examples. Assess effectiveness and challenges like governance gaps and development conflicts. Conclude suitably.

Introduction

Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs) are designated buffer areas around Protected Areas (National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries) intended to minimize the negative impact of human activities on biodiversity while allowing regulated development. Governed under Section 3 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, they function as transitional zones between highly protected areas and human settlements, ensuring sustainable coexistence of conservation and development.

Body

Role of ESZs in Balancing Conservation and Development:

• Legal and Regulatory Framework:
  • The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) notifies ESZs under Environmental Protection Rules to regulate industrial, commercial, and infrastructure activities.
  • Activities are categorized as prohibited (e.g., mining, large-scale industries), regulated (e.g., tourism, construction), and permissible (e.g., agriculture, eco-tourism).
• Preventing Habitat Fragmentation and Biodiversity Loss:
  • ESZs protect wildlife corridors and ecosystems by restricting deforestation, ensuring safe passage for migratory species, and conserving critical biodiversity hotspots.
  • Example: The Western Ghats ESZ notification helped curb large-scale deforestation affecting endemic species like Malabar Civet and Lion-tailed Macaque.
• Sustainable Development and Community Involvement:
  • ESZs promote eco-friendly activities like organic farming, afforestation, and ecotourism, providing livelihoods to local communities.
  • Example: Periyar Tiger Reserve ESZ in Kerala supports sustainable spice farming, reducing forest dependence.
• Water Conservation and Pollution Control:
  • ESZs regulate industrial effluents, plastic use, and encroachments to prevent water pollution and maintain wetland ecosystems.
  • Example: The Dachigam National Park ESZ in Jammu & Kashmir prevents pollution of Dal Lake, a vital water body.
• Regulating Urban Expansion and Infrastructure Growth:
  • ESZs limit unplanned urbanization near ecologically fragile areas, preventing land degradation and illegal construction.
  • Example: The Kaziranga ESZ in Assam prevents highway expansion near core wildlife habitats, reducing animal fatalities.

Effectiveness of ESZs in Mitigating Environmental Threats:

• Control over Industrial Pollution and Encroachments:
  • Strict ESZ norms have halted harmful mining and deforestation near sensitive zones.
  • Example: Goa’s Mollem National Park ESZ notification restricted coal transportation and railway expansion, preventing forest degradation.
• Climate Resilience and Carbon Sequestration:
  • By preserving forests and wetlands, ESZs enhance carbon absorption and climate resilience.
  • Example: Sundarbans ESZ mitigates cyclone impacts by protecting mangrove forests that act as natural barriers.
• Challenges in Implementation and Governance:
  • State delays in notifying ESZs and conflicts with local communities slow down effectiveness.
  • Example: Himachal Pradesh’s Great Himalayan National Park ESZ faces opposition due to restrictions on hydropower projects.
• Encroachment and Non-compliance:
  • Poor monitoring allows illegal construction and tourism expansion, leading to land degradation.
  • Example: Corbett Tiger Reserve ESZ saw unregulated resort expansion, affecting wildlife movement.
• Conflicts with Development Projects:
  • Infrastructure demands often clash with ESZ restrictions, leading to frequent legal disputes.
  • Example: Mumbai's Sanjay Gandhi National Park ESZ faces challenges due to metro rail projects and urban expansion.

Conclusion

ESZs play a crucial role in biodiversity conservation, pollution control, and sustainable development. However, implementation challenges, governance gaps, and conflicts with development need scientific planning and community participation to ensure effective environmental protection.