Why in news
In the aftermath of the devastating landslide in Wayanad, the Union government has reissued a draft notification classifying parts of the Western Ghats in six States as ecologically sensitive areas (ESAs)
Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs)
The National Wildlife Action Plan (2002-2016) required state governments to declare areas within 10 km of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries as Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs).
This mandate is based on the Environmental (Protection) Act, 1986.
The 10-km rule is applied generally but can vary in extent.
The Union government can also declare areas beyond 10 km as ESZs if they are ecologically important “sensitive corridors.”
Activities Around ESZs
Prohibited Activities: Commercial mining, saw mills, industries causing pollution (air, water, soil, noise etc), establishment of major hydroelectric projects (HEP), commercial use of wood.
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.
Permitted Activities: Ongoing agricultural or horticultural practices, rainwater harvesting, organic farming, use of renewable energy sources, adoption of green technology for all activities
Significance of ESZs
Minimise the Impact of Development Activities
In-situ Conservation
Minimise Forest Depletion and Man-Animal Conflict
Minimise the Negative Impact on the Fragile Ecosystems
Challenges Associated with ESZs
Climate change
Climate change has generated land, water and ecological stress on the ESZs
Encroachment of Forest Rights
Execution of The Environmental Protection Act 1986 and the Wildlife Protection Act 1972 may makes the authorities ignore forest communities' rights and impact their life and livelihood
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