Eco-Sensitive Zone

The National Wildlife Action Plan (2002–2016) of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) stipulated that state governments should declare land falling within 10 km of the boundaries of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries as eco fragile zones or ESZs under section 3 (v) of the Environmental (Protection) Act, 1986. 

• The purpose of the ESZ was to provide more protection to the parks by acting as a shock absorber or transition zone. 

Section 5 C (1) of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 states that it shall be the duty of the National Wildlife Protection Board to conserve and promote the conservation and development of wildlife and forests by such measures as it deems fit.

Why ESZ?

The protected areas are based on the core and buffer model of management. The core area has the legal status of being a national park. 

• The buffer area, however, does not have legal status of being a national park and could be a reserved forest, wildlife sanctuary or tiger reserve. 

The ESZ did not permit change of land use from agriculture to commercial under section 143 of the Zamindari Abolition Act. This was implemented from November 2012.

ESZ Guidelines classify activities under three categories:

 Prohibited: Commercial Mining, Setting of Saw Mill, Setting of industries causing pollution, establishment of major hydroelectric projects etc.

 Regulated: Felling of Trees, Establishment of hotels and resorts, erection of electrical cables, Drastic change of agricultural systems etc.

 Permitted: Ongoing agriculture and horticulture practices by local communities, rain water harvesting, organic farming etc.