Centre plans revision of eco-sensitive zone guidelines amid states concerns

The Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife (SC-NBWL) has called for a review of the guidelines governing Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs) around protected areas, stressing the need for a more “flexible” and “site-specific” approach that balances conservation goals with local socio-economic “realities”. ESZs are buffer areas created around protected forests, wildlife sanctuaries and national parks to protect wildlife and biodiversity from harmful human activities, such as mining, construction and polluting industries. Activities like farming, eco-tourism and the use of renewable energy are usually allowed with restrictions in these areas.
Chairing a meeting of the SC-NBWL on June 26, Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav said, “Strict protection must be ensured for core areas, especially those that are the origin points of tributaries and critical water resources. However, extending a blanket 10-kilometre ESZs to all protected areas, irrespective of local ecological and geographical conditions, would not serve the intended purpose.” According to the minutes of the meeting, Yadav cited examples like the Asola, Sukhna and Hastinapur sanctuaries and the Sanjay Gandhi National Park, where uniform ESZ rules are creating “significant challenges”.
A formal inter-ministerial consultation has been suggested to solicit views from all the departments concerned, before finalising any changes in the guidelines. Following the discussion, the SC-NBWL directed the environment ministry to prepare a note on the issue.
This will be followed by a consultation with relevant divisions of the ministry and later, a joint meeting of the ESZ and wildlife divisions.
The final recommendations will be submitted to the committee for further deliberations.