Notopedia is a nonprofit organization with a mission to provide free learning support to all. Click here to donate or volunteer  

Notopedia has a mission to provide free learning support. Click here to donate or volunteer.

SC-NBWL Proposes Flexible Eco-Sensitive Zone Guidelines to Balance Development and Conservation

SC-NBWL Recommends Revised, Flexible Guidelines For Eco-Sensitive Zones

fsjd_icon1 CURRENT AFFAIRS

save
banner
SC-NBWL Recommends Revised, Flexible Guidelines For Eco-Sensitive Zones
fsjd_icon1 CURRENT AFFAIRS

Description

The Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife (SC-NBWL) has proposed a review of the current framework governing Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs) across India. The committee advocates for a context-driven, adaptive approach that aligns environmental protection with the developmental and socio-economic realities of surrounding communities. This recommendation arises from growing concerns that the existing uniform regulations may impede essential development while offering limited ecological benefits.

Understanding Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs)

Eco-Sensitive Zones serve as protective buffers around national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and protected forest areas. Their primary objective is to reduce the impact of human activity on fragile ecosystems and biodiversity hotspots. While certain operations like eco-tourism, sustainable agriculture, and renewable energy generation are permitted under regulated conditions, activities such as mining, heavy construction, and polluting industries are either restricted or completely prohibited to prevent ecological degradation.

Issues With Uniform ESZ Regulations

The committee highlighted the inefficiency of applying a fixed 10-kilometre ESZ radius around all protected zones, pointing out that such a rigid rule does not consider local terrain, biodiversity value, or human settlement patterns. For instance:

  • In Himachal Pradesh, over 65% of land falls under forest or protected categories, and imposing the same ESZ criteria could stifle development projects without proportionate environmental protection.

  • Smaller wildlife sanctuaries and marine ecosystems often require unique protection measures that are not addressed by current land-centric guidelines.

Impact On Local Communities And Development

States have expressed concerns over livelihood disruptions caused by stringent ESZ mandates. Many traditional economic activities, including small-scale mining, industry, and construction, have been halted, negatively affecting residents. Unlike protected areas, ESZs do not provide compensation or rehabilitation for those impacted, resulting in public resistance and delays in ESZ declarations.

Call For Flexible, Site-Based Strategies

Several alternatives have been suggested to improve ESZ governance:

  • Adopting case-specific boundaries rather than a uniform 10 km limit.

  • Implementing transitional periods for phasing out activities that are no longer permitted. For example, Karnataka has proposed a two-year adjustment period post-ESZ notification.

  • Ensuring inclusive stakeholder engagement by involving state governments, local communities, scientific experts, and industry representatives in the decision-making process.

Need For Inter-Ministerial Collaboration

To move forward, the committee has directed the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) to prepare a comprehensive background note on the challenges and shortcomings of current ESZ policies. This will be followed by inter-departmental consultations and a joint review involving both the Wildlife and ESZ divisions, aiming to strike a balance between conservation imperatives and regional development needs.

Sectoral Challenges Under Existing ESZ Norms

Key economic sectors, including mining, infrastructure (roads and railways), housing, and tourism, have faced delays or restrictions due to ESZ regulations. The SC-NBWL stressed that a uniform regulatory approach may not be suitable for all regions and could obstruct critical infrastructure projects. A tailored, evidence-based policy framework could help reconcile ecological priorities with economic development.


Welcome to Notopedia.com, your free learning platform that caters to the diverse needs of students and aspirants across a spectrum of entrance exams and educational endeavors. Whether you're preparing for highly anticipated exams like CAT, NEET, JEE Main, or bank job vacancies, our platform offers a wealth of resources to guide you towards success. Stay up-to-date with the latest exam dates, announcements, and results for various government recruitment exams, including SSC CGL, CHSL, NDA, and UPSC. Explore comprehensive study materials, sample papers, and exam patterns to hone your skills and boost your confidence. From important dates like CBSE Class 10 and 12 date sheets to exam-specific information like JEE Main application form date, we cover it all. Notopedia.com is your go-to source for everything from admissions and admit cards to scholarships and college information. Whether you're aiming for a career in defense, government, banking, or higher education, our free learning platform equips you with the knowledge and resources you need to excel. Join us in your educational journey and unlock a world of opportunities, guidance, and comprehensive support.


For more Updates and Information - Visit Notopedia's Bulletin Board

For Latest Sarkari Jobs - Visit Notopedia's Sarkari Jobs Section

For access to more than 20,000 Colleges - Visit Notopedia's College Section

For School Studies and Exams Preparation across 14 Boards - Visit Notopedia's School Section

For Comprehensive Preparation of Sarkari Job Exams - Visit Notopedia's Sarkari Exams Section

For Comprehensive Preparation of Competitive Exams - Visit Notopedia's College Entrance Exams Section

The Notopedia Bulletin Board

News about the latest admissions, results, upcoming government jobs, Sarkari exams and many more.

bulletin images
RESULTS

Latest and upcoming results

Explore
bulletin images
ADMISSIONS

Get important alerts

Explore
bulletin images
JOBS

Latest job postings

Explore
bulletin images
SCHOOL

ICSE, CBSE and State Boards

Explore
bulletin images
COLLEGE

Get latest college updates

Explore
bulletin images
EXAM

Latest exam news

Explore
bulletin images
CURRENT AFFAIRS

Latest Current Affairs

Explore


Request For Material

Close Submit
Submit Material

Close Submit