| Eco-sensitive zones (ESZ) • It serves as a buffer to provide extra protection for wildlife, acting as a “shock absorbent” to transition from highly protected areas to regions with less protection. • Regulations on activities to minimize the impact on protected area • MoEF&CC notifies Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESA), which have unique biological resources, which require special attention for their conservation. |
- Centre reissues draft notification on Ecologically Sensitive Areas in Western Ghats. It aims to restrict economic activities such as quarrying, mining, and large infrastructure development in these areas.
- Despite six iterations, the draft has not become law due to objections from Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Katakana, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.
- The Gadgil Committee recommended that 75% of the Western Ghats be designated as ecologically sensitive areas (ESAs) with restrictions on development activities.
- The Kasturirangan Committee recommended conserving and protecting the biodiversity of Western Ghats while allowing for sustainable and inclusive development of the region. Notified only 37% of the Western Ghats as ESAs. It splits areas into cultural and natural zones.
- The Environment (Protection) Act of 1986 allows the Central Government to restrict industrial activities in these sensitive areas to safeguard their ecological integrity.
- Western Ghats Ecology Authority (WGEA) to be constituted as a statutory authority under the MoEF&CC, with the powers under Section 3 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
Dig Deeper: Read about the Environmental Impact Assessment of Development in Eco-Sensitive Zones.
