ecently, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) declared a 0-1 km area around Rajasthan’s Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary as an Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ). This isn’t just a routine environmental step; it’s a live case study on sustainable development, biodiversity conservation, and community participation themes central to India’s policy framework and, consequently, to your exam syllabus.
Quick Facts:
- What: 0-1 km belt around Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary declared an Eco-Sensitive Zone.
- Where: In the Aravalli mountain range, Rajasthan.
- Key Fauna: Leopard, striped hyena, chinkara, Indian pangolin, painted francolin bird.
- Aim: Protect biodiversity while promoting eco-friendly livelihoods for local communities.
DETAILED BACKGROUND & ANALYSIS
The Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary is a vital ecological gem nestled in the ancient Aravalli hills. It acts as a crucial habitat and corridor for wildlife, including endangered species like the leopard and the Indian pangolin. The sanctuary is also a living landscape, home to indigenous communities whose lives are intertwined with these forests.
An Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) is a buffer area created around Protected Areas (like National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries) under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. The purpose is not to create a “no-go” area, but a “regulated” zone. It acts as a shock absorber to core forest areas by regulating and prohibiting certain industrial and developmental activities that could harm the ecosystem.
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The recent notification means that within this 0-1 km belt, activities will be carefully managed. Destructive practices like commercial mining, setting up polluting industries, or establishing large-scale hazardous waste disposal sites will be prohibited. However, importantly, ongoing agricultural and horticultural practices by local communities, along with organic farming and agroforestry, will be promoted. This balances conservation with community needs.
As highlighted by Union Minister Bhupender Yadav, the move is deeply connected to empowering local inhabitants. By imparting skills for sustainable practices like organic farming and agroforestry, the policy aims to make these communities active stakeholders and guardians of their environment. This reflects a shift from a restrictive “fortress conservation” model to a more inclusive, Community-Driven Conservation approach, a key tenet of India’s environmental policy.
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MCQs From the Topic
- The recently declared Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) is around which wildlife sanctuary?
a) Sariska Tiger Reserve
b) Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary
c) Ranthambore National Park
d) Keoladeo National Park - Eco-Sensitive Zones are notified under which Act?
a) Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
b) Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
c) Forest Rights Act, 2006
d) Biological Diversity Act, 2002 - Kumbhalgarh Sanctuary is located in which mountain range?
a) Vindhyas
b) Aravalli
c) Satpura
d) Western Ghats - Which of the following is NOT a key animal species found in Kumbhalgarh, as per the news?
a) Leopard
b) Asiatic Lion
c) Indian Pangolin
d) Chinkara
Explanation: Asiatic Lions are found only in Gir, Gujarat. - The primary objective of declaring an ESZ is to:
a) Stop all human activity
b) Regulate activities to protect the ecosystem
c) Promote industrial growth
d) Facilitate mining operations - The concept of ESZ is best described as a:
a) Core forest area
b) Buffer or shock absorber for protected areas
c) Commercial forestry zone
d) Urban green belt - The promotion of organic farming in ESZs is aimed at:
a) Increasing chemical exports
b) Ensuring sustainable livelihoods for local communities
c) Replacing all forest land
d) Reducing water consumption
