SC-NBWL to Revise Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs) Guidelines for Local Needs

The Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife (SC-NBWL)  chaired by the Union Environment Minister decided to revise the 2011 ESZ guidelines to make them site-specific and sensitive to local ecological and socio-economic conditions. 

• The Union Minister noted that rigid ESZ norms in states like Himachal Pradesh, with 65% forest cover, could hinder development without significant ecological gain.
• “A blanket 10-km ESZ around all protected areas” is not suitable, particularly in urban areas like Sanjay Gandhi National Park (Mumbai) and Asola Bhatti Sanctuary (Delhi).

What are Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs)?

• Definition and Scope: They are defined under the National Wildlife Action Plan (2002–2016), issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

• The concept of Eco-Sensitive Zones was proposed at the XXI meeting of the Indian Board for Wildlife on January 21, 2002
• ESZs  are notified under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
• Demarcation: Land within 10 km of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries is typically designated as an Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) or eco-fragile zone.
• The 10-km limit is a general guideline; extension beyond 10 km is possible for ecologically important areas or sensitive corridors.
• The Union government holds the authority to notify such areas.

Purpose of ESZs

• Buffer Function: Act as “shock absorbers” to protect core protected areas from external impacts.
• Ecological Safeguard: Intended to minimize ecological damage from human activity in surrounding zones.
• Ecological Transition: Serve as transition zones between areas of high and low ecological protection.
• Sustainable Coexistence: Aim to enhance environmental quality around protected regions without restricting local livelihoods.

Regulation of Activities

• The 2011 guidelines have laid down an indicative framework on demarcation of ESZs ranging from identification of land use around parks, grouping of activities as permitted, regulated, prohibited and promoted.
• MoEF&CC, notifies ESZ on the recommendations of the State Government.
• State governments must prepare a Zonal Master Plan for each ESZ.
  • Zonal Master Plan also mandates incorporating the Tourism Master Plan and Heritage sites listing.

• Local communities are not restricted in their routine activities, provided they do not harm the ecosystem. No displacement of people is involved.

Current Status of ESZs

• The Supreme Court had earlier ordered that in the absence of specific demarcation, a 10-km area around protected zones be treated as ESZ.
• The Environment Ministry has so far issued 347 final ESZ notifications, as per Rajya Sabha data.

National Board for Wildlife (NBWL)

• Established in 2003 through amendment of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
• Replaced and restructured the Indian Board for Wildlife (IBWL).

• Made a statutory and regulatory body to strengthen wildlife conservation mechanisms.
• Serves as the apex advisory body on wildlife conservation in India.

• Provides advice to the Central Government, especially on issues concerning Protected Areas (PAs).
• Mandatory approval from NBWL is required for:
  • Alteration of (PA boundaries.
  • Destruction or diversion of wildlife habitats.
  • De-notification of Tiger Reserves.
  • Construction of tourist lodges in PAs.

Composition

• Total of 47 members.
• Chairperson: Prime Minister of India
• Vice-Chairperson: Union Environment Minister
• Includes:
  • Chief of the Army Staff
  • Secretaries from key ministries (Defence, Tribal Affairs, Finance, Information & Broadcasting)
  • Three Lok Sabha MPs and one Rajya Sabha MP
  • Director General of Forests
  • 10 eminent conservationists and ecologists
  • 5 members from NGOs