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Eco-Sensitive Areas

Syllabus: Environment

 Source: TH

 Context:  The Karnataka government has asked the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) to withdraw the sixth draft notification issued by it for the declaration of Eco-Sensitive Areas (ESAs) of the Western Ghats.

About Eco-Sensitive Area:

Eco-Sensitive Areas (ESAs) are regions surrounding protected areas like national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, designated to act as buffer zones to reduce the impact of human activities on biodiversity.

  • Governed under the Environmental (Protection) Act, 1986, and outlined in the National Wildlife Action Plan (2002-2016) by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).

Origin:

  • ESAs were introduced to provide buffer zones for protected areas.
  • The Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel (Gadgil Committee) and Kasturirangan Committee recommended their designation for biodiversity conservation, especially in fragile ecosystems like the Western Ghats.

Activities in ESAs:

  • Prohibited: Commercial mining, industries causing pollution, large hydroelectric projects, sawmills, and use of wood for commercial purposes.
  • Regulated: Felling trees, constructing hotels/resorts, commercial use of water, electrical cables, changing agricultural systems.
  • Permitted: Organic farming, rainwater harvesting, use of renewable energy, ongoing agricultural practices.

Comparison between Madhav Gadgil’s report and Kasturirangan’s report:

Aspect Madhav Gadgil Report Kasturirangan Report
Approach Emphasized a more inclusive, bottom-up approach involving local communities in conservation. More top-down with emphasis on balance between development and conservation.
ESA Coverage Proposed 100% of the Western Ghats as ESA. Proposed only 37% of the Western Ghats as ESA.
Local Involvement Recommended strong participation from local communities and Gram Sabhas. Involved minimal local participation, focusing on bureaucracy.
Development Highly restrictive on developmental activities, especially in high-priority areas (ESZ-1). Allowed controlled developmental activities in less sensitive areas.
Mining and Quarrying Recommended a complete ban on mining in ESA areas. Phasing out mining over time, depending on existing leases.
Power Projects Opposed large hydropower projects in sensitive zones. Allowed hydropower projects with extensive studies.

Significance of ESAs

  1. Conservation of biodiversity: ESAs protect biodiversity by regulating human activities, and preventing environmental degradation.
  2. In-situ conservation: Helps conserve endangered species in their natural habitat (e.g., the One-horned Rhino in Kaziranga).
  3. Minimizing man-animal conflict: Reduces conflicts by maintaining forest corridors.
  4. Buffer zones: Acts as shock absorbers for ecologically fragile areas, balancing development and conservation.
  5. Climate resilience: Helps ecosystems adapt to climate change by preserving natural landscapes.

Challenges

  1. Development vs. Conservation: Balancing economic growth with environmental protection remains a challenge.
  2. Impact on local livelihoods: Restrictions in ESAs can negatively impact communities dependent on natural resources.
  3. Inconsistent policies: Implementation varies across states, leading to confusion and enforcement challenges.
  4. Encroachment: Illegal mining, deforestation, and human encroachments threaten the efficacy of ESAs.
  5. Lack of local participation: Insufficient involvement of local communities in decision-making weakens compliance.

Way ahead

  1. Community involvement: Strengthen local participation through Gram Sabhas and local bodies in ESA management.
  2. Sustainable development: Promote eco-friendly alternatives like organic farming and eco-tourism in ESAs.
  3. Clear and consistent policies: Standardize ESA policies across regions to prevent loopholes.
  4. Scientific assessments: Conduct thorough environmental impact assessments before approving developmental projects.
  5. Alternative livelihoods: Provide financial support and training to affected communities for alternate, sustainable income sources.

Conclusion:

ESAs play a vital role in balancing conservation with sustainable development. Going forward, a balanced, inclusive, and sustainable approach is essential to preserve these fragile ecosystems while ensuring that development benefits local communities.

Insta Links:

  1. Eco-Sensitive Area
  2. Kasturirangan Committee

PYQ:

1.   In which one among the following categories of protected areas in India are local people not allowed to collect and use biomass? (UPSC – 2012)

a)     Biosphere Reserves

b)     National Parks

c)     Wetlands declared under the Ramsar Convention

d)     Wildlife Sanctuaries

 

Answer: b)

 

2.     “Policy contradictions among various competing sectors and stakeholders have resulted in inadequate ‘protection and prevention of degradation’ to the environment.” Comment with relevant illustrations. (UPSC – 2018)