Eco-Sensitive Zones

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Eco-Sensitive Zones

Eco-Sensitive Zones

News: Recently, The Supreme Court updated its previous judgment regarding Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZ) around protected forests.

What are Eco-Sensitive Zones?
 The National Wildlife Action Plan (2002-2016) of the MoEFCC stipulated that state governments should declare land falling within 10 km of the boundaries of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries as eco-fragile zones or Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs) under the Environmental (Protection) Act, 1986.
 While the 10-km rule is implemented as a general principle, the extent of its application can vary.
 Areas beyond 10 km can also be notified by the Union government as ESZs, if they hold larger ecologically important “sensitive corridors”.

Earlier Judgement	Modified Judgement
In June 2022, the SC ordered that ESZs of a minimum of one kilometer should be declared around protected forests, national parks, and wildlife sanctuaries across the country.	After having heard the arguments of centre and state governments and analyzing the impact of its earlier order on development activities and livelihood of people, the court declared that The purpose of declaring ESZs is not to hamper the day-to-day activities of the citizens but to protect the environment and wildlife.
The court had said that ESZs would act as a 'shock absorber' for the protected areas and prevent encroachment, illegal mining, construction, and other activities that could harm the environment and wildlife.	The court accepted that strict observation of June 2022 order would cause more harm than good.
The court had also directed the Centre and the States to notify the ESZs within 6 months and file compliance reports.	The Centre and the States should notify ESZs as per their own proposals or as per recommendations of expert committees within 6 months. However, the court said that mining within the national parks/wildlife sanctuaries and within an area of 1 km from their boundary shall not be permissible.