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

• Conservation of biodiversity: ESAs protect biodiversity by regulating human activities, and preventing environmental degradation.

• In-situ conservation: Helps conserve endangered species in their natural habitat (e.g., the One-horned Rhino in Kaziranga).

• Minimizing man-animal conflict: Reduces conflicts by maintaining forest corridors.

• Buffer zones: Acts as shock absorbers for ecologically fragile areas, balancing development and conservation.

• Climate resilience: Helps ecosystems adapt to climate change by preserving natural landscapes.

Challenges

• Development vs. Conservation: Balancing economic growth with environmental protection remains a challenge.

• Impact on local livelihoods: Restrictions in ESAs can negatively impact communities dependent on natural resources.

• Inconsistent policies: Implementation varies across states, leading to confusion and enforcement challenges.

• Encroachment: Illegal mining, deforestation, and human encroachments threaten the efficacy of ESAs.

• Lack of local participation: Insufficient involvement of local communities in decision-making weakens compliance.

Way ahead

• Community involvement: Strengthen local participation through Gram Sabhas and local bodies in ESA management.

• Sustainable development: Promote eco-friendly alternatives like organic farming and eco-tourism in ESAs.

• Clear and consistent policies: Standardize ESA policies across regions to prevent loopholes.

• Scientific assessments: Conduct thorough environmental impact assessments before approving developmental projects.

• 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:

• Eco-Sensitive Area

• Kasturirangan Committee

1. 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)

1. 1.“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)