The Eco-Sensitive Zone Guidelines are under fresh scrutiny, as the Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife (SC-NBWL) has recommended a reassessment of the current framework. The move aims to introduce a more flexible, site-specific approach to the management of Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs), which are critical for conserving biodiversity around India’s protected areas. This reassessment comes in response to growing concerns that the existing, uniform rules may stifle economic development without providing proportional ecological benefits.
What Are Eco-Sensitive Zones?
Eco-Sensitive Zones act as protective buffer areas around national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and other protected forests. Typically extending up to 10 kilometres from the boundaries of these regions, ESZs are designed to limit human activity that may harm fragile ecosystems. Activities such as mining, large-scale construction, and polluting industries are usually restricted or prohibited in these zones. However, regulated agriculture, eco-tourism, and renewable energy initiatives are permitted under supervision.
Concerns Over the One-Size-Fits-All Approach
The SC-NBWL raised a critical issue: applying a blanket 10-kilometre ESZ limit across all protected areas overlooks regional differences in geography, land use, and ecological value. For instance, in Himachal Pradesh, where over 65% of the land is forested or protected, rigid ESZ guidelines could obstruct essential development work, like infrastructure or tourism, with minimal ecological benefit.
Moreover, the guidelines are predominantly terrestrial-focused, posing implementation challenges in marine or island ecosystems. Smaller sanctuaries with already limited human impact may also be unnecessarily burdened by these regulations.
Impact of Eco-Sensitive Zone Guidelines on Local Communities and Livelihoods
A pressing concern voiced by state governments is the adverse effect on livelihoods. Many rural communities rely on mining, small-scale industry, or agriculture that may fall within newly declared ESZs. Since ESZs are not legally protected areas like wildlife sanctuaries or national parks, no compensatory schemes exist for those who lose economic opportunities due to imposed restrictions.
The absence of clear provisions for livelihood transition or rehabilitation has sparked resistance against ESZ declarations and delayed the finalisation of several notifications.
Proposals for Site-Specific and Transitional Frameworks
The committee suggested that ESZ limits should be based on scientific evaluation of ecological importance, land use, and socio-economic factors. States like Karnataka proposed a two-year transitional phase to allow current economic activities to adjust or relocate. This would provide time for both governments and affected populations to plan and adapt.
Importantly, any ESZ boundaries or changes should involve stakeholder consultation, especially with local communities, state governments, forest departments, and environmental experts.
Inter-Ministerial Coordination on Eco-Sensitive Zone Guidelines
To address the multi-sectoral implications of ESZ policies, the committee called on the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) to prepare a detailed note on existing ESZ challenges. This will lead to inter-ministerial consultations, followed by a joint meeting involving wildlife and ESZ divisions.
The ultimate goal is to evolve guidelines that strike a balance: maintaining ecological integrity while ensuring that necessary development projects are not stalled unnecessarily.
Sectoral Impact and Development Delays
Current ESZ rules have significant implications for sectors such as:
- Mining and quarrying, particularly in mineral-rich states.
- Infrastructure projects, including highways and railway lines passing near forest zones.
- Housing and urban development, especially in expanding peri-urban areas.
- Tourism, which is both an economic driver and an ecological risk.
A tailored ESZ approach could streamline project clearances and reduce bureaucratic delays without compromising conservation goals.
Looking Ahead: Balancing Ecology and Economy
India’s environmental policies must evolve to reflect the realities of a rapidly developing economy. The revised Eco-Sensitive Zone Guidelines, once implemented, have the potential to:
- Protect biodiversity in critical ecosystems.
- Support livelihoods and ensure fair compensation where needed.
- Facilitate sustainable development that respects both local needs and national priorities.
As climate change and biodiversity loss accelerate, India’s ability to implement nuanced, science-based environmental regulations will determine its path towards sustainable growth.
