Kaziranga Eco-Sensitive Zone: Assam CM Proposes 1 km Buffer
Assam's Chief Minister has suggested reducing the buffer zone around Kaziranga National Park, sparking a debate over environmental protection and development.
Source: The HinduAssam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma recently indicated that the Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) around Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve might be set at a minimum width of 1 km. This proposal contrasts with the standard default width of 10 km for such zones. The suggestion has generated controversy, raising concerns among environmentalists and conservation groups. Eco-Sensitive Zones are areas notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) around Protected Areas, National Parks, and Wildlife Sanctuaries. Their purpose is to regulate certain activities to minimize the negative impact on the fragile ecosystems of these protected regions. The proposed reduction in the Kaziranga Eco-Sensitive Zone's width could potentially affect the park's biodiversity and wildlife corridors, which are crucial for the movement and survival of its diverse animal population, including the one-horned rhinoceros.
This news is important for exams like UPSC and State PSCs under Environment & Ecology (GS Paper III) and Geography (GS Paper I). It highlights the concept of Eco-Sensitive Zones, their importance for biodiversity conservation, and the challenges in balancing development with environmental protection. Aspirants should understand the legal framework for ESZs and the significance of Kaziranga National Park.
- Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma proposed a 1 km Eco-Sensitive Zone for Kaziranga.
- The default width for Eco-Sensitive Zones is typically 10 km.
- Kaziranga National Park is also a Tiger Reserve.
- Eco-Sensitive Zones are notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
- Kaziranga National Park is famous for its population of one-horned rhinoceros.
- The park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985.
Eco-Sensitive Zones are areas within 10 km around Protected Areas, National Parks, and Wildlife Sanctuaries. They are notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. The aim is to create a buffer zone for protected areas, regulating activities like mining, industries, and construction to minimize negative impacts on the fragile ecosystem and wildlife.
Kaziranga National Park is a national park in the Golaghat and Nagaon districts of Assam, India. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and hosts two-thirds of the world's great one-horned rhinoceroses. The park is also home to tigers, elephants, wild water buffalo, and various bird species. It was declared a Tiger Reserve in 2006.
The MoEFCC is a nodal agency in the administrative structure of the Central Government for planning, promoting, coordinating, and overseeing the implementation of environmental and forestry programmes. It is responsible for the conservation of the country's natural resources, including its lakes and rivers, biodiversity, forests, and wildlife.
UPSC often asks about the legal provisions for environmental protection, specific national parks, and the concept of Eco-Sensitive Zones. SSC exams may focus on the location and key species of famous national parks.
Remember 'Kazi-ESZ-1km' to link Kaziranga with the proposed 1 km Eco-Sensitive Zone, contrasting with the 'default 10 km'.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of an Eco-Sensitive Zone?
An Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) aims to create a buffer around Protected Areas like National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries. Its purpose is to regulate certain activities to minimize the negative impact on the fragile ecosystems and wildlife within these protected regions, ensuring their long-term conservation.
Which ministry notifies Eco-Sensitive Zones in India?
Eco-Sensitive Zones in India are notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC). This is done under the provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, to safeguard ecologically important areas.
What is Kaziranga National Park famous for?
Kaziranga National Park is most famous for being home to the world's largest population of the great one-horned rhinoceros. It is also a significant habitat for tigers, elephants, wild water buffalo, and various bird species, making it a biodiversity hotspot.