Kaziranga Eco-Sensitive Zone: New Rules for Development
Kaziranga National Park's Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) is under scrutiny due to new rules allowing certain development activities. This has raised concerns among environmentalists.
Source: GNews India EnvironmentThe Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) around Kaziranga National Park is currently in focus due to recent changes in regulations. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) issued a new notification in October 2023. This notification allows for the construction of certain infrastructure projects within the ESZ. These projects include roads, bridges, and other public utilities. Previously, the ESZ had stricter rules to protect the park from adverse impacts of development. Environmental groups and conservationists are concerned that these new rules could harm the delicate ecosystem of Kaziranga National Park. They fear increased human activity and pollution might threaten the park's wildlife, especially the one-horned rhinoceros. The ESZ acts as a buffer zone, protecting the core area of Kaziranga National Park from industrial and commercial development.
This topic is important for competitive exams under Environment and Ecology, especially for UPSC GS Paper III and State PSC exams. Aspirants should understand the concept of Eco-Sensitive Zones, their purpose, and the implications of policy changes on protected areas. It also links to government policies on conservation and sustainable development, which are key syllabus areas.
- Kaziranga National Park is located in the state of Assam, India.
- The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) issued the new ESZ notification in October 2023.
- Kaziranga National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985.
- It is home to two-thirds of the world's great one-horned rhinoceroses.
- The park covers an area of approximately 430 square kilometers.
- The Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) extends up to 10 kilometers around protected areas.
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 create a buffer zone and regulate certain activities to minimize the negative impacts on the protected area. Activities like mining, polluting industries, and major hydroelectric projects are generally prohibited or strictly regulated within ESZs.
Kaziranga National Park is a national park in the Golaghat and Nagaon districts of Assam, India. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is famous for its population of great one-horned rhinoceroses. The park also hosts a high density of tigers, elephants, wild water buffalo, and swamp deer. It was declared a National Park in 1974.
The Indian rhinoceros, also called the great one-horned rhinoceros, is a large mammal native to the Indian subcontinent. It is listed as 'Vulnerable' on the IUCN Red List. Kaziranga National Park holds the world's largest population of this species, making its conservation efforts crucial for the species' survival.
UPSC often asks about the legal framework for environmental protection (e.g., Environment Protection Act, Wildlife Protection Act) and the significance of protected areas like National Parks and ESZs. SSC exams may focus on the location and key species of famous national parks.
Remember 'KAZI' for 'Kaziranga Always Zonal Impact' to link the park with its Eco-Sensitive Zone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of an Eco-Sensitive Zone around national parks?
An Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) serves as a buffer area around protected regions like national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. Its main purpose is to regulate and restrict certain activities that could negatively impact the delicate ecosystem of the core protected area, thereby ensuring its long-term conservation.
Which ministry is responsible for notifying Eco-Sensitive Zones in India?
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) is the central government body responsible for notifying Eco-Sensitive Zones in India. It issues official notifications under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, to define the boundaries and permissible activities within these zones.
What is Kaziranga National Park primarily famous for?
Kaziranga National Park is primarily famous for being home to the world's largest population of the great one-horned rhinoceros. It is a critical conservation site for this vulnerable species and also supports significant populations of tigers, elephants, and wild water buffalo.