What is an Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ)?
Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs) are buffer areas notified around Protected Areas (PAs) such as National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries to regulate human activities and protect fragile ecosystems.
They act as a “shock absorber” between:
- High-protection zones (core forests)
- Human-dominated landscapes (villages, towns)
Legal Basis of ESZ
- Declared under Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
- Notified by Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC)
- Based on Supreme Court directions (notably in T.N. Godavarman Thirumulpad vs Union of India)
Extent of ESZ
- Typically ranges from 0 to 10 km around protected areas
- In some cases, can exceed 10 km (based on ecological importance)
Regulation of Activities in ESZ
Prohibited Activities
- Commercial mining
- Setting up polluting industries
- Major hydroelectric projects
Regulated Activities
- Tourism activities
- Construction activities
- Expansion of roads
- Use of natural resources
Permitted Activities
- Organic farming
- Rainwater harvesting
- Eco-friendly livelihoods
- Traditional practices