Why this matters now
ESZs are topical — their purpose, legal basis, the regulated activities, and the Supreme Court rulings and conflicts with local communities are tested in GS-3.
What ESZs are
ESZs are areas around protected areas (national parks and wildlife sanctuaries), notified under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, to act as transition/buffer zones between the highly protected core and areas of human activity. They minimise the impact of development on the protected area.
Regulated activities
Within ESZs, activities are prohibited (e.g. commercial mining, polluting industries, major hydel projects), regulated (e.g. tourism, construction, tree felling) or permitted (e.g. ongoing agriculture, rainwater harvesting). The aim is to limit harmful activity near sensitive habitats.
Conflicts and the way forward
ESZs spark conservation-vs-livelihood tensions — restrictions can affect local communities, farming and small towns. The Supreme Court has ruled on minimum ESZ widths (with case-specific flexibility). The way forward is a participatory, science-based, site-specific approach balancing ecology and people.
UPSC angle
Know ESZs as buffers around national parks/sanctuaries under the EP Act 1986, the prohibited/regulated/permitted activities, the SC rulings on width, and the conservation-vs-livelihood conflict.
Frequently asked questions
What are Eco-Sensitive Zones?
Buffer areas around national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, notified under the EP Act 1986, that regulate activity to protect fragile ecosystems.
Why are ESZs called shock-absorbers?
Because they form a transition zone between the highly protected core area and areas of human activity, cushioning the impact of development.
What activities are restricted in ESZs?
Commercial mining, polluting industries and major projects are prohibited; tourism and construction are regulated.
What is the main controversy around ESZs?
Restrictions can affect local livelihoods, farming and towns, creating conservation-versus-livelihood tensions.