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Eco Sensitive Zone Declared Around Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary

Source:theclimatewatch ↗

Why It Matters

Crucial for RPSC RAS aspirants tracking environmental notifications, wildlife sanctuaries, and protected geographical regions in Rajasthan.

Summary

The article discusses the declaration of an Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) around the Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary in Rajasthan under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, aiming to strengthen wildlife conservation, restrict commercial exploitation, and protect the fragile ecosystem spanning the Rajsamand, Udaipur, and Pali districts.

Key Points

  • The Indian government has declared an Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) around the Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary in Rajasthan to protect its unique biodiversity and historical landscape.
  • The Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary spans parts of Rajsamand, Udaipur, and Pali districts and is famous for its rich flora and fauna, including the Indian wolf and leopards.
  • Commercial activities, mining, and polluting industries are restricted within the ESZ to prevent ecological degradation and ensure sustainable conservation around the sanctuary.

Important Terms

Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) Guidelines

Buffer zones designated around protected wildlife areas and national parks to regulate human activities, minimize environmental impact, and prevent ecological damage to fragile ecosystems.

UPSC context

Important for RPSC RAS Paper I (Geography and Environment), testing knowledge of protected areas and conservation policies in Rajasthan.

Source
Environment (Protection) Act, 1986

Key umbrella legislation enacted in India to protect and improve environmental quality, empowering the central government to restrict polluting industries and notify eco-sensitive zones.

UPSC context

Crucial for RPSC exams under environmental laws and statutory frameworks governing wildlife conservation in India and Rajasthan.

Source
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change

The nodal union ministry responsible for planning, promoting, and overseeing environmental and forestry programs, including wildlife conservation policies and ESZ notifications across India.

UPSC context

Tested in RPSC current affairs and polity regarding central administrative bodies handling ecological governance.

Source

Static Concepts Connected

Environment and Ecology Rajasthan

What are Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs) and under which statutory provision are they notified in India?

  • Statutory Basis: Notified under Section 3(2)(v) of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 to act as shock absorbers for protected areas.
  • Prohibited Activities: Prohibits commercial mining, sawmills, polluting industries, and major hydroelectric projects while regulating commercial construction.
  • Boundary Extent: Standard width is generally up to 10 km around national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, though it can vary based on ecological sensitivity.

Cross-Topic Patterns

  • ESZ Notification vs Aravalli Mining Bans

    Kumbhalgarh's fortification sits on Aravalli ridges; ESZ regulations intersect with state heritage tourism policies and mineral lease cancellation orders in Pali and Rajsamand.

RPSC frequently pairs ESZ distance norms under EPA 1986 with district-wise sanctuary boundaries in matching-list questions.

Linked PYQs · 3

Linked PYQs · 3

  • 2023RPSC_PRELIMSGS1

    Which of the following pairings is incorrect? Wildlife Sanctuary – District

  • 2024RPSC_PRELIMSGS1

    Select the most correct statement regarding the Rajasthan State Biological Park (Phase-II): A. It covers 9 districts and is an initiative of the Rajasthan State Biodiversity Authority (RSBA). B. Achada, Merta and Machala Biological Park have been included in phase-II. C. In phase-II, Bio-Diversity Council, Water Conservation has also been incorporated in its list.

  • 2023RPSC_PRELIMSGS1

    The National Tiger Conservation Authority has conferred the status of the fifth tiger sanctuary in Rajasthan, to which of the following sanctuaries?