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Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary Declared Eco-Sensitive Zone

Source:drishtiias ↗

Why It Matters

Crucial for RPSC RAS aspirants tracking Rajasthan's geography, wildlife sanctuaries, protected area networks, and environmental policies under state and national frameworks.

Summary

The Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary in Rajasthan has been declared an Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. Spanning across Rajsamand, Udaipur, and Pali districts along the Aravalli hills, the designation aims to safeguard its unique flora and fauna, regulate commercial activities, and act as a transition zone/shock absorber for the protected wildlife area.

Key Points

  • The Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary has been officially declared an Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) to regulate developmental activities and protect its rich biodiversity.
  • The sanctuary spans parts of Rajsamand, Udaipur, and Pali districts in Rajasthan, situated across the Aravalli Range.
  • Eco-Sensitive Zones act as shock absorbers around protected areas, restricting commercial mining, polluting industries, and large-scale construction to minimize human-wildlife conflict.
  • The notification is issued under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

Important Terms

Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ)

Eco-Sensitive Zones are buffer areas notified around protected wildlife sanctuaries and national parks to minimize human-induced ecological stress and act as shock absorbers for core conservation areas.

UPSC context

Important for RPSC Paper III (Environment & Biodiversity). Tests knowledge of protected area buffers, conservation laws, and wildlife management in Rajasthan.

Source
Environment (Protection) Act, 1986

A landmark umbrella legislation enacted by the Parliament of India to coordinate activities of various central and state authorities established under previous environmental laws.

UPSC context

Essential for RPSC Paper III (Environmental Governance). Tests statutory backing for ecological notifications, pollution control, and regulatory frameworks.

Source
Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary

A prominent wildlife sanctuary located along the Aravalli hills across Rajsamand, Udaipur, and Pali districts, known for its rich biodiversity and dry deciduous forests.

UPSC context

Vital for RPSC Rajasthan Geography and Biodiversity. Tests district-wise distribution of sanctuaries, hill ranges, and regional wildlife conservation efforts.

Source

Static Concepts Connected

Rajasthan Geography and Environment

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

  • Legal Framework: Statutory Basis: Notified by the MoEFCC under Section 3 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
  • Primary Objective: Buffer Function: Act as shock absorbers around National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries by regulating heavy industries, mining, and commercial construction.
  • Restrictions: Prohibited Activities: Commercial mining, saw mills, polluting industries, and major hydroelectric projects are generally prohibited.
  • Regulated Use: Regulated Activities: Felling of trees, establishment of hotels/resorts, and ground water extraction are regulated through master plans.

Cross-Topic Patterns

  • Aravalli Range Mining and ESZ Regulations

    The Aravalli Range spans Rajasthan, Haryana, and Gujarat, serving as a critical green barrier against the Thar Desert's expansion. ESZ notifications here intersect with ongoing judicial scrutiny over illegal mining in the region.

  • Protected Area Governance and District Jurisdictions

    Kumbhalgarh's inclusion under the Wildlife Protection Act and EPA 1986 highlights how central environmental notifications overlap with state-level forest management and district administration across Rajsamand, Udaipur, and Pali.

Expect a matching or statement-based RPSC question on ESZ provisions under the EPA 1986, specifically districts covered by Kumbhalgarh Sanctuary.

Linked PYQs · 3

Linked PYQs · 3

  • 2023RPSC_PRELIMSGS1

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

  • 2023RPSC_PRELIMSGS1

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

  • 2025RPSC_PRELIMSGS1

    Choose the incorrect statement with respect to the Rajasthan Forestry and Biodiversity Project (Phase-2).