Current Affairs

Sign in
GeographyGS3
GS3

Uttarakhand Holds Meeting on Eco Sensitive Zones of National Parks

Source:garhwalpost ↗

Why It Matters

Crucial for understanding environmental governance, wildlife conservation policy, and land-use regulations around national parks in Uttarakhand, which frequently feature in regional civil services questions.

Summary

A meeting was convened in Uttarakhand to deliberate on the proposed Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs) surrounding the state's national parks, aiming to strengthen wildlife conservation and regulate human activities near protected environments.

Key Points

  • A high-level meeting was held in Uttarakhand to discuss the proposed Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs) of national parks in the state.
  • The objective is to balance environmental conservation, protection of flora and fauna, and sustainable development around protected areas like national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.
  • ESZs act as a shock absorber for protected areas by regulating certain activities and prohibiting heavy industrial operations in close proximity.

Important Terms

Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ)

Buffer zones designated around protected areas like national parks and wildlife sanctuaries to act as a shock absorber, regulating commercial and developmental activities to protect fragile ecosystems.

UPSC context

Important for UKPSC Prelims and Mains (Environment and Ecology, Biodiversity, and Uttarakhand Protected Areas).

Source
National Parks

Strictly protected natural areas notified under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, where human activity is heavily restricted to preserve wildlife and natural habitats.

UPSC context

Core topic for UKPSC Geography and Environment, testing knowledge of state-specific sanctuaries and national parks.

Source
State Government

The regional administrative authority responsible for implementing environmental policies, framing ESZ proposals, and balancing developmental needs with wildlife conservation in Uttarakhand.

UPSC context

Relevant for UKPSC Polity, Administration, and State Governance concerning policy implementation.

Source

Static Concepts Connected

Environment and Ecology

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

  • Legal Provision: Statutory backing under Section 3(2)(v) of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
  • Buffer Extent: Typically extend up to 10 kilometers around protected areas like national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.
  • Ecological Role: Act as shock absorbers to minimize forest fragmentation and regulate mining, sawmills, and commercial industries.

Cross-Topic Patterns

  • ESZs and Himalayan Infrastructure Development

    Eco-Sensitive Zone boundaries in Uttarakhand often intersect with hydro-power projects and char dham road expansion, balancing fragile Himalayan ecology with strategic infrastructure.

Uttarakhand ESZ notifications + EPA 1986 provisions will be framed in a statement-based Prelims question on statutory backing.

Linked PYQs · 3

Linked PYQs · 3

  • 2025UKPSC_PRELIMSGS1

    Which of the following UNESCO World Heritage Sites is/are located in Uttarakhand? Choose the correct option: A. Valley of Flowers B. Kaziranga National Park C. Mountain Railways of India D. Nanda Devi National Park

  • 2016UKPSC_PRELIMSGS1

    In Uttarakhand, Oak-Rhododendron are characteristic plants of

  • 2024UKPSC_PRELIMSGS1

    Which of the following National Park of Uttarakhand has been included in Project Tiger Scheme in 2015 ?