Mandatory eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) 

The SC has directed that every protected forest, national park and wildlife sanctuary in India should have a mandatory eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) of minimum 1 km, starting from demarcated boundaries.

What are ESZ?

ESZ are areas in India, that are notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), across the Protected Areas, National Park and Wildlife sanctuaries.  ESZs are declared for the purpose of creating some kind of a “shock absorber” for protected areas. 

ESZs could go up to 10 Kms around Protected Areas or beyond .

What activities are prevented ?

In ESZs, activities like industries causing pollution Commercial mining, establishment of major hydroelectric projects (HEP), saw mills, commercial use of wood, Tourism, production of hazardous substances and discharge of effluents or any solid waste are all prohibited.

Activities like felling of trees, commercial use of natural water, establishment of hotels and resorts, erection of electrical cables etc are regulated.

While, activities like agricultural or horticultural practices, organic farming, rainwater harvesting, use of renewable energy is permitted .

The State will have to act as trustee for the benefit of public with respect to natural resources, in a bid to achieve sustainable development in the long term.