Eco-Sensitive Areas in Western Ghats

Context:

Recently, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Goa, three of the six states where the Centre has proposed eco-sensitive areas (ESAs) to protect the Western Ghats, have requested a reduction in the extent of these ESAs to permit development projects.

Relevance:

GS III: Environment and Ecology

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs)
2. Overview of ESZs in India
3. Problem with ESZs in Scheduled Areas
4. Major Concerns of Declaring Eco-Sensitive Areas (ESAs):
5. Way Forward

Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs)

•  Eco Sensitive Zones are fragile areas around protected areas declared by the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
• They are areas notified by the MoEFCC around Protected Areas, National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries. • The purpose of declaring ESZs is to create some kind of “shock absorbers” to the protected areas by regulating and managing the activities around such areas.
• Among activities prohibited in the eco-sensitive zone are hydroelectric projects, brick kilns, commercial use of firewood and discharge of untreated effluents in natural water bodies or land areas.
• No new commercial hotels and resorts shall be permitted within 1 km of the boundary of the protected area or up to the extent of the eco-sensitive zone, whichever is nearer, except for small temporary structures for eco-tourism activities.

Overview of ESZs in India

• Surrounding protected areas is a region of more than 1,11,000 sq. km — or 3.4% percent of the country’s land — which falls under the ESZ regime.
•  Governments have notified 341 ESZs in 29 States and five Union territories, while another 85 ESZs are awaiting notification.
• Together, protected areas and ESZs cover 8.66% of India’s land area.
• The ESZs span notified forests outside protected areas, most of which could also come under gram sabhas’ jurisdiction under the FRA.
• The extent of ESZs from the boundary of a protected area ranges from 0 to as much as 45.82 km (in Pin Valley National Park, Himachal Pradesh). Fifteen States have ESZs exceeding 10 km.

Problem with ESZs in Scheduled Areas

• Significantly, parts of the ESZs in ten States — Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Rajasthan and Telangana — fall within the Scheduled Areas notified under the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution.
• Such Scheduled Areas cover over 11% of the country’s land area and are thickly forested and mountainous.
• They are preponderantly populated by Scheduled Tribe groups and are notified by the President under Article 244 where the Provisions of the Panchayat (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA) 1996 apply.
• The PESA recognises habitation-level gram sabhas to be competent to safeguard and preserve community resources on forest and revenue lands in Scheduled Areas.
• However, the MoEFCC has shown no inclination to amend the Indian Forest Act 1927, the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and the Environment (Protection) Act 1986 (under which ESZs are notified) to comply with the PESA and FRA.

Major Concerns of Declaring Eco-Sensitive Areas (ESAs):

• Economic Growth Conflict:
  • ESAs are often located in areas with significant potential for economic growth. This can lead to conflicts between conservation goals and development projects, potentially resulting in local communities missing out on economic opportunities.
• Restriction on Traditional Practices:
  • Regulations in ESAs can limit traditional practices and livelihoods of resident communities, causing resentment and hindering cooperation with conservation efforts.
• Policy and Implementation Variability:
  • Policies and implementation of ESAs can vary across regions and states, causing confusion and challenges in enforcement. Inconsistencies can create loopholes for activities harmful to the environment.
• Lack of Awareness and Participation:
  • Local communities and stakeholders may not fully understand the importance of ESAs or be involved in the decision-making process, leading to resistance and reduced effectiveness of the program.

Way Forward:

• Balanced Approach:
  • Safeguard the ecological integrity of the Western Ghats while allowing sustainable development. This can be achieved by zoning ESAs with stricter regulations in core areas and designated zones for specific, low-impact development projects.
• Independent Scientific Assessments:
  • Conduct thorough, independent scientific assessments to determine the minimum area required for ESA designation. This ensures evidence-based decision-making and minimizes unnecessary development restrictions.
• Open Communication and Collaboration:
  • Facilitate open communication and collaboration between central government bodies, state governments, local communities, and environmental groups. This inclusive decision-making process considers the needs of all stakeholders.
• Alternative Livelihood Options:
  • Develop alternative livelihood options for those residing within ESAs who might be impacted by stricter regulations. This could include promoting eco-tourism, sustainable agriculture practices, and skill development programs.
• Transparent Monitoring Mechanisms:
  • Establish clear and transparent monitoring mechanisms to track the effectiveness of ESAs and development projects. This allows for course correction if unintended consequences arise and ensures responsible development practices.

-Source: The Hindu