Centre Notifies Eco-Sensitive Zone Around Kumbhalgarh Sanctuary to Protect Aravalli Ecosystem

Why in News?

• The Central Government has declared the biodiversity-rich area ranging from 0 to 1 km around the Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary in Rajasthan as an Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ).
• The sanctuary lies in one of the most fragile ecological landscapes of the Aravalli Range, and the notification aims to regulate human activities and strengthen conservation in the region.

Background: Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary

• The Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Rajasthan and derives its name from the historic Kumbhalgarh Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that lies within its boundaries.
• The sanctuary is part of the Aravalli mountain ecosystem, one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world, known for its ecological sensitivity and biodiversity significance.

Geographical Setting and Drainage Pattern

Drainage Systems

• Eastern Section:
  • Serves as the origin point of the Banas River, which ultimately flows into the Bay of Bengal via the Chambal and Yamuna river systems.
• Western Slopes:
  • Rainwater forms small rivers such as Sukdi, Sumer, Mithdi, and Kot.
  • These rivers are tributaries of the Luni River, which flows toward the Arabian Sea.

This dual drainage system highlights the sanctuary’s hydrological importance in linking eastern and western river basins.

Flora of the Sanctuary

The sanctuary’s vegetation is dominated by dry deciduous forest and scrubland species, adapted to the semi-arid climate of the Aravallis.

Major Floral Species

• Herbs and shrubs dominate the landscape.
  • Tree species such as:
  • Churel,
  • Dhok,
  • Khair,
  • Salar,
    grow abundantly.

These plant communities support soil stability, groundwater recharge, and wildlife habitat.

Fauna of the Sanctuary

Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary serves as a natural refuge for a wide range of wildlife, including both carnivores and herbivores.

Key Faunal Species

• Carnivores: Wolf, Leopard, Sloth Bear, Hyena, Jackal, Jungle Cat
• Herbivores: Sambar, Nilgai, Chinkara, Hare
• Unique species: Chausingha (Four-horned antelope) — a rare and regionally significant species.

The presence of top predators and rare herbivores reflects the sanctuary’s ecological integrity.

Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ): Concept and Purpose

What is an ESZ?

Eco-Sensitive Zones are areas notified around protected areas to act as buffer zones, regulating development and human activities to minimise ecological damage.

Objectives of Declaring ESZ Around Kumbhalgarh

• Prevent habitat degradation and fragmentation,
• Regulate mining, construction, and industrial activity,
• Promote sustainable livelihoods and eco-tourism,
• Protect water sources and biodiversity corridors.

The 0–1 km ESZ around Kumbhalgarh aims to balance conservation with community development.

Ecological and Strategic Significance

The Aravalli Range plays a crucial role in:

• Preventing desertification,
• Regulating regional climate,
• Acting as a natural groundwater recharge zone.

Protecting Kumbhalgarh and its surrounding areas strengthens:

• Landscape-level conservation,
• Wildlife corridors,
• Long-term ecological resilience in north-western India.

Way Forward

Effective implementation of the ESZ notification requires:

• Strong coordination between central, state, and local authorities,
• Community participation in conservation,
• Sustainable livelihood alternatives,
• Continuous ecological monitoring.

Such measures will ensure that development proceeds without compromising ecological security.