Ecologically Sensitive Zones (ESZ)

India, being a country with diverse geomorphology and rich biodiversity, faces the challenge of balancing development with environmental conservation. To maintain this balance, the government has developed the concept of Ecologically Sensitive Zones (ESZs). The idea is to allow controlled development without disturbing the ecological balance of protected areas.

Objective of ESZ:-

"Not to stop development, but to regulate it in an environmentally sustainable manner."

Definition:-

• ESZs are buffer zones around protected areas such as National Parks, Tiger Reserves, Wildlife Sanctuaries, or Biosphere Reserves. They reduce adverse human impacts on core ecological zones. 
• Also referred to as shock absorbers or transition zones, they provide a protective boundary between core conservation areas and external development zones.

Legal Basis of ESZ

Though the term “ESZ” is not explicitly mentioned in a specific law, its legal foundation is derived from:

Need for ESZ

1. Increasing human pressure: Illegal mining, construction, and industrial activities around protected areas affect biodiversity.
2. Human-wildlife conflict: Encroachment and poaching in fringe villages are increasing.
3. Natural resource protection: Buffer zones are necessary to protect water sources, rivers, and forest root systems.
4. Development-conservation balance: Promote sustainable development in environmentally sensitive areas without harming ecology.

Extent and Coverage

• Typically, an ESZ can extend up to 10 km around a protected area.
• The extent is site-specific; highly sensitive areas may require ESZs beyond 10 km.
• As of 2025, over 340 notifications for ESZs around 485 protected areas have been issued in India.

Activities in ESZ

Each ESZ has a Zonal Master Plan that specifies permissible activities in different zones.

ESZ Notification Process

1. State Government Proposal: Survey the geography, socio-economic data, and human activities around the protected area.
2. MoEFCC Review: Central government issues a draft notification.
3. Public Hearing & Objections: Seek suggestions and objections from the public and local bodies.
4. Final Notification: Finalize boundaries and rules after considering suggestions.
5. Monitoring Committee Formation: Include district collector, DFO, local NGOs, and village representatives for oversight.

Significance / Benefits of ESZ

• Protects biodiversity and maintains ecosystem stability.
• Safeguards catchment areas and river sources.
• Provides a buffer for wildlife habitats.
• Promotes environmentally-friendly tourism and livelihood options.
• Helps reduce human-wildlife conflicts.

Challenges

Recent Examples / Case Studies

Judicial Interventions

1. Supreme Court (June 2022): Minimum 1 km ESZ mandatory around all protected areas.
2. Goa Foundation v. Union of India (2006): ESZ aims to regulate, not prohibit development.
3. T.N. Godavarman Case: Directed timely demarcation of ESZs by MoEFCC.

Recent Government Initiatives

• Green Development Plan: Provide alternative livelihoods in ESZs via organic farming, solar energy, and eco-tourism.
• Digital Mapping of ESZs: Use GIS and satellite imagery for precise demarcation.
• Compensatory Afforestation Fund (CAMPA): Financial support for afforestation and eco-restoration activities in ESZs.