Gajendra Singh Godara
Sep 15, 2025
15
mins read
Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs), also known as Ecologically Sensitive Zones or Ecologically Fragile Areas, are designated buffer areas around protected wildlife habitats in India. The National Wildlife Action Plan (2002-2016) of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) stipulated that state governments should declare land falling within 10 km of the boundaries of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries as eco-fragile zones or Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs) under the Environmental (Protection) Act, 1986. ESZs balance environmental conservation with the livelihood needs of people, making them a crucial tool for in situ conservation of species and habitats in India.
Definition & Legal Basis
ESZs = notified by MoEFCC under EP Act, 1986.
Surround Protected Areas (National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Tiger Reserves).
Form buffer of ecologically sensitive zone / eco-fragile zones between core forests & areas involving lesser protection.
Aim: regulate such activities that could harm natural habitat and fragile ecosystems.
Term not in Environment Protection Act; defined via 2011 MoEFCC guidelines.
Over 600 ESZs notified across India; legally binding notifications.
Designation Process
Proposed by state governments, approved & notified by the Union Government (MoEFCC).
After notification → Zonal Master Plan (ZMP) within 1 year.
ZMP includes:
Land-use & development norms.
Integration of tourism master plan.
Listing of cultural/natural heritage sites.
Delays in ZMP = weak enforcement (noted by SC in 2014).
Extent of ESZs
Default guideline: 10 km radius (National Wildlife Action Plan 2002–16).
Not fixed: varies with site-specific ecology.
Examples:
Bannerghatta NP (Karnataka): Draft ESZs 268 km² (~4.5 km wide) reduced later.
Sanjay Gandhi NP (Mumbai): 0 km buffer in parts (urban pressure).
Desert NP (Rajasthan): ESZs extends >40 km in places.
May extend beyond 10 km for sensitive corridors / vital ecological corridor links.
Table of content
General Principle
ESZs function as eco-fragile zones around protected areas.
Purpose: regulate human activities → maintain balance between conservation & livelihoods.
Based on 2011 MoEFCC guidelines: activities classified as Prohibited, Regulated, Permitted.
Objective: ensure environmentally compatible land use while protecting sensitive ecosystems.
Prohibited Activities (strictly banned in ESZs)
Commercial mining & stone quarrying.
Sawmills, commercial use of forest wood.
Industries causing pollution (air, water, soil, noise).
Major hydroelectric projects (large dams).
Establishment of red-category industries.
Firecrackers, loud honking near wildlife.
New commercial resorts/construction in core zones.
Regulated (Restricted) Activities (allowed with oversight/clearance)
Felling of trees → requires permission.
Hotels/resorts → limited numbers, subject to eco-friendly architecture.
Infrastructure expansion (roads, transmission lines) → EIA required.
Farming shifts to chemical-intensive methods → regulated.
Small-scale industries/tourism → subject to carrying capacity.
Clearances from State/Union Environment Ministry mandatory.
Permitted Activities (encouraged for sustainability)
Ongoing agricultural & horticultural practices, livestock rearing.
Organic farming, agroforestry, use of renewable energy sources.
Community rainwater harvesting, soil conservation, eco-restoration.
Repair of existing houses, construction of basic infrastructure (schools, health centers).
Activities aimed at promoting eco-restoration and green technology.
Principle: ESZs are “regulatory, not prohibitive”, ensuring livelihoods are not harmed.
“Shock Absorbers” for Protected Areas
ESZs cushion core forests from abrupt land-use changes.
Absorb impacts of pollution, noise, or accidents before they reach the core.
Crucial in India where many parks are “green islands” in populated areas.
In-Situ Conservation of Biodiversity
Maintains ecological continuity beyond core boundaries.
Kaziranga NP (Assam): ESZs safeguards grasslands/wetlands for rhino & elephants.
Elephant reserves: corridors preserved → reduced poaching/conflict.
Supports gene flow, buffer populations, and species migration.
Mitigating Man-Animal Conflict
Preserves corridors/vegetation → reduces animal straying into farms for environmental protection.
Initiatives: fences, early-warning systems, controlled grazing.
Applies the core-buffer model: core strictly protected, ESZs managed for both people & wildlife.
Preventing Ecological Degradation
Controls unplanned construction, industries, and developmental activities.
Promotes eco-friendly practices (waste management, noise control, regulated tourism).
Protects ecological processes: migration, pollination, seed dispersal.
Enhances climate resilience: buffers against storms/droughts, offers alternate habitats.
Balancing Development and Conservation
Embodies sustainable development; allows farming, eco-tourism, livelihoods.
Promotes environmentally compatible land use and inclusive conservation.
Example of landscape approach → harmonizing ecology with economic activities.
Legal Framework
Governed under Environment (Protection) Act, 1986; Sec 3(2)(v) empowers the Union Government to restrict industries/processes.
ESZs notifications = subordinate legislation under environment protection rules; violations (illegal mining, industries causing pollution, solid waste dumping, use of hazardous substances) invite penalties.
Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 covers the particular protected area, ESZs surround it as eco fragile zones.
NBWL approval needed for any project within 10 km if ESZs is not notified (2002 Wildlife Conservation Strategy).
ESZs = buffer between core and buffer model, transitioning from strict protection to areas involving lesser protection (allowing ongoing agricultural and horticultural practices).
Supreme Court Interventions
T.N. Godavarman case (1995–ongoing) → triggered ESZs proposals.
2006 SC order: States must propose ESZs for each protected area.
2022 SC order: Mandatory 1 km ESZs around all parks/sanctuaries → aimed at safeguarding ecologically important patches and sensitive corridors.
2023 modification: Flexibility for inhabited regions; however, major hydroelectric projects and mining are still prohibited.
SC stopped arbitrary ESZs reductions (e.g., Bannerghatta) → reinforced protection of fragile ecosystems encompassing wildlife corridors.
Administration & Compliance
State-level ESZs Monitoring Committees (Chief Secretary, wildlife wardens, ecologists, locals).
Responsible for vetting developmental activities (like tourism lodges, small industries) in line with environmentally compatible land use.
The Ministry of Environment conducts reviews; CAG/parliamentary audits exposed lapses (illegal mining, missing Zonal Plans).
MoEFCC advisories: ensure promoting eco restoration, involve locals, integrate renewable energy sources and green technology into plans.
Recent Policy Updates
More flexibility for ESZs radius in populated such areas (post-2023 SC ruling).
NBWL & MoEFCC working to expedite ESZs notifications.
Introduction of Eco-Sensitive Areas (ESA): e.g., Western Ghats & Himalayas → protecting vital ecological corridor links and forest lands at landscape level.
Integration with Biosphere Reserves & wildlife corridors to strengthen in situ environmental protection and conservation.
Awareness programs: local language guidelines for gram sabhas; encourage ongoing agricultural, horticultural practices, eco-tourism, and green technology.
For more information about the eco sensitive zones : Maratha Military Landscapes: India’s 44th UNESCO World Heritage Site - PadhAI
Success Stories
Kaziranga–Karbi Anglong (Assam): ESZs + reserves → rhino & elephant habitat continuity.
Ranthambore (Rajasthan): Villagers benefit from tourism → support ESZs restrictions.
Sundarbans Tiger Reserve: Mangrove buffer → youth employed in crab farming, eco-tourism.
Highlights win–win of conservation + livelihood.
Role in Species Conservation
Gir NP (Gujarat): ESZs safeguards dispersing Asiatic Lions (night traffic, wells regulated).
Great Indian Bustard (Rajasthan): ESZs expanded, SC (2021) mandated underground powerlines.
ESZs protect not just core species but also fringe habitats critical for survival.
Eco-Restoration Initiatives
Afforestation & habitat restoration in degraded ESZs.
Bhagirathi ESZs (Uttarakhand): reforestation of slopes to stabilize soil.
Chilika Lake (Odisha), Deepor Beel (Assam): wetland ESZs → fertilizer runoff control, water quality restoration.
Supported by Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats scheme.
Western Ghats & Himalayas
Western Ghats ESA (~60,000 km²): proposed ban on mining, regulating quarrying/projects.
High biodiversity, but strong resistance from locals → governance challenge.
Himalayas (HP, Sikkim): high-altitude eco-sensitive areas declared (e.g., Khangchendzonga NP) to regulate tourism/construction.
Recognition that fragile ecosystems need protection beyond park boundaries.
Developmental Pressures
Encroachment by dams, highways, railways, urban expansion.
Habitat fragmentation (e.g., roads near Corbett, pipelines near marine parks).
Unauthorized resorts/industries in ESZs (Himachal, Bannerghatta).
Cumulative small developments → tree loss, pollution, disturbance.
Unregulated tourism pressures → resorts, safari vehicles disturbing wildlife.
Governance & Enforcement Gaps
ESZs Monitoring Committees lack manpower, meet irregularly.
Poor coordination between forest, revenue, and local authorities.
States diluting ESZs norms for economic gains (e.g., Bannerghatta ESZs reduction).
Conflicts with other policies (Mines & Minerals Act amendments).
Weak enforcement, lack of penalties, and oversight loopholes.
Local Livelihood Concerns
Fear of farming/grazing restrictions → protests (Kerala, Karnataka).
Miscommunication fuels fears of eviction/ban on housing.
Inadequate delivery of promised eco-livelihood schemes.
Forest Rights Act vs ESZs → disputes over traditional rights.
Need for harmonization of ESZs norms with community aspirations.
Environmental Threats
Climate change: floods, droughts, erratic rainfall degrading ESZs (Kaziranga case).
Wildlife forced out → increased human-animal conflict.
Spread of invasive species (Eucalyptus, Acacia plantations).
Pollution spillover from cities/agriculture into ESZs wetlands/forests.
Poaching, illegal firewood/herb extraction due to poor patrolling.
Also Read : Landslides in India, Types, Causes, Effects, Prevention & Mitigation
Inconsistent Implementation
States uneven in ESZs enforcement; many Zonal Master Plans pending beyond 2 years.
Weak monitoring → little data on ESZs effectiveness (deforestation, species recovery).
Stakeholder conflicts: forest dept vs panchayat vs tourism.
Overlapping zones (ESZs + watershed + other schemes) create confusion.
Funding gaps: ESZs management underfunded compared to core areas.
Awareness and participation
Clearly explain that Eco Sensitive Zones regulate harmful activities; they do not mean eviction or a blanket ban on farming.
Use gram sabhas, local languages, schools/radio workshops, and simple translated guidelines to build trust and feedback loops.
Balancing development needs
Provide basic amenities and low‑impact infrastructure with mitigation (wildlife underpasses, fish ladders, noise barriers) following site‑specific appraisal.
Promote LPG/solar pumps and alternative livelihoods so development happens without pressuring core habitats.
Policy and enforcement
Adopt sensitivity‑based zoning (strict to moderate) with active state ESZs committees, expert/NGO participation, and periodic audits.
Enforce penalties on illegal mining/resorts and use satellite/drone/GIS tools for continuous compliance monitoring.
Convergence with climate and wildlife plans
Integrate ESZs actions into State Climate Action Plans; treat eco‑restoration (mangroves/grasslands) as climate adaptation.
Secure wildlife corridors via ESZs notifications and align with Project Tiger/Biosphere Reserve plans and CAMPA funding.
Political will and collaboration
Fast‑track pending ESZs notifications and Zonal Master Plans, reflecting the Supreme Court’s 2023 flexibility on the “uniform 1 km” approach.
Ensure inter‑department coordination (environment, revenue, mining, tourism) so approvals and safeguards move together.
Alternate livelihood
Support eco‑tourism, organic/low‑chemical farming, NTFP/crafts value chains, and skill training through SHGs/cooperatives.
Provide credit, market access, and insurance so households can shift away from extractive activities inside ESZs.
Q. What is an Eco Sensitive Zone and why is it important?
A. An Eco Sensitive Zone (ESZs) is an ecologically fragile buffer area around a protected wildlife region. It is important because it acts as a transition zone that shields national parks/sanctuaries from harmful human impacts by regulating activities, thereby serving as a “shock absorber” for the core ecosystem.
Q. How are Eco Sensitive Zones declared in India?
A. Eco Sensitive Zones are declared by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. State governments propose areas around national parks or sanctuaries to be notified as ESZs, and after a consultative process, the central government issues a notification specifying the boundaries and regulatory norms for that zone.
Q. What activities are banned or restricted in Eco Sensitive Zones?
A. Generally, polluting industries, mining, large hydroelectric projects, commercial wood cutting, and other environmentally damaging activities are banned in ESZs. Activities like tree felling, new resort construction, or infrastructure expansion are allowed with restrictions or prior approval. Normal farming, horticulture, rainwater harvesting, etc., are permitted as usual since ESZs are meant to be regulatory, not prohibitive.
Q. Why were Eco Sensitive Zones in news recently (Kerala & Western Ghats)?
A. The Supreme Court’s 2022 order mandating a minimum 1 km ESZs around all protected areas triggered protests in Kerala, where people feared loss of livelihood.
Q. In which one among the following categories of protected areas in India are local people not allowed to collect and use the biomass? (2012)
Biosphere Reserves
National Parks
Wetlands declared under Ramsar Convention
Wildlife Sanctuaries
Answer : (b)
Q. With reference to Eco-Sensitive Zones’, which of the following statements is/are correct?
Eco-Sensitive Zones are the areas that are declared under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
The purpose of the declaration of Eco-Sensitive Zones is to prohibit all kinds of human activities in those zones except agriculture.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
1 only
2 only
Both 1 and 2
Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Eco Sensitive Zones are a vital instrument in India’s environmental policy toolkit, knitting together the dual goals of conservation and sustainable development. They extend the reach of our protected areas, ensuring that wildlife does not end at park borders and that human activities around these areas remain nature-friendly. While challenges in implementation persist – from convincing local stakeholders to coordinating multi-state efforts – the rationale for ESZs is stronger than ever in an era of rapid ecological change. Going forward, a balanced, inclusive approach that integrates scientific assessments with community welfare is essential for ESZs to fulfill their promise.
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