Buffer Zones in Tiger Reserves

News– The Madhya Pradesh Cabinet recently approved a scheme for developing buffer zones in the state’s nine tiger reserves. Buffer Zones in Tiger Reserves.

About Buffer Zone

• A buffer zone is an area that surrounds or adjoins the core area of a Tiger Reserve or any Protected Area (PA).
• It acts as a protective shield and transitional space that helps in both wildlife conservation and community participation.

Zonation of a Biosphere Reserve / Tiger Reserve
1. Core Zone:

• Highly protected.
• No human activity allowed.
• Main area for wildlife conservation.

2. Buffer Zone:

• Surrounds the core.
• Limited and regulated human activity.
• Used for research, tourism, education, and eco-friendly development.

3. Transition Zone:

• Outermost area with active human presence.
• Sustainable practices, traditional lifestyles, and development activities allowed.
• Encourages harmonious coexistence of people and nature.

Supreme Court Judgment on Buffer Zones

Original Judgment – June 3, 2022

• The Supreme Court directed that a mandatory buffer zone (Eco-Sensitive Zone – ESZ) of at least 1 km must be created around all: Protected Forests, National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries.
• Objective: To create a transition area between strictly protected zones and human-influenced areas.
• Public Reaction: The order faced strong opposition from: Farmers, developers, and residents living near protected areas, especially in urban areas like Mumbai. Many feared restrictions on construction, farming, and daily activities.

Modified Judgment – 2023

• The Supreme Court modified its earlier order.
• The Court stated: “The purpose of declaring ESZs is not to hamper the day-to-day activities of citizens… strict enforcement of the 1 km rule would cause more harm than good.”
• Key Modifications- ESZs should not be uniform: They must be area-specific, depending on local geography and human activity.