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Source: The post is based on the article “Shettihalli Wildlife Sanctuary: Delay in Eco-Sensitive Zone(ESZ) tag for the sanctuary” published in “Deccan Herald” on 27th November 2023
Why in the News?
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has instructed the Karnataka Government to resolve issues which are causing delay in declaring the Shettihalli Wildlife Sanctuary as an eco-sensitive zone (ESZ).
This delay in determining the ESZ has led to more land use changes and encroachments in the sanctuary area.
Where is Shettihalli Wildlife Sanctuary?
| Specifications | Details |
| Located in | Shimoga District, Karnataka |
| Declared as a sanctuary in | 1974 |
| Bird Sanctuary | Mandagadde Natural Bird Sanctuary is a part of the sanctuary. |
| Dam | Tunga Anicut Dam is situated within the sanctuary. It provides shelter for otters and water birds. |
| Vegetation | Dry and Moist Deciduous Forests in the eastern and central parts. Towards the west, with an increase in rainfall, there are Semi-evergreen Forests. |
| Fauna | The sanctuary is home to species of animals such as white-backed vultures, Indian nightjar, white-bellied dingo, tiger, leopards, elephants among others. |
What are Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZ)?
| Specifications | Details |
| Definition | Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZ) are areas notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC) around protected areas such as national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. |
| Objectives of declaring ESZ | 1)To create some kind of “shock absorbers” to the protected areas by regulating and managing the activities around such areas 2)To act as a transition zone from areas of higher protection to areas involving lesser protection. |
| Size | As per the National Wildlife Action Plan (2002-2016), land within 10 km of the boundaries of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries is to be notified as eco-fragile zones or Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZ). However, its size can vary depending on the location and specific needs of the protected area. |
| Notified under | Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 It is to be noted that Environment Protection Act,1986 does not mention the word “Eco-Sensitive Zones”. But the government uses section 3(2)(v) of the Environment Protection Act,1986 and rule 5(1) of the Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986 to declare ESZs. |
| Prohibited activities under ESZ | 1)commercial mining, stone quarrying and crushing units; 2)major hydroelectric project; 3)handling of hazardous substances; 4)discharge of untreated effluents; 5)setting up of brick kilns; 6)setting up polluting industries which have high potential for environmental damage. |
UPSC Syllabus: Environment
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