With reference to 'Eco-Sensitive Zones', which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. Eco-Sensitive Zones are the areas that are declared under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. 2. 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.
Contents13
- A1 only
- B2 only
- CBoth 1 and 2
- DNeither 1 nor 2
Show answer
Answer: (D) Neither 1 nor 2
Both statements are wrong.
Statement 1 — WRONG:
Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs) are declared under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 — NOT the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
They are buffer zones around National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries.
Statement 2 — WRONG:
ESZs do NOT prohibit ALL human activities.
They regulate certain activities (like mining, large industries, major construction) but allow many others (like agriculture, rain-water harvesting, organic farming).
The specific prohibitions/regulations vary from zone to zone and are notified individually by MoEF.
Think of ESZs as 'transition zones' — not no-go zones.
Eco-Sensitive Zones are buffer areas around protected areas that regulate harmful activities like mining and large industries while allowing sustainable practices like organic farming.
The question tests a common confusion between two different laws - Environment Protection Act 1986 (which governs ESZs) versus Wildlife Protection Act 1972 (which governs the core protected areas themselves).
Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs)
Environment Eco-Sensitive Zones ESZs
Eco-Sensitive Zones: Legal Framework & Regulations
ESZs are declared under Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 — NOT Wildlife Protection Act
ESZs are buffer zones around National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries
ESZs regulate certain activities — they do NOT prohibit all human activities
MoEF notifies ESZs individually with zone-specific regulations
What are ESZs
Eco-Sensitive Zones are buffer areas around protected areas like National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries. They act as transition zones between the core protected area and the surrounding landscape.
ESZ Legal Framework
Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
Legal Basis | Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 |
Notifying Authority | Ministry of Environment & Forests (MoEF) |
Purpose | Create buffer zones around protected areas |
Extent | Up to 10 km from boundary of protected area |
Nature | Transition zones — not complete prohibition zones |
ESZ Activities: Prohibited vs Allowed
Category | Examples | Status |
|---|---|---|
Prohibited | Large-scale mining, major industries, stone quarrying | Complete ban |
Regulated | Small-scale industries, construction activities | With permissions |
Allowed | Agriculture, rain-water harvesting, organic farming | Generally permitted |
Encouraged | Eco-tourism, restoration activities | Actively promoted |
Key Features
ESZs are notified case-by-case — each zone has specific regulations
Activities are graded: prohibited, regulated, or promoted
Local communities can continue traditional practices like agriculture
Tourism and research activities are generally allowed with guidelines
Trap: Statement 1 confuses Environment Protection Act, 1986 with Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
Trap: Statement 2 assumes ESZs are complete prohibition zones — they are regulatory transition zones
Common Error: ESZs vs Core/Critical Wildlife Habitats — ESZs allow regulated human activity
Remember: ESZs regulate, not prohibit — agriculture is typically allowed
Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
Environment Environment (Protection) Act
Environment Protection Act 1986: India's Umbrella Environmental Law
Enacted in 1986 after Bhopal Gas Tragedy (1984)
Umbrella Act — provides framework for all environmental laws
Empowers Central Government to take measures for environmental protection
Basis for ESZs, EIA notifications, and pollution control
Background
The Act was enacted in 1986 as a response to the Bhopal Gas Tragedy of 1984. It provides an umbrella framework for environmental protection and coordination among various agencies.
Key Provisions
Provision | Details |
|---|---|
Central Authority | Empowers Central Government in environmental matters |
General Powers | Take measures to protect and improve environment |
Standards | Set environmental quality standards for air, water, soil |
Restrictions | Restrict areas for certain activities (basis for ESZs) |
Penalties | Imprisonment up to 5 years + fine up to ₹1 lakh |
What it Enables
ESZ notifications around protected areas
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) rules
Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) notifications
Pollution control measures and industry regulations
Don't confuse: Environment Protection Act ≠ Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
Remember: This is the umbrella act — most environmental notifications come under this
Year Trap: 1986 (not 1972 like Wildlife Protection Act)
Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
Environment Wildlife (Protection) Act
Wildlife Protection Act 1972: Core Wildlife Conservation Law
India's primary wildlife conservation legislation enacted in 1972
Establishes National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries
Creates 6 Schedules for species protection (Schedule I highest)
Does NOT cover ESZs — that's under Environment Protection Act
Scope
The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 is India's primary legislation for wildlife conservation. It establishes protected areas and regulates hunting, trade, and habitat protection.
What the Act Covers
Category | Provisions |
|---|---|
Protected Areas | National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Conservation Reserves |
Species Protection | 6 Schedules (I to VI) with varying protection levels |
Hunting | Prohibition with limited exceptions |
Trade | Regulation of wildlife trade (implements CITES) |
Authorities | Chief Wildlife Warden, Wildlife Advisory Board |
Schedule System
Schedule | Protection Level | Examples |
|---|---|---|
Schedule I | Highest protection, hunting prohibited | Tiger, Elephant, Rhino |
Schedule II | High protection | Monkey, Pig-tailed Macaque |
Schedule III & IV | Moderate protection | Various birds, reptiles |
Schedule V | Vermin (can be hunted) | Crow, Fruit-eating bats |
Schedule VI | Plants | Certain rare plants |
Major Trap: WPA 1972 establishes National Parks/Sanctuaries — NOT ESZs
Don't confuse: WPA = wildlife conservation; EPA 1986 = environmental protection
Remember: ESZs are buffer zones under EPA, not core protected areas under WPA