Prelims Perspective: What needs to be learned?

• Location of Bannerghatta National Park
• Basic difference between different protected areas- National Park, Wildlife sanctuary & Biosphere reserve.
• What is Eco Sensitive Zone (ESZ)

Mains Perspective: Notes need to be prepared

• Biodiversity Conservation (GS III- Environment)

What needs to be known?

• Bannerghatta National Park
  • Location: Karnataka
  • Fact:India’s first butterfly enclosure.
  • Vegetation: Dry Deciduous Scrub Forests, Southern Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests and Southern Tropical Moist Mixed Forests.
  • Known For Species Like: Pangolin, Slender loris, Tiger and Elephant.
• Eco Sensitive Zone (ESZ)
  • What is it?: Eco-Sensitive Areas (ESAs) are regions surrounding protected areas like national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, designated to act as buffer zones to reduce the impact of human activities on biodiversity.
  • Governed Under: Environmental (Protection) Act, 1986, and outlined in the National Wildlife Action Plan (2002-2016)
  • Activities
    • Prohibited: Commercial mining, industries causing pollution, large hydroelectric projects, sawmills, and use of wood for commercial purposes.
    • Regulated: Felling trees, constructing hotels/resorts, commercial use of water, electrical cables, changing agricultural systems.
    • Permitted: Organic farming, rainwater harvesting, use of renewable energy, ongoing agricultural practices.

Source: The Indian Express