As per the National Wildlife Action Plan (2002-2016), issued by MoEFCC, 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)
- They act as a transition zone from areas of high protection to areas involving lesser protection.
- It is notified under the Environment Protection Act 1986 by the Ministry of Environment.
Regulation of Human Activities
- Prohibited Activities: Commercial mining, saw mills, commercial use of wood, etc., apart from regulated activities like felling of trees
- Regulated Activities: Felling of trees, establishment of hotels and resorts, commercial use of natural water, erection of electrical cables, drastic change of agricultural system, e.g., adoption of heavy technology, pesticides, etc, widening of roads.
- Permitted Activities: Ongoing agricultural or horticultural practices, rainwater harvesting, and organic farming, among others
Source: The Hindu