MP identifies 17 eco-sensitive zones around sanctuaries

January 10, 2013

The state forest department of Madhya Pradesh has identified 17 eco-sensitive zones around its wild life sanctuaries and parks, where illegal commercial activities including mining will be prohibited.
The department has approved a site specific proposal of identifying eco sensitive zones around Kanha National Park (Mandla), Pench National Park (Seoni), Bandhavgarh National Park (Umaria), Panna National Park (Panna) and Kuno Palpur sanctury (Seopur) among others. Madhya Pradesh has 8 national parks and 25 wildlife sanctuaries.
Why this move?
The decision by the MP govt has come after the Ministry of Environment and Forests to send a site specific proposal to identify eco sensitive zone.
After it is approved by the cabinet, the state government would send the proposal to the Environment Ministry which would declare the eco sensitive zones.
What is an eco-sensitive zone and what are the norms under it?
Eco-sensitive zone is land falling within 10 km of a park or sanctuary.
As per norms, commercial activities and other activities harmful to environment like setting up of industries, hotels and resorts, mining activities among others will be prohibited.