National Chambal Sanctuary declared as Eco-Sensitive Zone

On March 2, 2020, the Government of India declared National Chambal Sanctuary as Eco-Sensitive Zone. The Sanctuary is home to Gangetic Dolphins and critically endangered Gharials.

Highlights

The Sanctuary is home to naturally living Gharials. 75% of Gharials live in the Sanctuary. It also harbours 180 species of migratory birds and fresh water Gangetic Dolphins. Being declared as Eco Sensitive Zone, construction of resorts, hotels or other residential and industrial activities are prohibited.

National Chambal Sanctuary

The Sanctuary begins in the Vindhyan Ranges, extends along the Chambal river and ends in Yamuna river. It is spread across Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh.

Eco-Sensitive Zone

The Eco-Sensitive Zones are protected areas that act as “shock absorbers”. They also act as transition zones. They are governed by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate change. The governing is an important factor as land is a state subject. There are no acts that regulate the zones. However, they are regulated with guidelines framed by the Ministry.

Month: Current Affairs - March, 2020