The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change have proposed the Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary in Rajasthan for designation as an Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ). The sanctuary, known for its diverse biodiversity and strategic location between the Aravalli Hills and the Thar Desert, is vital for maintaining ecological balance in the region. This decision is aimed at protecting the sanctuary's fragile ecosystem from industrial and urban activities that may degrade its environment. The draft notification invites the public to submit objections or suggestions within 60 days of publication.

Geographical and Ecological Significance of Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary

Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the heart of Rajasthan, around 80 kilometers north of Udaipur. Spanning 610.528 square kilometers across the districts of Rajsamand, Pali, and Udaipur, it serves as a natural boundary between the hilly Aravalli range and the vast Thar Desert. The sanctuary lies at an altitude of over 3,500 feet in the eastern part, gradually descending towards the Marwar plains in the west.

Ecologically, Kumbhalgarh is an ecotone, a transitional zone between two different ecosystems. The sanctuary is not just a habitat for a variety of flora and fauna, but also plays a crucial role in maintaining the region's water systems. The eastern part of the sanctuary feeds the River Banas, while the western slopes drain into smaller rivers, eventually reaching the Arabian Sea. Its biodiversity includes wild boar, leopards, striped hyenas, Indian pangolins, and various bird species such as painted francolins, grey francolins, and Indian peafowls. The sanctuary is also home to rich plant species like neem, haldu, amla, and semal, making it a key ecological asset.

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Purpose and Scope of the Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) Notification

The primary objective of declaring Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary an Eco-Sensitive Zone is to protect its unique ecosystem from activities that might negatively impact its environmental balance. The scope of the notification includes:

• Preserving Biodiversity: Protecting the sanctuary’s flora and fauna by restricting industrial and harmful developmental activities.
• Water Conservation: Ensuring the sustainable management of water bodies and catchment areas within the sanctuary.
• Regulating Human Activities: Limiting human intervention within the ESZ to reduce ecological pressure on the region.
• Sustainable Development: Promoting eco-friendly tourism and small-scale industries that align with conservation goals.
• Public Participation: Inviting suggestions and objections from the public for better implementation and stakeholder involvement.

Zonal Master Plan for the Eco-Sensitive Zone

The Zonal Master Plan for the Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) will guide the implementation of measures to balance ecological protection with the needs of local communities. The key points of the plan are:

• Land Use Regulations: Integrating environmental concerns into land use planning while maintaining the area's ecological health.
• Ecological Restoration: Implementing afforestation and habitat restoration projects in degraded or unused lands.
• Sustainable Infrastructure: Enhancing existing infrastructure with eco-friendly and energy-efficient solutions.
• Biodiversity Protection: Identifying and protecting vital ecological features such as forests, agricultural lands, and water bodies.
• Water Resource Management: Ensuring effective conservation and management of natural water sources.
• Tourism Control: Developing a comprehensive eco-tourism plan that respects the sanctuary's carrying capacity.
• Monitoring and Evaluation: Establishing mechanisms to track the implementation and effectiveness of conservation measures.

Key Measures Proposed for State Government Implementation

The state government will be responsible for implementing various measures to ensure the effective conservation of the sanctuary and surrounding areas. Key actions include:

• Land Use Restrictions: Prohibiting commercial, residential, and industrial development within forest, agricultural, or recreational spaces.
• Protection of Tribal Land: Ensuring no commercial development occurs on tribal land without adhering to relevant laws.
• Correction of Land Records: Addressing land record discrepancies in consultation with the Monitoring Committee.
• Afforestation and Restoration: Reforesting unused agricultural lands and restoring damaged habitats.
• Conservation of Water Bodies: Safeguarding rivers, springs, and channels by prohibiting harmful development activities.
• Eco-Tourism Development: Aligning tourism infrastructure with eco-tourism guidelines to minimize environmental impact.
• Regulation of Hotel and Resort Construction: Restricting the construction of hotels and resorts near the protected area.
• Sustainability Guidelines: Ensuring all new tourism activities adhere to government eco-tourism guidelines.
• Heritage Conservation: Identifying and preserving natural and man-made heritage sites within the ESZ.
• Noise Pollution Control: Implementing measures to control noise pollution to protect wildlife.
• Air Pollution Control: Reducing air pollution through compliance with the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act.
• Effluent Management: Regulating the discharge of effluents to ensure water bodies are not contaminated.
• Solid Waste Management: Implementing eco-friendly waste disposal practices within the ESZ.
• Bio-Medical Waste Management: Ensuring proper disposal of bio-medical waste in compliance with national rules.
• Plastic Waste Management: Promoting the reduction of plastic waste and encouraging proper disposal.
• Industrial Pollution Control: Preventing the establishment of polluting industries within the ESZ and promoting small-scale, non-polluting industries.
• Erosion Control: Prohibiting construction on steep slopes and erosion-prone areas.

Prohibited, Regulated, and Promoted Activities in the ESZ

The following activities will be prohibited, regulated, or promoted within the ESZ:

Constitution and Role of the Monitoring Committee

The Monitoring Committee will oversee the implementation of the ESZ regulations and ensure compliance with environmental laws. The committee is composed of representatives from local government bodies, environmental NGOs, experts in ecology, and members from the Rajasthan Pollution Control Board. Its functions include:

• Scrutinizing Activities: Reviewing activities within the ESZ and ensuring they comply with environmental guidelines.
• Environmental Clearance: Ensuring that activities not on the prohibited list receive prior environmental clearance.
• Annual Reports: Submitting annual action reports to the Chief Wildlife Warden to track progress.
• Complaint Handling: Addressing complaints regarding violations of the notification.
• Expert Consultation: Consulting experts as needed for specific cases related to the ESZ.

Legal Compliance and Court Orders

The provisions of the ESZ notification are subject to the legal framework set out by the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, and other related laws. The ESZ designation is also in line with various Supreme Court orders aimed at protecting wildlife and forests. These include judgments related to mining, pollution, and the protection of tribal rights under the Forest Rights Act. The Monitoring Committee will ensure that all actions within the ESZ adhere to the legal requirements and Supreme Court directives.

Conclusion

The declaration of Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary as an Eco-Sensitive Zone is a significant step toward conserving the region's rich biodiversity and fragile ecosystems. The proposed measures aim to protect the sanctuary's ecological integrity while promoting sustainable development for local communities. The ESZ notification, with its focus on monitoring, regulation, and community involvement, will serve as a model for future conservation efforts in India. Ensuring strict compliance with wildlife clearance certificates will be crucial in maintaining the long-term health of the sanctuary and its surrounding environment.