Why a proposed Eco-Sensitive Zone around Gir forest is facing protests

Why a proposed Eco-Sensitive Zone around Gir forest is facing protests

Sub: Env

Sec: Protected Areas

Context:

• On September 18, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) proposed notifying 3,328 sq km around the Gir forest in Gujarat as an Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ).
• A week later, the area was reduced to 2,061 sq km to accommodate the needs of people living near the forest.

Reasons for Protests:

• Farmers argue that restrictions in ESZs limit their ability to protect their crops from wildlife, such as the Asiatic lions.
• Local leaders and organizations, like the Bharatiya Kisan Sangh, are concerned about the negative impact on businesses, tourism (resorts), and small industries due to the restricted permissions in ESZs.

Previous Disputes:

• In 2016, a similar proposal for a 3,328 sq km ESZ led to protests. Farmers’ rights to self-defence against wild animals were cited as the reason.
• After complaints, the Gujarat government revised the ESZ area, reducing it to 1,114 sq km, which was challenged in court.
• To date, the Gujarat High Court has prevented the final notification.

Gir’s Uniqueness:

• Protected Area: Gir National Park along with other sanctuaries is the last remaining habitat of Asiatic lions.
• Human-Wildlife Coexistence: Despite some conflicts (like livestock loss), local communities generally tolerate and support lion conservation.
• Lion Population Growth: Due to conservation efforts, the lion population increased from 327 in 2001 to 674 in 2020.

Process of Declaring an ESZ:

1. State forest departments submit ESZ proposals for each Protected Area.
2. MoEFCC issues a draft notification, inviting public feedback within 60 days.
3. After receiving suggestions and the state’s response, the ministry finalizes the ESZ notification based on recommendations from an expert committee.

Ecologically Sensitive Zones (ESZs) in India

• Ecologically Sensitive Zones (ESZs) are areas notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC), Government of India around Protected Areas, National Parks, and Wildlife Sanctuaries. These zones act as “shock absorbers” or “buffers” for the protected areas by regulating and managing the activities around such areas.
• Key Guidelines:

1. ESZ notification under Section 3 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
2. Supreme Court directions regarding mandatory ESZ of 10 km around protected areas (unless specifically altered)
3. Guidelines for Declaration of ESZ around National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries dated February 9, 2011

Extent and Boundaries

Standard ESZ Area

• Minimum: Up to 100 meters from the protected area boundary
• Maximum: Up to 10 kilometres from the protected area boundary
• Case-specific variations based on:
  • Geographical features
  • Population density
  • Economic needs
  • Environmental requirements

Activities in ESZs:

Penalties for Violations:

• Under Environment (Protection) Act, 1986:
  • Imprisonment up to 5 years
  • Fine up to ₹1 lakh
  • Additional fine of ₹5,000 per day for continuing violations

Asiatic lion

• Asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica) is a sub-species of lion that is found only in the Gir Forest National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarat, India.
• The Asiatic lion is one of the most endangered big cats in the world, with a population of less than 700 individuals in the wild.
• The Asiatic lion is found only in the Gir Forest National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, which is a protected area covering an area of about 1412 sq km in Gujarat.
• The Asiatic lion is slightly smaller than its African counterpart, with a distinctive fold of skin on its belly and a shorter, less bushy mane.
• The Asiatic lion’s diet mainly consists of deer, antelope, and wild boar, although it may also prey on domestic livestock in areas surrounding the Gir forest.
• Cultural significance: The Asiatic lion has cultural significance in India, where it is revered as a symbol of power, courage, and royalty, and is depicted in several ancient Indian artworks and scriptures.
• Conservation Status
  • Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972: Schedule 1
  • CITES :Appendix I
  • IUCN Red List: Endangered
• The Asiatic lion faces several challenges to its survival, including habitat loss, fragmentation, and human-wildlife conflict.

Barda Wildlife Sanctuary

• Barda Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area located in the Porbandar district of Gujarat, India. It covers an area of about 192 sq km and is located in the foothills of the Aravalli Range in Gujarat.
• The vegetation in the sanctuary includes dry deciduous forest, scrubland, and grassland.
• The sanctuary is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including leopard, hyena, jackal, sloth bear, jungle cat, Indian civet, and several species of birds and reptiles.
• Barda Wildlife Sanctuary is connected to several other protected areas in the region, including Gir National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, Pania Wildlife Sanctuary, and Jamjir Wildlife Sanctuary, which together form a contiguous wildlife habitat.
• Barda Wildlife Sanctuary is recognized as an Important Bird Area (IBA) by BirdLife International.
• Threats: The Barda Wildlife Sanctuary faces several threats, including poaching, habitat loss and fragmentation, and human-wildlife conflict.

Source: IE