The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has initiated a significant policy shift with the relaxation of environmental clearance procedures for development activities within buffer zones of protected areas. Intended to bolster conservation efforts, these buffer zones have traditionally provided essential protection for wildlife sanctuaries and national parks. However, the recent changes could potentially undermine this protective layer.
Understanding the Buffer Zone and Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZ)
A buffer zone serves as a shield to help conserve protected areas. The Wildlife Conservation Strategy, conceived in 2002, proposes a 10 km buffer surrounding sanctuaries. On the other hand, Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZ) are formed to act as “shock absorbers” for protected spaces. The fundamental objective of these zones is to regulate specific activities around national parks and wildlife sanctuaries to minimize their adverse impact on the delicate ecosystem surrounding them.
Revised Clearance Process
According to a recent office memorandum (OM), projects outside the boundary of the notified Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) of a sanctuary or national park but within a 10 km radius will not require prior approval from the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL). These proposals will now receive environmental clearances from the ministry’s Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC), which will ensure suitable conservation measures in the form of recommendations. Projects within the notified ESZ will still necessitate the NBWL’s clearance.
Mining Restrictions & Nullification of Previous OMs
Mining will be banned within the notified ESZ or only one km from the boundary of the park, whichever is greater according to the revised OM. This policy change nullifies earlier OMs dating from February 27, 2007, and December 2, 2009, which necessitated NBWL approval for developments within a 10 km radius of protected parks.
The National Board for Wildlife
In 2002, the amendment of the Wildlife (Protection) Act incorporated provisions for the formation of the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL), which replaced the Indian Board for Wildlife. The NBWL consists of 47 members led by the Prime Minister and the Environment & Forests Ministry’s minister in charge as the Vice-Chairperson.
| Year | Key Actions |
|---|---|
| 1972 | Wildlife (Protection) Act launched |
| 2002 | Amendment of Wildlife (Protection) Act allows for constitution of NBWL |
| 2007 & 2009 | Earlier OMs necessitated NBWL approval for projects near parks |
| 2021 | New policy shifts environmental clearance procedures |
Concerns and Loopholes
The new policy could potentially undermine the significance and purpose of recognizing a 10 km radius around protected areas for their conservation value. Ensuring scrutiny relating to wildlife at the time of environment clearances might also be less prioritized. Moreover, some states have yet to notify an ESZ or have a buffer zone smaller than the recommended 10 km. The Supreme Court has repeatedly nudged both states and the Centre to enforce ESZ. Despite these directives, many critical sites like Jim Corbett National Park and Ranthambore still do not have notified ESZs.