In the latest developments, farmers based in Kerala are protesting a directive from the Supreme Court to establish Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs). These zones, which are measured as a minimum of one kilometer from any demarcated boundary of protected forests, national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, have sparked discussions and debates within the state. The order demands Kerala’s State Assembly seek notification from the Centre regarding these zones, taking into account proposals from the State government that have marked 10 protected areas of the state with a zero ESZ.
Defining Eco-Sensitive Zones: Role and Purpose
The concept of Eco-Sensitive Zones was introduced under the National Wildlife Action Plan (2002-2016) by the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC). Under the Environmental (Protection) Act, 1986, it is required that state governments declare an area of 10km around national parks and wildlife sanctuaries as eco fragile zones or Eco Sensitive Zones (ESZs). Although implemented as a general rule, the application of this regulation can vary depending on specific circumstances. The Union government also has the power to designate areas beyond the 10km boundary as ESZs if they contain larger ecologically important “sensitive corridors”.
ESZs serve as “shock absorbers” to protected environments, reducing the negative impact caused by nearby human activities. They act as transition zones between areas of high and low protection. Importantly, these zones aren’t established to interfere with daily human activities but to protect surrounding areas and “refine the environment around them”.
The Backdrop: Forests, Notifications and Public Unrest
This directive comes ten years after the Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel (WGEEP) report, also known as the Gadgil report, significantly influenced socio-political, economic and ecological narratives in Kerala. State-wide protests have been triggered by the ESZ notification, although they have not reached the level of unrest seen in the days before the WGEEP report.
Originally, areas with high population density, government and quasi-government institutions, and public institutions were excluded from Draft ESZ notifications. However, following the Supreme Court’s recent order, the State government is now compelled to reassess the ESZs of at least 10 protected areas previously marked as zero.
Reasons for Protests: Impact on Land and Political Concerns
The ESZ notification has led to a tense situation in Kerala where regulatory changes to land use patterns can have political implications. Approximately 30% of Kerala is forested land and the Western Ghats occupy 48% of the State. Given the high population density around the notified protected areas, farmers and political parties have demanded that all human settlements be exempt from the ESZ ruling. There are concerns within the State government that the Supreme Court’s notification may exacerbate tensions, negatively affecting the interests of the State and disrupting lives of those residing near the protected areas.
Looking Ahead: Guiding Sustainable Development
For sustainable long-term development, it is critical that States act as trustees for the benefit of the general public when it comes to natural resources. In this context, the role of the government should extend beyond facilitating immediate economic activities. Initiatives such as afforestation, reforestation of degraded forests, regeneration of lost habitats, promoting carbon footprints and conservation techniques, and creating awareness about overexploitation of resources and its adverse impacts among masses could offer potential solutions.
The ongoing controversy surrounding ESZs in Kerala highlights the need for balanced and thoughtful policy-making that takes into account diverse interests and strives to ensure both ecological preservation and social well-being. It underscores the broader challenge faced by humanity – how to live sustainably and harmoniously with nature.
