The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has notified Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary in Rajasthan as an Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ). The sanctuary lies in the Aravalli mountain range and is known for its rich biodiversity and surrounding tribal and rural communities. The move aims to balance conservation with sustainable local development.
Eco-Sensitive Zone Notification
The ESZ declaration places regulated limits on activities around the sanctuary.
- The notified area covers a zero to one kilometre buffer around the sanctuary.
- Such zones are created to reduce pressure from unregulated construction and resource use.
- They are used to protect fragile ecosystems near protected areas.
Wildlife and Biodiversity Significance
Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary supports a variety of fauna and bird species.
- Key mammals include leopard, striped hyena, jungle cat, Indian pangolin, blue bull and chinkara.
- The area also supports several bird species, including the painted francolin.
- The sanctuary is part of the ecologically important Aravalli landscape.
Livelihood and Community Focus
The ESZ framework is expected to support both conservation and local livelihoods.
- Eco-friendly activities such as organic farming and agroforestry will be encouraged.
- Skill development programmes are expected to support sustainable income generation.
- The approach seeks to involve indigenous communities in conservation-linked development.
Policy and Conservation Relevance
The notification reflects the broader policy of protecting biodiversity while allowing regulated human activity.
- Eco-Sensitive Zones are an important tool under environmental governance.
- They help create a transition area between protected forests and human settlements.
- Such measures are for habitat protection, species conservation and sustainable land use.