EIACP PC Hub: Kerala
State of Environment and Related Issues

 The National Environment Policy (2006) defined the Eco-Sensitive Zones “as areas/zones with identified environmental resources having incomparable values which require special attention for their conservation” because of its landscape, wildlife, biodiversity, historical and natural values. In order to protect the environment and the biological integrity of the area outside the protected areas and other such areas where an eco-system has been adversely affected due to anthropogenic and climatic factors, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has been declaring such areas as Eco-sensitive zones/ areas. In other words, it is a type of designation of an area, which is rich in environmental resources and need special protection.

            Eco-Sensitive Zones or ecologically fragile lands are areas within 10 km around protected areas, national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. ESA are notified by The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF & CC) under the environment protection act 1986. In the case of places with sensitive corridors, connectively and ecologically necessary patches, crucial for landscape linkage, even areas beyond 10 km can also be included in the eco-sensitive zone. ESZs are intended to protect the environment and biodiversity of the area, and to act as a buffer to protect the protected areas. They also help to transition from areas that require more protection to those that require less. Activities in ESZs are regulated to minimize negative impacts on the environment. Some activities that are prohibited include commercial mining, sawmills, and major hydroelectric projects. Other activities are permitted, such as organic farming, rainwater harvesting, and the use of renewable energy sources. The Western Ghats are a mountain range that covers an area of 140,000 sq km spread across six states, including Kerala and runs parallel to India’s western coast. Two consecutive years of unprecedented floods and landslides have killed hundreds of people in Kerala. However, the state government is still undecided on whether to notify areas falling under the Western Ghats as ecosensitive zones (ESZs) to avert further disasters.