Environment and Ecology — Other Protected Areas in India
1. Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs) (UPSC 2014)
Context: Eco-Sensitive Areas (ESAs) are buffer zones around national parks and wildlife sanctuaries to minimize human impact on biodiversity.
Definition & Purpose
- As per the National Wildlife Action Plan (2002-2016), land within 10 km of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries is designated as Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs).
- ESZs are established under the Environment Protection Act, 1986.
- The Union Government can extend ESZs beyond 10 km for ecologically important areas.
Activities in ESZs
- Prohibited: Commercial mining, sawmills, polluting industries, large hydroelectric projects, commercial wood use.
- Regulated: Tree felling, hotels/resorts, commercial water use, electrical cables, intensive agriculture, road widening.
- Permitted: Agriculture, horticulture, rainwater harvesting, organic farming, renewable energy, green technology.
Key Points:
- ESZs are buffer zones within 10 km of protected areas under the Environment Protection Act, 1986.
- Over 600 ESZs have been notified by MoEFCC.
- Prohibited: Commercial mining, polluting industries, hydroelectric projects
- Permitted: Agriculture, horticulture, organic farming, renewable energy
2. Community Reserves
Context: Community Reserves are protected areas on private or community-owned land where local communities play a key role in conservation. They are legally recognized under the Wildlife Protection Act (1972).
Key Features
- Voluntary Involvement: Established by willing communities.
- Biodiversity Protection: Protects wildlife and habitats.
- Sustainable Use: Allows regulated resource use.
- Management: Governed by a Community Reserve Management Committee.
- Designation: State Government can notify land as Community Reserve if individuals or communities volunteer for conservation.
- Land Use: Changes require approval from both the State Government & Management Committee.
Current Status
- 219 Community Reserves covering 1,446.28 km² (0.043% of India's landmass).
- Examples: Found in Meghalaya, Nagaland, and other Northeastern states.
3. Conservation Reserves
Context: Conservation Reserves are protected areas on government land, acting as ecological corridors or buffer zones between national parks and sanctuaries.
Key Features
- Government-Owned: Managed by the state.
- Corridors & Buffers: Facilitate wildlife movement.
- Stakeholder Involvement: Local communities participate in management.
- Limited Human Activity: Regulated use with eco-tourism and research allowed.
Rights of Residents
- Residents inside a Conservation Reserve hold their rights unaffected.
- Residents of conservation reserves are not subject to any restrictions on their privileges.
Current Status
- 115 Conservation Reserves covering 5,548.75 km² (0.17% of India's landmass). (National Wildlife Database Centre, Nov. 2023)
- Examples: Kutch Desert Wildlife Conservation Reserve (Gujarat), reserves in Karnataka and Maharashtra.
- Recent Additions: Sorsan in Baran, Khichan in Jodhpur, and Hamirgarh in Bhilwara — three new wildlife conservation reserves in Rajasthan.
Key Point: India's inaugural conservation reserve, located in Thirupudaimaruthur, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, was a community-driven effort to guard nesting birds.
4. Difference Between Community and Conservation Reserves
| Specification | Conservation Reserves | Community Reserves |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership | State-owned lands | Community or private-owned lands |
| Management | Conservation Reserve Management Committee | Community Reserve Management Committee |
| Designation | State Govt. in consultation with locals | State Govt. with community/individual consent |
| Purpose | Preserve flora, fauna, and habitat | Conserve biodiversity, customs, and culture |
| Land Use | Few restrictions | Changes need State Govt. & Committee approval |
| Initiation | Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act, 2002 | Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act, 2002 |
| Flexibility | Balances conservation with community needs | Enhances local socioeconomic conditions |
| Number | 115 reserves (0.17% of land) | 219 reserves (0.043% of land) |
5. Summary: Other Protected Areas at a Glance
| Category | Legal Basis | Key Feature | Number |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eco-Sensitive Zone | Environment Protection Act, 1986 | 10 km buffer around protected areas | 600+ |
| Community Reserve | Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 | Community/private-owned; voluntary conservation | 219 |
| Conservation Reserve | Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 | State-owned; ecological corridors | 115 |
Key Takeaways for UPSC
- Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs): Buffer zones within 10 km of protected areas; established under Environment Protection Act, 1986 (UPSC 2014)
- Activities in ESZs: Prohibited — commercial mining, polluting industries; Permitted — agriculture, horticulture, organic farming, renewable energy
- Community Reserves: On community/private land; voluntary conservation; 219 reserves (0.043% of land)
- Conservation Reserves: On government land; ecological corridors; 115 reserves (0.17% of land)
- Both initiated under: Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act, 2002
- Inaugural Conservation Reserve: Thirupudaimaruthur, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu
- Recent Additions: Sorsan (Baran), Khichan (Jodhpur), Hamirgarh (Bhilwara) — Rajasthan
High-Yield Interactive UPSC Quiz (Other Protected Areas)
Q1. Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs) are established under which Act?
Correct Answer: B. Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs) are established under the Environment Protection Act, 1986. They serve as buffer zones around national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. (UPSC 2014)
Q2. As per the National Wildlife Action Plan (2002-2016), land within how many km of protected areas is designated as ESZ?
Correct Answer: C. As per the National Wildlife Action Plan (2002-2016), land within 10 km of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries is designated as Eco-Sensitive Zones.
Q3. Which of the following activities is PROHIBITED in Eco-Sensitive Zones?
Correct Answer: C. Commercial mining is PROHIBITED in Eco-Sensitive Zones. Agriculture, horticulture, and organic farming are PERMITTED.
Q4. Community Reserves are legally recognized under which Act?
Correct Answer: B. Community Reserves are legally recognized under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. They are established on private or community-owned land where local communities play a key role in conservation.
Q5. Conservation Reserves are established on which type of land?
Correct Answer: C. Conservation Reserves are established on government-owned land. They act as ecological corridors or buffer zones between national parks and sanctuaries.
Q6. How many Community Reserves are there in India?
Correct Answer: C. India has 219 Community Reserves covering 1,446.28 km² (0.043% of India's landmass). Examples are found in Meghalaya, Nagaland, and other Northeastern states.
Q7. Which type of protected area is managed by a Community Reserve Management Committee?
Correct Answer: C. Community Reserves are governed by a Community Reserve Management Committee. Conservation Reserves are managed by a Conservation Reserve Management Committee.
Q8. India's inaugural conservation reserve is located in which state?
Correct Answer: C. India's inaugural conservation reserve, located in Thirupudaimaruthur, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, was a community-driven effort to guard nesting birds.
Q9. Both Community Reserves and Conservation Reserves were initiated under which amendment?
Correct Answer: B. Both Community Reserves and Conservation Reserves were initiated under the Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act, 2002.
Q10. Which of the following is a recent addition to conservation reserves in Rajasthan?
Correct Answer: C. Sorsan in Baran, along with Khichan in Jodhpur and Hamirgarh in Bhilwara, are three new wildlife conservation reserves recently added in Rajasthan.