SRINAGAR, OCT 24: The Government of India has taken a significant step in safeguarding the fragile ecosystems of Kashmir by designating three wildlife sanctuaries as ‘eco-sensitive zones.’
This move, as outlined in a notification from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), aims to protect these natural habitats from human intervention and preserve the region’s rich flora and fauna. The three wildlife sanctuaries included in this decision are Dachigam National Park, Thajwas (Baltal) Wildlife Sanctuary, and Overa-Aru Wildlife Sanctuary.
The primary objective of this designation is to prevent any new commercial hotels and resorts from being established within one kilometer of the protected area or up to the extent of the eco-sensitive zone, whichever is closer. However, small temporary structures for eco-tourism activities will be permitted.
This committee will be led by the Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir and will comprise experts in ecology and environment, a representative from a non-governmental organization engaged in environmental conservation, an expert in biodiversity, and deputy commissioners from various districts.
The central government has urged the Jammu and Kashmir administration to promptly demarcate the boundaries of the wildlife sanctuaries, emphasizing the need to conserve the region’s unique biodiversity. The conservation efforts will aim to ensure the ecological balance and protect the livelihoods of local communities.
Additionally, the government has asked the Union Territory administration to prepare a Zonal Master Plan (ZMP) in consultation with local residents within a two-year period. The ZMP is expected to adhere to the stipulations laid out in the notification and gain approval from the competent authority within the Union Territory. However, the notification clarifies that the ZMP will not impose restrictions on approved existing land use, infrastructure, and activities unless specified.
The ZMP will play a crucial role in improving existing infrastructure and activities to be more efficient and eco-friendly. It will also define and demarcate existing worship sites, villages, urban settlements, types of forests, agricultural areas, fertile lands, green spaces such as parks, horticultural areas, orchards, lakes, and other water bodies. Detailed maps will provide information on existing and proposed land use features.
The regulation of development in eco-sensitive zones and adherence to prohibited and regulated activities will be instrumental in promoting eco-friendly development while ensuring the security of local communities’ livelihoods.
This designation of eco-sensitive zones reflects a significant step towards sustainable development and the preservation of Kashmir’s unique natural heritage.
