Ecologically sensitive zone/ area in India- analysis of government strategy and its implementation
Student name: Ms Pooja Sharma
Guide: Dr Gopal K Sarangi
Year of completion: 2018
Host Organisation: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
Supervisor (Host Organisation): Dr Veenu Joon
Abstract: To preserve the pristine significance of the Protected Areas, the Government has classified them into Wildlife Sanctuaries, National Parks/ Tiger Reserves but due to industrialization, urbanization, encroachments and other developmental activities, changes occurred in the landscape. To minimize the impact of urbanization and other anthropogenic activities, areas adjacent to such protected zone have been developed as buffer zone which are declared as Eco-Sensitive Zones. This study is done to (i) analyse and assess the policies made by govt. for the buffer zones of ecologically sensitive area;(ii) participation of local community in understanding these policies;(iii) its socio-economic impact on their livelihood. Responses were analysed using percentages to categorize the result in Microsoft Excel and further explained in the chart form. The survey was carried out to know the demography, people’s perception towards PA & ESZ, awareness and involvement of the community in decision making and the management of the zone. Also, to know the responses towards conflict, compensation and benefits from PA & ESZ.
In case study done at Asola Bhatti (NCR Region), no impact of ESZ has been observed. This may be of reason that ESZ has recently notified. But, on spot study revealed that State Govt. has not played any role to sensitize people, creating awareness on DO’s and DO’NOT prescribed by the Central Government. As such no Step was taken by State Government to constitute a Monitoring Committee, which is important integral part of Notification and supposed to be set up after 2 months from date of publication of Notification. Wildlife and animals of the Sanctuary has been observed to be lost to larger extent as per the statement given by local people. However, number of people wants to protect the environment of Asola Bhatti whatever remaining. During the survey, it has been observed that State Forest/Wildlife Officials are hardly able to maintain a proper consultation or communication with local people.
Keywords-
Eco-Sensitive Zone, Protected Area, Wildlife, Environment Protection, Social Impact.
