Eco-sensitive zones in U’khand in wilderness

DEHRADUN: Uttarakhand’s efforts to declare three of its zones as eco-sensitive are in a limbo. The Centre has not cleared any of the names the hill state proposed to be declared under the category for environment conservation.

Top administrators see less chance of the union ministry of forest, environment and climate change (MoEFCC) approving the drafts soon. Uttarakhand is going to assembly polls next year, and decisions on eco-sensitive zones are bound to have a political impact, they say.

It was nearly five years ago that the Centre asked all states to create eco-sensitive zones to restrict development at the cost of environment. The idea was to create a ‘shock absorber’ around national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, the December 2011 order said. Early this year, MoEFCC minister Prakash Javadekar said the country proposed to declare 275 eco-sensitive zones around 404 protected areas. Gujarat got six of its proposals cleared in April, while all other states have drawn a blank so far. Technical issues, resentment from locals and political leaders are cited to be the reasons. Uttarakhand sought ecosensitive zones for Nandhaur Wildlife Sanctuary, Valley of Flowers National Park and Benog Wildlife Sanctuary.