Eco-sensitive zones and green tribunals

Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs)

1. Eco-Sensitive Zones are areas around protected areas like national parks and wildlife sanctuaries to act as a buffer zone.
2. ESZs are established to reduce the adverse impact of human activities on critical ecosystems.
3. Declared under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
4. Also known as Ecologically Fragile Areas (EFAs).
5. Objectives include preserving biodiversity, minimizing habitat fragmentation, and promoting sustainable development.
6. Activities are categorized into prohibited, regulated, and permissible zones within ESZs.
7. Prohibited activities include mining, industries, and major construction.
8. Regulated activities include tourism, small-scale industries, and organic farming.
9. Permissible activities involve renewable energy projects, agro-forestry, and eco-friendly tourism.
10. States prepare ESZ proposals in consultation with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
11. Ensures compliance with the principle of conservation with co-existence.
12. Helps mitigate the impact of activities like urbanization, deforestation, and industrialization around protected areas.

Green Tribunals

1. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) was established in 2010 under the National Green Tribunal Act.
2. The NGT is a specialized body for effective and expeditious disposal of cases related to environmental protection and forest conservation.
3. It operates on the principles of natural justice and sustainable development.
4. NGT ensures compliance with the polluter pays principle and the precautionary principle.
5. Has jurisdiction over matters relating to environmental laws, including air, water, forest conservation, and biodiversity protection.
6. Cases are resolved within a stipulated time to ensure speedy justice.
7. NGT has powers to enforce penalties, compensation, and restoration measures.
8. Comprises judicial and technical members with expertise in environmental matters.
9. Reduces the burden on traditional courts and strengthens environmental governance.
10. Prominent NGT rulings include bans on illegal mining, industrial pollution, and waste dumping in critical areas.
11. Promotes public participation by enabling citizens to file cases.
12. Plays a significant role in addressing climate change impacts and enhancing ecological resilience.

Significance

1. Eco-Sensitive Zones and Green Tribunals contribute to the holistic management of natural resources.
2. They align with international commitments like CBD and UNFCCC by focusing on sustainable development.
3. Strengthen India's efforts toward achieving environmental targets under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC).
4. Enhance legal and institutional frameworks for effective environmental conservation.

Challenges

1. Issues with implementation and monitoring of ESZ regulations.
2. Lack of adequate resources for NGT and state pollution control boards.
3. Resistance from stakeholders due to perceived impact on livelihoods.
4. Overlapping jurisdictions and delays in policy execution.

Future Prospects

1. Strengthening the role of local communities in ESZ management.
2. Increasing awareness and capacity building for better compliance.
3. Enhanced use of technology for monitoring and reporting.
4. Ensuring adequate funding for NGT to expand its reach and capabilities.