Q. With reference to Eco-Sensitive Zones’, which of the following statements is/are correct?

  1. Eco-Sensitive Zones are the areas that are declared under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
  2. The purpose of the declaration of Eco-Sensitive Zones is to prohibit all kinds of human activities in those zones except agriculture.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

  • 1 only
  • 2 only
  • Both 1 and 2
  • Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (d) Neither 1 nor 2

Eco-Sensitive Zones
  • Eco-sensitive zones are ecologically Fragile Areas are areas within 10 km around protected areas to act as a buffer.
  • They are notified under section 3 of the Environment Protection Act 1986 by the Ministry of Environment and Forest.
  • Certain activities are either banned or regulated to protect the environment.  
  • Agriculture, Horticulture practices by local communities, organic farming, rainwater harvesting, scientific research, tourism, etc. are permitted in the Eco-sensitive zones.
  • They act as a shock absorber for the protected areas and are a transition zone from high protection areas to lesser protection areas.  
  • They help in In-situ conservation.
  • They minimize forest depletion and man-animal conflict.
  • They minimize the impact of urbanization and developmental activities in protected areas.