Draft Eco-Sensitive Zone Notification Issued for Dudhwa Tiger Reserve
The Union Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has taken a significant step towards wildlife conservation by issuing a draft notification for the establishment of an Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) around the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve (DTR). This move, announced on Wednesday, aims to protect the ecological integrity of one of India's premier tiger habitats.
Scope and Coverage of the Proposed ESZ
The proposed Eco-Sensitive Zone will extend one kilometer around the reserve's boundary and encompass the entire buffer area. This initiative covers a total of 178 villages, ensuring comprehensive protection for the surrounding landscape. The Dudhwa Tiger Reserve itself spans an impressive 2,201 square kilometers, with a core area of 1,093 square kilometers and a buffer zone of 1,107 square kilometers. This vast territory is distributed across four districts in Uttar Pradesh: Lakhimpur Kheri, Bahraich, Pilibhit, and Shahjahanpur.
The core area includes three critical protected regions: Dudhwa National Park, Kishanpur Wildlife Sanctuary, and Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary. These areas are vital for the survival of tigers and other endangered species, making the ESZ notification a crucial measure to mitigate human-wildlife conflict and habitat degradation.
Public Consultation and Implementation Timeline
The MoEFCC has opened a window for public feedback, inviting suggestions and objections within 60 days from the date of the draft notification. This participatory approach ensures that local communities and stakeholders have a voice in the conservation process. Following the final notification, the state government of Uttar Pradesh will be tasked with preparing a zonal master plan within two years.
This master plan will integrate ecological safeguards with inputs from 11 key departments, including:
- Environment, Forest and Wildlife
- Tourism
- Agriculture
- UP State Pollution Control Board
The plan aims to balance conservation goals with sustainable development, addressing the needs of both wildlife and human populations.
Regulatory Measures and Governance Structure
According to DTR field director H Rajamohan, the Eco-Sensitive Zone will impose restrictions on land use changes, particularly the conversion of forests, agricultural land, and recreational areas into industrial or large residential zones. This regulatory framework is designed to prevent habitat fragmentation and ensure the long-term viability of the tiger reserve.
The state government will manage various aspects under MoEFCC guidelines, including:
- Water bodies
- Tourism activities
- Heritage sites
- Pollution control
- Waste management
To oversee these activities, a 10-member central monitoring committee will be established, chaired by the Lucknow divisional commissioner. Additionally, sub-committees will be formed in each of the four districts, led by the respective district magistrates. These committees will scrutinize ESZ-related activities based on site-specific conditions, MoEFCC guidelines, and the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority, ensuring effective implementation and compliance.
This draft notification marks a proactive effort to enhance conservation efforts in the Dudhwa Tiger Reserve, aligning with national goals for biodiversity protection and sustainable development. The involvement of multiple stakeholders and a structured governance model underscores the commitment to preserving this ecological treasure for future generations.
