The MOEFCC has issued a notification declaring the biodiversity-rich area ranging from zero to one kilometre around the Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary, located in the Aravalli mountain range, as an Eco-Sensitive Zone. The sanctuary, rich in flora and fauna, hosts the leopard, striped hyena, jungle cat, Indian pangolin, blue bull, and chinkara. It is also home to bird species such as painted francolin.
The declaration of ESZ will not just help the rich biodiversity thrive, but also help indigenous communities in the area live freely with eco-friendly and community-focused initiatives such as organic farming, agroforestry. They will also be imparted skill development for a sustainable future. The development is inspired by PM Shri Narendra Modi push for community-driven protection of India’s rich and varied ecology.
Union Minister for Environment, Forests and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav reviewed the status of the implementation of Bhagirathi Eco-Sensitive Zone Notification with Chief Secretary Uttarakhand, Secretary Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC) and other senior officials.
The Minister emphasized the need for implementing the provisions of the Notification in letter and spirit and for establishing a robust institutional mechanism for its effective monitoring, enforcement and compliance.
The Union Minister also emphasized the need to strictly follow the directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court in this regard, in view of the immense cultural, ecological and spiritual importance of the Bhagirathi river and its environs.
