Delineation of the zone was mandated under the EPA; tag given after consultation with communities.
Bandipur Tiger Reserve has been declared an eco-sensitive zone (ESZ), and has become the first tiger reserve in the country to get this elite tag. Officials at the reserve told DNA that the ESZs were considered as ‘breathing spaces’ for wildlife, but what was more important was that they were of paramount ecological importance.
Expressing happiness over the development, conservationist scientist Sanjay Gubbi said these areas were demarcated based on their ecological importance which reigned in developmental activities inimical to wildlife and habitats.
While these zones are completely compatible with livelihoods of local communities living around protected areas, they bring order to the mushrooming of tourism resorts, mining activities, industries and other footloose developmental activities disrupting wildlife corridors outside reserve boundaries.
“This assumes importance since Bandipur is in a very crucial part of the tiger conservation landscape connecting other wildlife habitats such as the Nagarahole Tiger Reserve, Mudumalai Tiger Reserve and Waynad Wildlife Sanctuary. These contiguous areas host the highest density of tigers, their prey species, and Asian elephants in the world,” Gubbi pointed out.
The delineation of the ESZ was mandated under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and a Supreme Court order. Accordingly, an initial draft ESZ plan was drawn through thorough analysis of wildlife corridors, ecologically important areas, and needs of people. Further, extensive public consultations were held with MLAs, MLCs of the area, village communities, and local body members before drawing up the final ESZ plan.
No restrictions were imposed on existing agriculture, livestock rearing and the other activities of local communities.
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