Daily Current Affairs : 9-April-2024

The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has currently issued a draft notification that defines an eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) around the Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary, specifically on the Haryana side. This move is significant for the conservation of the area’s sensitive environment.

Rejection of Haryana’s Proposal

The draft notification rejects Haryana’s request to establish an eco-sensitive zone of only 1,000 meters. Instead, it proposes a larger area ranging from 1 kilometer to 2.035 kilometers around the sanctuary. This decision underscores the importance of protecting the sanctuary, which is known for its ecological sensitivity and the presence of endangered species.

Key Points:
  • Haryana’s initial proposal was for a 1,000-meter ESZ.
  • The MoEFCC has proposed a range of 1 km to 2.035 km.
  • The decision aims to protect the sanctuary’s fragile ecosystem.

Understanding Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZ)

Eco-sensitive zones are crucial areas surrounding protected regions, designated by the central government under the Environment (Protection) Act of 1986. These zones help to manage and protect the environment by categorizing activities that can take place within them.

Activities in ESZ:
  • Prohibited Activities:
    • Commercial mining
    • Heavy industrial activities
  • Regulated Activities:
    • Felling of trees
    • Construction of large structures
  • Permitted Activities:
    • Local agriculture
    • Sustainable tourism

This classification helps to ensure that the ecological balance is maintained and that the natural habitat is preserved for future generations.

About the Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary

The Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Chandigarh Union Territory and is an important part of the Shivalik Hills’ Sukhna Lake catchment area. The sanctuary is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including:

Mammals:
  • Sambar deer
  • Barking deer
  • Wild boar
Other Species:
  • Various birds
  • Reptiles
  • Amphibians

The sanctuary’s unique blend of forests, grasslands, and wetlands makes it a vital ecological area. Sukhna Lake is particularly important as it supports the entire ecosystem within the sanctuary.

Important Points:

Draft Notification Issued: MoEFCC defines an eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) around Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary on the Haryana side.Rejection of Haryana’s Proposal: Haryana’s request for a 1,000-meter ESZ was denied; a larger range of 1 km to 2.035 km is proposed.Significance: The decision aims to protect the sanctuary’s fragile ecosystem and endangered species.Definition of ESZ: Eco-sensitive zones are areas surrounding protected regions, established under the Environment (Protection) Act of 1986.Activity Categories in ESZ:

  • Prohibited Activities: Commercial mining, heavy industrial activities.
  • Regulated Activities: Felling of trees, construction of large structures.
  • Permitted Activities: Local agriculture, sustainable tourism.

Biodiversity of Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary:

  • Mammals: Sambar deer, barking deer, wild boar.
  • Other Species: Various birds, reptiles, amphibians.

Ecosystem Importance: The sanctuary’s blend of forests, grasslands, and wetlands, along with Sukhna Lake, is vital for the local ecology.

Why In News

The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has issued a draft notification demarcating an eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) around the Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary on the Haryana side, highlighting the government’s commitment to conserving the region’s fragile ecosystem and protecting its diverse wildlife.

MCQs about Protecting the Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary

  1. What is the proposed range for the eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) around the Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary?
    A. 500 meters to 1 kilometer
    B. 1 kilometer to 2.035 kilometers
    C. 2 kilometers to 3 kilometers
    D. 1 kilometer to 1.5 kilometers
    Correct Answer: B. 1 kilometer to 2.035 kilometers
    Explanation: The MoEFCC has proposed an ESZ ranging from 1 kilometer to 2.035 kilometers around the sanctuary.
  2. Which of the following activities is prohibited within the eco-sensitive zone?
    A. Local agriculture
    B. Sustainable tourism
    C. Commercial mining
    D. Felling of trees
    Correct Answer: C. Commercial mining
    Explanation: Commercial mining is classified as a prohibited activity within eco-sensitive zones to protect the environment.
  3. What types of wildlife can be found in the Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary?
    A. Only birds and reptiles
    B. Mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians
    C. Only mammals
    D. Only amphibians
    Correct Answer: B. Mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians
    Explanation: The sanctuary is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including various mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians.
  4. Why is the eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) important for the Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary?
    A. It allows for unrestricted development.
    B. It helps to maintain ecological balance and protect endangered species.
    C. It promotes industrial activities.
    D. It decreases biodiversity.
    Correct Answer: B. It helps to maintain ecological balance and protect endangered species.
    Explanation: The ESZ is essential for conserving the delicate ecosystem and ensuring the protection of endangered species within the sanctuary.

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