new delhi: The Centre has declared the biodiversity-rich area, ranging from zero to one kilometre around Kumbhalgarh wildlife sanctuary, located in one of the most fragile ecosystems of the Aravali range in Rajasthan, as an eco-sensitive zone (ESZ). The move will prohibit environmentally hazardous human activities within the earmarked zone of 243 sq km.Prohibited activities within the ESZ include commercial mining, stone quarrying and crushing units; setting up of industries causing water, air, soil and noise pollution; setting up of brick kilns; and erection of new wind mills among others. Ninety-four villages fall within the zone.The sanctuary, situated approximately 80 km north of the picturesque Lake City of Udaipur, is rich in flora and fauna. Spread over an area of more than 610 sq km, covering parts of Rajsamand, Pali and Udaipur districts, the sanctuary hosts leopard, striped hyena, jungle cat, Indian pangolin, blue bull, wild boar and chinkara, and 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,” environment minister Bhupender Yadav said in a post on X on Tuesday. The notification declaring the ESZ, issued last week by the environment ministry, said eco-tourism and various other activities such as protection of hill slopes and river banks, new construction activities and movement of vehicular traffic at night, among others, will be regulated within the zone.“New construction of hotels and resorts shall not be allowed within one km from the boundary of the protected area or up to the extent of the eco-sensitive zone, whichever is nearer,” it said.Besides, forests, horticulture areas, agricultural areas, parks and open spaces earmarked for recreational purposes in the zone will not be used or converted into areas for major commercial or residential or industrial activities.
