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8 May 2021.
Introduction:
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change recently notified 48.32 square kilo metres around Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary as the Eco Sensitive Zone. Eco Sensitive Zones act as a buffer zone for protected areas. They reduce development pressures around national park or wildlife sanctuary.
Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary
- It is home to twelve mangrove species, 167 species of birds such as Flamingos, 45 fish, 67 insect and mammals like jackals and 59 species of butterflies.
- The Mangrove forest in the region has been declared as reserve forest under the Indian Forest Act. Also, these mangrove forests are included under Coastal Regulation zone.
- Under the notification, highly polluting mining activities and industries are prohibited in the region.
- However, regulated eco-tourism, construction of hotels and resorts are allowed. Organic Farming, agro-forestry and use of eco-friendly transport is to be promoted.
Eco-Sensitive Zones
- They are economically fragile areas in a radius of ten kilometres around the national parks, protected areas and wildlife sanctuaries.
- They are notified under Environment Protection Act, 1986.
- However, the act does not mention the word Eco-Sensitive Zones.
Coastal Regulation zone
- They are those areas that are influenced by tides.
- According to Coastal Regulation Zone rules, 1991, 500 metres of land between high tide line and low tide line is declared as Coastal Regulation Zone.
Reserve Forest
- The Reserve Forest are restricted forests that are constituted by the State Government.
- The local people are prohibited in the reserved forest.
- The other types are protected forests and village forests.