About Ecologically Sensitive Area:
- ESAs, also called Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs) are designated regions identified for special environmental protection because of their rich biodiversity, fragile ecosystems or critical ecological functions.
- The Central Government can notify certain areas as Ecologically Sensitive Areas under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
- Under this recognition certain activities are prohibited, some are tightly regulated, while others are encouraged to ensure development does not come at the cost of ecological damage.
- Getting an ESA status also means that any development project in the area will be subject to stricter environmental scrutiny.
- Significance of ESZ:
- Eco-Sensitive Zones are created as “shock absorbers” for the protected areas, to minimize the negative impact on the “fragile ecosystems” by certain human activities taking place nearby.
- These areas are meant to act as a transition zone from areas requiring higher protection to those requiring lesser protection.
