Good news for the Kaziranga wildlife as SC orders eco-sensitive zone up to 10 km

Good news for the Kaziranga wildlife as SC orders eco-sensitive zone up to 10 km

Guwahati: In a bid to save wildlife and to ensure a free movement of the animals living in the national parks, the Supreme Court has come with a much-needed announcement on Tuesday. As per the new direction made by the SC to the Union Environment Ministry, 10 km area around 21 national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in the country will have to be maintained as ‘eco-sensitive zones’.

This new directive of the apex court makes one thing just very clear that there cannot be any construction sites, factories or any other manufacturing unit or thick population density at least up to 10 km from the national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. As the animals residing in the national parks do not just stay bound to the boundaries of the park and the surrounding of the national parks too plays a crucial role in their living, this decision of the SC has come as a relief for the animals and the animal lovers.

This has come as a much relief to 21 national parks and wildlife sanctuaries in India which also includes Kaziranga national park and Pobitora sanctuary in Assam. Other wildlife sanctuaries to obey the directives are Hemis High Altitude and Kishtewar national parks, Changthang, Hokersar, Trikuta sanctuaries in Jammu and Kashmir; Jogimatti, Thimlapura and Yadahalli Chinkara sanctuaries in Karnataka; Deolgaon Rehekuri and Thane Creek Flamingo sanctuaries and the Malvan marine sanctuary in Maharashtra; Siroi National Park and Khongjaingamba Ching sanctuary in Manipur; Baghmara Pitcher Plant sanctuary in Meghalaya; Fakim and Puliebadze and Rangapahar sanctuaries in Nagaland; Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar bird sanctuary and Pilibhit sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh and the Jorepokhri sanctuary in West Bengal.

The decision on the initiative was led by a bench of Justice Madan B. Lokur who informed the court that the State governments have taken no effort to protect the area around these sanctuaries and parks. The court also came to know that the issue has been lying pending for the past 12 years.

The central government is also asked to take immediate action on the order and if in case there is any plea for modification any of the states concerned, then it has to be made to the Environment Ministry in two weeks. The next hearing on the matter is in February.

Top Headlines

No stories found.
Sentinel Assam
www.sentinelassam.com