ECO SENSITIVE ZONES
Why in news: The Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife has decided to revisit the 2011 guidelines on declaring Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs).
- The Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife (SC-NBWL), chaired by Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, has decided to revisit the 2011 guidelines on declaring Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs) around protected areas (national parks and wildlife sanctuaries).
- The move aims to make ESZ norms more site-specific, reflecting local ecological and socio-economic conditions, instead of applying a blanket 10 km rule.
Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs) – Definition & Legal Backing
- Declared under Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
- Concept first formalised under the National Wildlife Action Plan (2002–2016) by the MoEFCC.
- Areas within 10 km of the boundaries of National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries to be notified as Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs).
- Exceptionally, areas beyond 10 km can also be declared ESZs if they include important wildlife corridors or ecologically sensitive landscapes.
Purpose & Function
- Serve as “shock absorbers” or buffer zones to protect the fragile ecosystems of Protected Areas.
- Act as transition zones from areas requiring higher protection to areas requiring less protection.
- Help regulate human activity near ecologically important regions without stopping it altogether.
Protected Areas Around Which ESZs Are Notified
- National Parks
- Wildlife Sanctuaries
- Tiger Reserves
- Biosphere Reserves
Permitted Activities
- Ongoing traditional agricultural or horticultural practices
- Organic farming
- Rainwater harvesting
- Renewable energy initiatives (non-polluting) Regulated Activities
- Small-scale, non-polluting industries
- Construction of civic amenities (schools, dispensaries, etc.)
- Eco-tourism, hotels and resorts (based on carrying capacity) Prohibited Activities
- Commercial mining and stone quarrying
- Major hydroelectric projects
- Polluting industries (e.g. cement, thermal plants)
- Brick kilns, saw mills, and large-scale deforestation Extras
- As per SC directions, if no specific ESZ is notified, default
- 10 km area is considered protected.
- MoEFCC is the nodal ministry for issuing ESZ notifications.
TALASH INITIATIVE
Why in news: The Ministry of Tribal Affairs, in collaboration with UNICEF India, launched the TALASH initiative to promote aptitude development, career guidance, and life skills among tribal students in Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs).
- Full form: Tribal Aptitude, Life Skills and Self-Esteem Hub (TALASH)
- Purpose: Supports all-round development of tribal students in
- Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs)
- Launched by: National Education Society for Tribal Students in partnership with UNICEF India
- Target group: Tribal students enrolled in EMRSs across India
- Coverage: Over 1,38,336 students in 28 States and 8 Union Territories
- Nature: First-of-its-kind national initiative specifically for tribal youth development and inclusive education.
- Platform type: Innovative digital platform for self-discovery, career planning, and life skills development.
Key features:
- Psychometric Assessments (aptitude tests inspired by NCERT’s ‘Tamanna’ initiative)
- Career Cards suggesting suitable career options based on test results
- Career counselling for informed career decision-making
- Life skills & self-esteem modules (problem solving, communication, emotional handling)
- E-learning portal for teachers to train and mentor students effectively
Objective: Enhance self-awareness, life skills, and career clarity among tribal youth
Significance: Promotes inclusive education and empowerment of tribal students through a structured, technology-driven approach
UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE LIST
Why in news: The Maratha Military Landscapes, comprising 12 forts, were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, highlighting the Maratha Empire’s legacy of governance and valor. PM Modi praised this recognition and urged people to visit these historic sites.
Maratha Military Landscapes
- Maratha Military Landscapes span 17th to 19th centuries CE, showcasing Maratha Empire’s strategic and architectural skill.
- Consist of 12 forts across Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu: Salher, Shivneri, Lohgad, Khanderi, Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala, Vijaydurg, Sindhudurg, and Gingee Fort.
- ASI protects Shivneri, Lohgad, Raigad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala, Vijaydurg, Sindhudurg, and Gingee.
- Directorate of Archaeology and Museums, Maharashtra protects Salher, Rajgad, Khanderi, and Pratapgad.
Forts located in diverse terrains:
- Hill forts: Salher, Shivneri, Lohgad, Raigad, Rajgad, Gingee
- Hill-forest fort: Pratapgad
- Hill-plateau fort: Panhala
- Coastal fort: Vijaydurg
- Island forts: Khanderi, Suvarnadurg, Sindhudurg
UNESCO World Heritage Sites (WHS):
Definition: Locations recognized by UNESCO for “outstanding universal value” under the World Heritage Convention (1972).
Categories: Cultural heritage, Natural heritage, and Mixed heritage (both cultural and natural).
Selection Criteria: Must meet at least one — human creative genius, cultural/historical significance, architectural/ecological/geological importance, exceptional natural beauty/biodiversity.
Other Criteria: Protection, management, authenticity, and integrity of the site.
World Heritage Convention: Adopted in 1972, effective from 1975; India ratified in 1977.
World Heritage Committee (WHC):
- Comprises members from 196 States Parties.
- Meets annually to add, remove, or modify sites on the WHS list.
- Can list sites as “World Heritage in Danger” or remove sites losing their value.
- Member term: 6 years (often 4 years voluntarily).
- World Heritage Fund: Established in 1977 to protect listed sites, funded by contributions from States Parties and others.
India’s Role:
- Hosted 46th WHC meeting in July 2024, New Delhi.
