DACHIGAM NATIONAL PARK and OVERA-ARU WILDLIFE SANCTUARIES

 

Latest Context

• In September, 2023 the draft notification for an Eco Sensitive Zone (ESZ) for DACHIGAM NATIONAL PARK (DNP), Thajwas (Baltal) and Overa- Aru wildlife sanctuaries has been unveiled by Union Ministry of Forests, Environment & Climate Change.

Key Facts

• ESZs are developed as “shock absorbers” for the protected areas, to minimize the negative impacts on the “fragile ecosystems” by certain human activities occuring nearby.

• It serves as a transition zone from areas requiring higher security to those requiring lesser security. 

• National Wildlife Action Plan (2002-2016) provides for establishing ESZ under the Environmental (Protection) Act, 1986.
• In 2022, the Supreme Court mandated that a minimum 1-km ESZ around national parks or wildlife sanctuaries should be there.

• However, in 2023, Supreme Court ruled it is not applicable to ESZs in respect to which draft and final notifications have been issued.
•  It is also not be applicable where the national parks etc located on inter-state borders or share common boundaries.

• No mining shall be permitted in national parks and protected areas, or at a distance of less than 1 km.

• DNP is situated in Jammu & Kashmir (Zabarwan mountain ranges of the Himalayas).

Major Fauna

•  Hangul or Kashmir stag (IUCN status: Critically endangered).
• Himalayan Brown bear, Indian leopard, Himalayan grey langur, yellow-throated marten etc

 

 

 

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