Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary Eco-Sensitive Zone declared by MoEFCC in Rajasthan to protect biodiversity and promote sustainable development. Key ESZ rules and species protected explained.
Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary Declared an Eco-Sensitive Zone
Introduction: A Big Step for Environment Protection in India
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has officially notified the area surrounding the Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary in Rajasthan as an Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ). This new regulation aims to protect the rich biodiversity and fragile ecosystems of the Aravalli Mountain Range, while promoting sustainable development and regulated human activities in the sanctuary’s neighbouring areas.
What Is the Eco-Sensitive Zone Around Kumbhalgarh Sanctuary?
An Eco-Sensitive Zone is a regulated area around protected ecosystems such as wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in India, designed to act as a buffer zone to safeguard the ecology from harmful activities. The government has notified an area ranging from zero to one kilometre around the sanctuary boundary as ESZ, covering approximately 243 square kilometres and incorporating parts of Rajsamand, Pali, and Udaipur districts in Rajasthan.
This ESZ declaration comes under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, and seeks to maintain ecological balance while guiding sustainable growth.
Ecological Importance of Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary
The Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary, established in 1971, is part of the Aravalli Range and spans an area of over 600 sq km. It supports diverse habitats and wildlife, including species such as the leopard, Indian wolf, sloth bear, striped hyena, chinkara, and Painted Francolin. The region also serves as a vital ecological corridor linking with the Todgarh Raoli Sanctuary, and plays a key role in feeding major river systems like the Banas and Luni Rivers.
Provisions and Restrictions Under the New ESZ
Under the ESZ notification:
- Mining, stone quarrying, and polluting industries are prohibited within the zone.
- Large commercial developments such as hotels and resorts are banned within 1 km of the park boundary to prevent habitat disruption.
- Only small temporary structures for eco-tourism may be permitted under strict environmental standards.
- Existing hospitality units can operate, provided they comply with waste management and noise control norms.
- A monitoring committee will oversee implementation over the next two years.
Focus on Sustainable Livelihoods and Community Welfare
The ESZ framework not only prioritises environmental protection but also supports local and indigenous communities. It encourages eco-friendly practices such as organic farming, agroforestry, and skill development programmes that align conservation with sustainable economic opportunities.
Why This News Is Important
Environmental Conservation and Biodiversity Protection
The declaration of Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary as an Eco-Sensitive Zone highlights a major milestone in India’s environmental governance. By introducing stronger regulations around one of the country’s ecologically fragile zones, the government is reinforcing its commitment to protect biodiversity hotspots and prevent unplanned development that threatens natural habitats. This is vital for maintaining ecological stability and safeguarding the survival of rare and endangered species.
Balanced Development and Sustainable Livelihoods
Importantly, the ESZ notification balances conservation with community welfare. By promoting sustainable practices like organic farming and eco-tourism, it provides long-term livelihood avenues for local communities without harming the environment. This approach aligns with national objectives of inclusive development and environmental sustainability — both key subjects in competitive exams.
Relevance for Government Exam Aspirants
For students preparing for Exams like SSC, UPSC, State PSCs, Banking, Railways, Defence, and Teaching posts, understanding policies such as Eco-Sensitive Zones is crucial under the Environment and Ecology syllabus. Questions often focus on novel government initiatives, biodiversity protection measures, and legal frameworks such as the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. The Kumbhalgarh ESZ is a contemporary example of how environmental policy translates into real-world conservation impact.
Historical Context: Environmental Protection and ESZs in India
Eco-Sensitive Zones: Origin and Purpose
Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs), also known as ecologically fragile areas, emerged from the need to protect biodiversity rich regions surrounding core protected areas like wildlife sanctuaries and national parks. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) introduced guidelines in 2011 to regulate activities in these regions and prevent ecological degradation. ESZs serve as buffer zones, transitioning from strictly protected forests to lands shared with human habitation.
Legal Framework Under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
The authority to declare Eco-Sensitive Zones comes from the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, one of India’s key environmental protection laws. It empowers the central government to regulate activities that could harm the environment. The notification of ESZs is part of India’s broader wildlife conservation strategy under the National Wildlife Action Plan and related legal frameworks.
Past ESZ Declarations and Trends
Over the years, several protected areas across India — including national parks and wildlife sanctuaries — have been surrounded by ESZ notifications to preserve ecological integrity. The expansion of ESZs reflects India’s increasing emphasis on environmental sustainability in response to rapid development pressures. The Kumbhalgarh declaration continues this trend, especially within the ecologically sensitive Aravalli Range, one of the oldest mountain systems in India.
Key Takeaways from Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary Eco-Sensitive Zone
| S. No. | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| 1 | Notification Authority: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) declared the ESZ. |
| 2 | Location: Aravalli Range in Rajasthan, covering around 243 sq km. |
| 3 | Coverage: ESZ extends from 0 to 1 km around the sanctuary boundary. |
| 4 | Restrictions: Mining, heavy industries, new commercial hotels and resorts are prohibited. |
| 5 | Community Focus: Sustainable livelihoods through organic farming and eco-tourism are encouraged. |
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the recent notification regarding Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary?
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has declared the area surrounding Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary in Rajasthan as an Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) to protect biodiversity and regulate human activities.
2. What is an Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ)?
An Eco-Sensitive Zone is a regulated area around national parks and wildlife sanctuaries acting as a buffer zone to prevent environmental degradation and maintain ecological balance.
3. How large is the ESZ around Kumbhalgarh Sanctuary?
The ESZ extends from 0 to 1 kilometre around the sanctuary and covers approximately 243 square kilometres, spanning Rajsamand, Pali, and Udaipur districts in Rajasthan.
4. Which species and ecological features are protected in Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary?
The sanctuary hosts leopards, Indian wolves, sloth bears, striped hyenas, chinkara, and Painted Francolins, and forms a vital ecological corridor connected to the Todgarh Raoli Sanctuary.
5. What restrictions apply under the ESZ notification?
Activities such as mining, stone quarrying, large hotels, and polluting industries are prohibited. Only small-scale eco-tourism projects and sustainable practices are allowed under strict environmental guidelines.
6. Why is the ESZ notification important for local communities?
It promotes sustainable livelihoods through eco-tourism, organic farming, and agroforestry while protecting the environment, ensuring that communities benefit economically without harming biodiversity.
7. Under which legal framework was the ESZ declared?
The notification falls under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, which empowers the central government to regulate activities in ecologically fragile areas.
8. Which exams is this news relevant for?
It is relevant for competitive exams like UPSC, State PSCs, SSC, Banking, Railways, Defence, and Teaching posts, especially under Environment and Ecology syllabus.
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