Context (DTE): A draft eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) policy for the Pong dam was prepared.
Locals are against the declaration due to the impact on their livelihood &incomplete rehabilitation.
About Pong Dam
Location:Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh
It is an artificial reservoir on the Beas River, also known as Maharana Pratap SagarDam.
The Pong Dam is the highest earth-fill dam in India.
It is a “Ramsar site“, “a wetland of national importance”, and a “wildlife sanctuary”.
Pong Dam is significant as a resting place for migratory birds.
Beas River
Origin: Near the Rohtang Pass on the southern end of the Pir Panjal Range.
It crosses the Dhaola Dhar range and takes a south-westerly direction.
It meets the Satluj River at Harike in Punjab.
It is a comparatively small river lying entirely within the Indian territory.
ESZ Policy
It was first suggested in the National Wildlife Action Plan (2002-2016) of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change(MoEFCC).
State governments were advised to designate areas within 10 km of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries as Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs).
The 10 km limit is general and can vary according to specific cases.
ESZ is declared under the Environmental (Protection) Act of 1986.
Restrictions in ESZs
Permitted Activities: Ongoing agricultural or horticultural practices, rainwater harvesting,organic farming, use of renewable energy sources, and adoption of green technology.
Regulated Activities: Felling of trees, establishing hotels and resorts, commercial use of natural water, erecting electrical cables, drastic change of agriculture system, e.g., adoption of heavy technology, pesticides, widening roads.
Prohibited Activities: Commercial mining, sawmills, industries causing pollution, establishing major hydroelectric projects (HEP), commercial use of wood, hot-air balloons, discharge of effluents or any solid waste or production of hazardous substances.
Ecological Significance of ESZs
ESZs rule out harmful interference by construction and industrial activities.
It promotes in-situ conservation of endangered species and landscapes.
ESZs act as “shock absorbers” around the ecologically fragile area.
Reasons behind opposition
This is typical of the development v/s environment debate.
ESZs restrict the scope of land use for the construction of developmental structures.
Limits on tourism, agriculture and other livelihood practices impact the locals.
Mining and other exploration projects are not allowed to impact the state economy.
