Pong Dam Draft ESZ Policy

• 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 Sagar Dam.
• 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.

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.