Uttarakhand Reviews Eco-Sensitive Zone Plans for Rajaji and Valley of Flowers Parks
State officials are reviewing proposed eco-sensitive zone boundaries and rules around Rajaji and Valley of Flowers national parks, seeking to balance conservation with local community interests.
Current Summary
Uttarakhand government officials said on Thursday they are reviewing proposed eco-sensitive zones within Rajaji National Park and Valley of Flowers National Park, including their boundaries, management plans, monitoring mechanisms, and the activities that would be prohibited, regulated or permitted within them. Principal Secretary for Environment Protection and Climate Change R K Sudhanshu, chairing a review meeting, said proposals must be rigorously evaluated considering geographical conditions, environmental sensitivity and the needs of local populations, with a balance maintained between ecological conservation and local sentiments. He directed officials to examine all aspects of the proposals, take necessary follow-up action, and coordinate with the Central Pollution Control Board and State Pollution Control Board on activities within the proposed zones. For the Rajaji National Park eco-sensitive zone proposal specifically, Sudhanshu instructed officials to seek guidance at the next Cabinet meeting on addressing the challenges involved.
What We Know
- A review meeting was held Thursday led by Principal Secretary R K Sudhanshu on eco-sensitive zone proposals for Rajaji and Valley of Flowers national parks.
- Officials are reviewing zone boundaries, management plans, monitoring mechanisms, and permitted/prohibited activities.
- Officials have been directed to coordinate with central and state pollution control boards.
- For Rajaji National Park's proposal, officials were told to seek Cabinet guidance at its next meeting.
What Is Still Unclear
- The final boundaries and specific restrictions of the proposed eco-sensitive zones.
- A timeline for Cabinet decision or formal notification of the zones.
What Changed
- 15 Oct, 04:21 pmSignal detected: Uttarakhand Reviews Eco-Sensitive Zone Plans for Rajaji and Valley of Flowers Parks