Balancing Conservation and Development: Union Territory Government to Craft Master Plan for Dachigam ESZ in Jammu & Kashmir
29-09-2023 : The Union Ministry of Forests, Environment & Climate Change has taken a significant step toward conservation by unveiling a draft notification for the establishment of an eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) around Dachigam National Park, Thajwas (Baltal) Wildlife Sanctuary, and Overa-Aru Wildlife Sanctuary. This move aims to protect and preserve the delicate ecological balance of these vital natural habitats.
The proposed eco-sensitive zone will encompass an area varying in extent from 200 meters to 13.15 kilometers around the boundaries of Dachigam National Park, Thajwas (Baltal) Wildlife Sanctuary, and Overa-Aru Wildlife Sanctuary. In total, the ESZ will cover an area of 448.00 square kilometers, as outlined in the notification.
The Ministry has invited suggestions and objections from stakeholders regarding the proposal outlined in the draft notification. This inclusive approach allows for public input and ensures that the ESZ’s boundaries and regulations are developed in consultation with the local community.
The natural boundaries of Dachigam National Park, Overa-Aru Wildlife Sanctuary, and Thajwas Wildlife (Baltal) Sanctuary are interconnected at a landscape level. Specifically, the boundary of Dachigam National Park merges with Overa-Aru Wildlife Sanctuary on its north and north-eastern sides, while Overa-Aru Wildlife Sanctuary similarly merges with Thajwas Wildlife Sanctuary on its north and north-eastern sides. This interconnectedness underscores the importance of treating these protected areas as a unified ecological unit.
These protected areas are home to diverse and crucial species of animals, birds, and vegetation. The proposed eco-sensitive zone is designed to recognize and enhance this interconnectedness, facilitating the flow of genes and contributing to the flourishing of biodiversity in the region.
Dachigam National Park, covering an area of 141 square kilometers, was designated as a national park on April 10, 1990. Meanwhile, Overa-Aru Wildlife Sanctuary, spanning 425 square kilometers, and Thajwas (Baltal) Wildlife Sanctuary, spanning 210 square kilometers, were declared as wildlife sanctuaries on March 19, 1987.
According to the notification, the Union Territory government is tasked with preparing a zonal master plan for the eco-sensitive zone within a period of two years from the date of the notification’s publication in the official gazette. This process will be conducted in consultation with local communities and must adhere to the stipulations outlined in the notification for approval by the competent authority.
The zonal master plan for the eco-sensitive zone is expected to align with relevant Central and Union Territory laws and guidelines issued by the Central Government, ensuring a comprehensive and effective framework for the conservation and sustainable development of the region.
