The environment ministry has finalised the eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) or buffer protection areas around the Gangotri National Park, home of the holy Gaumukh glacier and the origin of River Ganga. The finalisation of the draft ESZ notification, without many changes, will help in the construction of the Chardham all-weather road project, which aims to improve connectivity between the holy Hindu shrines -- Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath.
The ESZ notification had stated that new roads and expansion of old ones would be permitted in the park's ESZ beyond 1 km of the park or ESZ boundary, whichever is nearer, after due approvals from state and central agencies to meet the demands of locals.
During a meeting of the expert committee that appraises ESZ demarcation proposals, Uttarakhand government proposed that hydroelectric projects must not be prohibited in the ESZ. However, the committee said that it would take a final call on the subject after the union ministry of water resources sends its recommendations.
The Gangotri national park, spread over 2,400 sqkm, is the third biggest park in the country. It is home to the vulnerable species of Snow Leopard, Himalayan Black Bear and other protected species such as Brown Bear, Monal and Blue Sheep. There are 37 peaks inside the park, which has northern temperate dry, deciduous and coniferous forests.
As per the notification, the extent of ESZ area proposed was 1,103.08 sqkm and it was accepted by an expert committee of the ministry that vets proposals of ESZ demarcations.
THE ESZ AREA
As per the ESZ notification, the extent of ESZ area proposed was 1,103.08 sqkm and it was accepted by an expert committee of the ministry that vets proposals of ESZ demarcations
