13-Jun-2025

Bhagirathi Eco Sensitive Zone

Environment & Ecology

Why in News? 

  • A solid-waste incinerator has been installed at Gangotri, inside the Bhagirathi Eco Sensitive Zone (BESZ), raising concerns among social activist groups.  

Bhagirathi Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) 

Background 

  • In 2012, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) declared the Bhagirathi River watershed (from Gaumukh to Uttarkashi, covering 4,179.59 sq km) as an Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ). 
  • ESZs are regions designated to be protected from industrial pollution and unregulated development under the Environment Protection Act of 1986. 

Purpose of the ESZ 

  • The aim was to protect the fragile Himalayan region. 
  • Restrictions were placed on hydropower projects (over 2 MW), riverbed mining, and land use changes to preserve the environment and local livelihoods. 

Preparing Through MCQ

Q. What is the main purpose of Eco-sensitive Zones (ESZ)?

(1) To promote industrial development 
(2) To protect ecologically fragile areas around protected areas and wildlife corridors 
(3) To allow urbanization and growth 
(4) To regulate human activities in urban areas

Answer: (2) To protect ecologically fragile areas around protected areas and wildlife corridors