Tuesday 8 April 2025
Punjab Government Plans to Expand Eco-Sensitive Zone Around Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary
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In a major development approach, the Punjab Government is planning to extend the Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) around Chandigarhs Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary from its existing 100 meters distance to 1 to 3 kilometers. The ESZ decision is in regard to minimize the human activities near the sanctuary that could impact the wildlife and the environment.
The Punjab Department of Forest and Wildlife Protection has sent the proposal to Punjab Cabinet for the final approval. The Punjab department of forest and wildlife protection has proposed a 3-kilometre eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) around Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary. The areas of Chandigarh and Haryana around the wildlife sanctuary are already divided.
The guidelines from Supreme Courts states that permanent constructions within an ESZ for any purpose is prohibited. Additionally, no commercial construction is allowed within a 0.5 km radius outside the ESZ.
The Supreme Court in June 2022 ordered, Each national park and wildlife sanctuary must have an ESZ of minimum 1 km, measured from the demarcated boundary of such protected forest.
As per Supreme Court directives, no permanent structures can be built within an ESZ for any purpose. Moreover, no commercial construction is allowed within a 0.5 km radius outside the ESZ. Construction of only Low- density and low-rise buildings up to 15 feet is allowed. The constructions of new buildings, including houses is allowed beyond 1.25 km.
During a press conference at Press Club in Chandigarh, Vineet Joshi, a senior leader from BJP Punjab claimed that this decision of the administration can create trouble houses, shops, hospitals, and religious places in villages like Kansal, Karoran, and Nada. Vineet, alongside many several councilors cited potential risks for residents. They also urged the administration to rethink their decision.
Joshi described this move as inappropriate and detrimental to residents. He further added that this proposal of administration contradicts its earlier policy that restricted the ESZ to 100 meters around the wildlife.
The enforcement of ESZ within a radius of 3 kilometers of wildlife will directly affect the nearby residential areas. These areas include Nayagaon, Kansal, Karoran, Nada and New Chandigarh.
The implementation may affect many residentials projects in which many middle-class families invested their life-long savings. It will ban the construction of high-rise buildings in these village as they will under the ESZ. This may impact approximately 100,000 to 150,000 of the regions. There are also chances that few residential properties and commercial buildings may get demolish in accordance with the eco-sensitive zone regulations.
Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of 25.98 square kilometers (about 6420 acres). It is under the administrative control of the Union territory of Chandigarh. The wildlife sanctuary is located in the Shivalik foothills which is ecologically sensitive and geologically unstable.
The sanctuary is home to at least Seven Schedule 1 animal species of the Wildlife Act, 1972. The species include leopard, Indian pangolin, sambar, golden jackal, king cobra, python, and monitor lizard.
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