With reference to 'Eco-Sensitive Zones', which of the following statements is/are correct?

The correct option is (d).

Explanation

Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs) or Ecologically Fragile Areas are areas within 10 kilometers around Protected Areas, National Parks, and Wildlife Sanctuaries. They are notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) to act as "shock absorbers" or transition zones for fragile ecosystems.

Statement 1 is Incorrect:
Eco-Sensitive Zones are declared under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. They are not notified under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. The Environment (Protection) Act provides the central government with the power to restrict areas in which any industries, operations, or processes shall not be carried out or shall be carried out subject to certain safeguards.

Statement 2 is Incorrect:
The purpose of declaring ESZs is not to prohibit all human activities. Instead, activities within these zones are classified into three categories to manage the transition from high protection to lower protection areas:

• Prohibited: Activities such as commercial mining, sawmills, and major hydroelectric projects are strictly banned.
• Regulated: Activities like the felling of trees, establishment of hotels and resorts, and widening of roads require permission and adherence to regulations.
• Permitted: Ongoing agricultural or horticultural practices, rainwater harvesting, and organic farming are freely permitted.

Since many activities beyond agriculture (such as small-scale cottage industries or renewable energy use) are permitted or regulated rather than prohibited, the statement is factually wrong.

Key Takeaway:
Eco-Sensitive Zones are notified under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 to regulate, rather than completely prohibit, human activities around protected areas.