21 Apr 2026
·
1 month ago
Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) Proposed for Barasingha Wildlife Sanctuary, UP
Barasingha Wildlife Sanctuary
Eco-Sensitive Zone
ESZ UP
Swamp Deer Conservation
MoEFCC Draft Notification
TNPSC
Environment
ESZ Notification for Barasingha Sanctuary: Protecting Western UP’s Ecosystem
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has issued a draft notification in April 2026 to declare an Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) around the Barasingha Wildlife Sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh. The sanctuary is a critical habitat for the Barasingha (Swamp Deer), the state animal of Uttar Pradesh.
Key Details of the Notification
- Coverage Area: The proposed ESZ will span 408.7 sq km and encompass approximately 307 villages.
- Geographical Reach: The zone extends across five districts: Muzaffarnagar, Meerut, Hapur, Bijnor, and Amroha.
- Purpose: ESZs act as “shock absorbers” for protected areas by regulating commercial, industrial, and land-use changes to minimize human pressure on fragile ecosystems.
Strategic Importance
The move aims to provide a buffer against urban expansion and ensures sustainable development while conserving the Swamp Deer (Rucervus duvaucelii) and its associated wetlands. For TNPSC and Civil Services aspirants, this is a vital update under "Environment - Biodiversity Conservation" and "National Parks & Sanctuaries," showcasing the use of buffer zones in wildlife management.
