The Central government has turned down Uttarakhand's proposal for the establishment of an eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) around Jim Corbett National Park. This national park is a major wildlife destination in India. The Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) pointed out numerous errors and a lack of information in the proposal. The ministry invited the state government to submit a new and accurate plan.
The Central Government put forth that the new plan should be entirely based on valid data and scientific evidence. The main objective is to ensure the protection of tiger reserves and the surrounding regions. The ministry further remarked that monitoring, proofreading, and then complete justification of the plan are necessary before it can be presented for final approval.
What Is An Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ)
An eco-sensitive zone is a region created around a national park, wildlife sanctuary, or forest to prevent it from the detrimental effects of human activities. It serves as a buffer zone where there are strict rules regarding construction, mining, or the use of heavy machinery. The main aim is to prevent the natural habitats that are along the edge of urban or industrial areas from suffering environmental impacts.
Simply put, an ESZ keeps human and wildlife areas separated by a safe distance. The zones around Jim Corbett National Park are very significant for the survival of tigers, elephants, deer, and many kinds of birds. People are very happy to see these animals by taking a Jim Corbett safari in the park. The adjacent areas to the park also have to be well-protected and well-managed in order for these animals to live in safety there.
Why The Proposal Was Rejected
The MoEFCC found many problems in the ESZ proposal made by the Uttarakhand government. The ministry said that the plan did not follow the advice of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and the Wildlife Institute of India (WII). These two government organizations are experts in wildlife protection, and their suggestions must be included in such plans.
A major problem was the wrong marking of zone boundaries. In some areas, the ESZ was shown as more than one kilometre wide, but in other parts, it became zero. This uneven marking could reduce safety in some important areas. Also, several nearby villages and residential areas were not included in the plan. This could allow human activities very close to Jim Corbett National Park, which might disturb the animals and their movement.
Because of these mistakes and missing details, the proposal was found weak and not based on a correct study or data. So, the MoEFCC decided to reject it and asked for a new and improved version.
What The Ministry Said In Its Letter
On October 31, 2025, the Wildlife Division of MoEFCC sent a letter to the Uttarakhand government. Signed by Dr. Sudhir Chintalapati, the letter said the current proposal cannot be accepted.
The ministry asked the state to prepare a new plan with correct data, clear maps, and proper explanations. The letter also stated that an eco-sensitive zone should allow responsible development. The plan will proceed only after all errors are corrected and all missing information is added.
Uttarakhand’s Response
After receiving the letter from the Centre, Corbett Tiger Reserve Director Saket Badola said the state will soon send a revised proposal. This updated plan will include all missing details and follow national wildlife protection rules.
Forest department officials said they want to balance the needs of local people with animal safety. The goal is to set a proper eco-sensitive zone around Jim Corbett National Park. This plan will protect wildlife and allow people to enjoy the Jim Corbett safari in the future.