The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MOEF) approved proposals for six eco-sensitive zones in the state of Gujarat in India. These zones include Marine National Park and Marine Wildlife Sanctuary, Girnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Narayan Sarovar Wildlife Sanctuary, Purna Wildlife Sanctuary, Vansda National Park and Thol Wildlife Sanctuary.

Union Minister of State for Environment Prakash Javadekar said, “The ministry has cleared 275 eco-sensitive zones in the country, including the six zones in Gujarat.” He also said that the 275 eco-sensitive zones have been proposed around 404 wildlife sanctuaries and national parks. Of the proposals which have been cleared by the MOEF, 215 have been notified in the Gazette of India, and of these, 183 are draft notifications and 32 are final notifications.

Eco-sensitive zones are declared after taking into account factors like biological diversity, their conservation, and proximity to wildlife sanctuary national park and wildlife corridors, he said.

The minister said that the restrictions are imposed in eco-sensitive zones with certain activities and projects which show an impact on wildlife, while eco-friendly steps are promoted.