Environmental and conservation groups are intensifying calls for the cancellation of proposed eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) projects in Uttarakhand, amid growing concerns that these developments could lead to increased deforestation and irreversible damage to fragile ecosystems. Critics argue that introducing large-scale infrastructure and commercial activities within or near areas designated for ecological protection threatens the state’s rich biodiversity, water sources, and the livelihoods of forest-dependent communities.
Environmentalists say that many of the proposed ESZ projects lack comprehensive impact assessments and adequate consultation with local residents and scientists. They warn that road widening, tourism facilities, hydropower expansions, and construction activities could fragment wildlife habitats, disrupt migration routes, and accelerate soil erosion in a region already prone to landslides and climate stress.
Local activists have also organized protests and filed petitions, urging the state and central governments to reconsider approvals and prioritize long-term ecological sustainability over short-term economic gains. Conservation experts emphasize that eco-sensitive zones should act as buffer areas to protect core sanctuaries and national parks, not as sites for industrial or commercial exploitation.
State policymakers have been urged to adhere strictly to environmental regulations, strengthen monitoring mechanisms, and engage in transparent decision-making to ensure that Uttarakhand’s unique mountain landscapes are preserved for future generations. News as reported
