Centre proposes eco-sensitive zone for villages on fringes of Bhitarkanika National Park in Odisha

MoEFCC unveils draft notification for eco-sensitive zone around Bhitarkanika National Park and Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary in Odisha.

The Union Ministry of Forests, Environment and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has recently unveiled the draft notification for an eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) covering 209 villages with a population of about 2.75 lakh around Bhitarkanika National Park and Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary in Odisha's Kendrapara district and its nearby areas.

Bhitarkanika is known as the second largest mangrove forest in India after Sundarbans and Gahirmatha is known as the world's largest rookery of sea turtles.

“The Eco-sensitive Zone shall be 497.67 sqkm with an extent of 0.10 km to 8.7 km around the boundary of Bhitarkanika National Park, Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary and Gahirmatha (Marine) Wildlife Sanctuary,” said assistant conservator of forest (ACF) of the national park, Manas Das.

“Eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) is a buffer area covering 205 villages of Aul, Pattamundai, Rajnagar, Rajkanika and Mahakalapada blocks in Kendrapara district and Chandabali block in Bhadrak district around the core protected forest areas to minimise human-wildlife conflict, promote in-situ conservation of wildlife and reduce the impact on fragile ecosystems,” he said.

The MoEFCC has invited suggestions or objections to the proposed eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) by August 9, 2024.

The proposed ESZ will cover an area of 497.67 square km under Aul, Pattamundai, Mahakalapada, Rajkanika and Rajnagar blocks in Kendrapara district and Chandabali block of Bhadrak district which includes 205 villages.

According to the notification, the Bhitarkanika area has the largest natural population of estuarine crocodiles in India and is known for its reptilian diversity. The area has the largest heronry in Asia, which is an annual activity during monsoon and winter migrants visit the Bhitarkanika wetland every year.