MoEF to not change its stance on 10 kms Buffer Zone

Even though the matter on the 10 kms buffer zones around forests and wildlife sanctuaries is currently in the Supreme Court and its Central Empowered Committee (CEC) has submitted its report on all wildlife sanctuaries across the country wherein in some cases like Goa, a 2kms buffer zone has been recommended; the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF), GoaChronicle.com has learnt from reliable sources, is going to remain firm on its stand to retain the 10kms buffer zones across the country.

“The policy of the Union government has been translated to legal provisions; the policy is not in relation to the size of a state or Union Territory, but is to protect the environment, in and around the sanctuaries from any degradation or encroachments; therefore the question of relaxation should not arise,” expressed a senior official in MoEF.

Speaking on the Goa government recommendations of the 1km buffer zone, the senior official stated, that it seemed only an exercise to pacify the already heightened levels of anxiety amongst the stake-holders which includes the mine-owners. However, the MoEF is firm on its stand in the interest of the country and protection of the wildlife sanctuaries to ensure 10kms buffer zones across the country.

The state government recommendations on the buffer zones is expected to be rejected by the MoEF.