MoEF to not change its stance on 10 kms Buffer Zone
“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.