With only two months remaining for the preparation of the Zonal Master Plan for eco-sensitive zone, the Uttarakhand government is averse to the idea of the ESZ which was notified by the Central government on December 18, 2012.
According to the notification, a 100- km stretch of the Bhagirathi from Gaumukh to Uttarkashi was to be declared as eco-sensitive.
Manoj Chandran, Additional Secretary, Forest and Environment, said the State government has been averse to the idea of the ESZ.
Villagers residing in the ESZ area had opposed the move after the State government representatives and political leaders communicated to them that the implementation of the notification would mean rehabilitation from the ESZ area, according to Hemant Dhyani, member of Uttarkashi-based Ganga Ahvaan, a movement for the conservation of the Ganga and the Himalayas. The protests stopped after the villagers were told that the notification prioritised the protection of their rights, Mr Dhyani added.
Former Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna had objected to the notification after the State government was told of it in April, last year. The notification opposes industrial development activities in the ESZ. It also prohibited setting up of new hydro-electric power projects, mining, commercial felling of trees and setting up of polluting industries.
“The notification has been implemented [by the State government], but, under distress,” Mr Chandran said.
The State’s concern was that the move will affect 16 hydro-electric power projects, with a capacity of 1,743 MW, that falls in the notified zone. “A discrepancy note regarding the concerns of the State government was submitted to the Ministry of Environment and Forests in May, last year, but, no response has been received yet,” Mr Chandran said.
