NEW DELHI: The Centre has notified 870 sq km area around National Chambal Sanctuary in MP as an eco-sensitive zone (ESZ), prohibiting polluting activities like industries, major hydroelectric project, mining, stone quarrying and big constructions within the ‘no-go area’ for conservation of its ecology comprising of unique geographical features (ravines), water bodies, flora and fauna.

Under this notification, the state government is now required to prepare a ‘zonal master plan’ to take care of the ESZ and an ‘eco-tourism master plan’ to promote tourism within the earmarked area of the sanctuary which is home to 75% population of critically endangered species of Gharial and 180 species of migratory birds.

The sanctuary, located in and along river Chambal — one of the cleanest rivers of India — in Sheopur, Morena and Bhind districts of MP, also harbours national aquatic animal — the fresh water Gangetic dolphin — and nine species of fresh water turtles. “The extent of ESZ varies from zero (due to inter-state boundary) to two kilometres from the National Chambal Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh ,” said the notification, issued by Union environment ministry on February 20.

The move will also help in the Centre’s larger plan to develop ravines of Chambal into one of the hubs of eco-tourism and improved farm practices in the country. Being treated as a model of landscape conservation, the ravines in Sheopur and Morena districts of the state will be developed by the Centre as part of its ‘Green Agriculture’ project. The project is being implemented by the Centre in collaboration with the Global Environment Facility and the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations.

