Why in News?
The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has notified the Parvati–Arga Bird Sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh as an Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ). This provides an additional legal buffer. It protects the fragile wetland ecosystem from unregulated development.
What is an Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ)?
Eco-Sensitive Zones are buffer areas notified around Protected Areas under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
Objectives of ESZs:
- Regulate industrial, mining, and infrastructure activities near protected habitats
- Reduce ecological pressure from urbanization and pollution
- Promote sustainable livelihoods and eco-tourism
- Act as transition zones between protected ecosystems and human settlements
Activities within ESZs are categorised as prohibited, regulated, or permitted based on environmental impact.
- Located in Gonda district, Uttar Pradesh
- Spread over 1,084 hectares
- Represents a classic Indo-Gangetic floodplain wetland system
- Comprises two permanent oxbow lakes: Parvati Lake and Arga Lake, formed from abandoned river channels
Ecological functions:
- Groundwater recharge
- Flood moderation
- Local climate regulation
- Support for aquatic biodiversity and fisheries
The site is internationally recognised as a Ramsar Wetland of Importance.
Importance for Migratory and Threatened Birds
Parvati–Arga serves as a major wintering and stopover site for migratory birds from Central Asia and the Tibetan region.
Notable species:
- White-rumped vulture
- Indian vulture
- Egyptian vulture (Endangered – IUCN)
The wetland provides nesting, roosting and foraging habitats, making it crucial for avian conservation in northern India.
Key Conservation Challenges
- Invasive species such as water hyacinth
- Agricultural runoff and nutrient pollution
- Encroachment and unregulated tourism
- Hydrological stress linked to climate variability
Ecological Significance of Parvati–Arga Bird Sanctuary
The ESZ framework is expected to address these issues through regulated land use and monitoring. Located in Gonda district, the sanctuary spans 1,084 hectares and represents a typical Indo-Gangetic floodplain wetland system.
Key ecological features:
- Comprises two permanent freshwater oxbow lakes: Parvati Lake and Arga Lake
- Formed from abandoned river meanders
- Plays a vital role in:
- Groundwater recharge
- Flood moderation
- Local climate regulation
- Supports rich aquatic biodiversity, macrophytes and fish populations
The wetland was designated a Ramsar Site, recognising its global ecological importance.
Why the ESZ Declaration Matters
- Adds a legal buffer beyond sanctuary boundaries
- Strengthens India’s commitments under the Ramsar Convention
- Supports wetland-based climate adaptation strategies
- Encourages responsible eco-tourism and community participation
- Aligns with national initiatives like Mission Amrit Sarovar
Conclusion
Declaring the Parvati–Arga Bird Sanctuary as an Eco-Sensitive Zone marks a significant step toward safeguarding wetland ecosystems in the Indo-Gangetic plains. By regulating development while enabling sustainable use, the ESZ framework enhances biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, and long-term ecological security.
Exam-Oriented Facts
- Parvati–Arga Bird Sanctuary is located in Gonda district, Uttar Pradesh.
- It has been declared an Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
- ESZs function as buffer zones around protected areas to regulate developmental activities.
- The sanctuary covers an area of 1,084 hectares.
- It consists of two permanent freshwater oxbow lakes: Parvati Lake and Arga Lake.
- The ecosystem represents a typical Indo-Gangetic floodplain wetland.
- It plays a role in groundwater recharge, flood moderation, and local climate regulation.
- The site is recognised as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance.
- It serves as a wintering and stopover habitat for migratory birds from Central Asia and Tibet.
- The sanctuary supports critically endangered and endangered vulture species, including:
- White-rumped vulture
- Indian vulture
- Egyptian vulture
- Invasive species, particularly water hyacinth, pose ecological challenges to the wetland.
- ESZ notification aims to promote sustainable development and eco-tourism while preventing habitat degradation.
- Declared by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
- ESZs restrict polluting industries, unregulated construction, and intensive land-use change.
📌 GS Paper Relevance:
Mains: Wetland conservation, human-nature balance, biodiversity protection strategies
GS-III: Environment, Biodiversity, Conservation
Prelims: Ramsar Sites, ESZs, Wetlands, Species in News
Summary
- Parvati–Arga Bird Sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh has been declared an Eco-Sensitive Zone.
- The move strengthens legal protection around a Ramsar-listed wetland ecosystem.
- ESZ status will regulate developmental activities while promoting sustainable conservation practices.
Mains Value-Addition Line
“Eco-Sensitive Zones around wetlands like Parvati–Arga serve as climate buffers by integrating biodiversity conservation, disaster risk reduction and sustainable livelihoods within the Indo-Gangetic floodplain.”
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