Rajnagar MLA Urges Centre to Reconsider ESZ Around Bhitarkanika | Pragativadi | Odisha News, Breaking News Odisha, Latest Odisha News

Bhubaneswar: Opposing the Centre’s declaration of Eco Sensitive Zone (ESZ) around Bhitarkanika National Park, Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary and Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary, Rajnagar MLA Dhruba Charan Sahoo has urged the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change to Re-evaluate ESZ boundaries, organize enhanced stakeholder engagement, facilitate clear and transparent guidelines and ensure balanced approach to conservation & development.

In a letter to the Secretary of MoEF&CC, BJD MLA Dhruba Sahoo, on behalf of the residents of Rajnagar Assembly Constituency, expressed strong opposition to the notification (S.O. 3974(E) dated June 6, 2024) about the declaration of the Eco Sensitive Zone around Bhitarkanika National Park, Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary and Gahirmatha (Marine) Wildlife Sanctuary in Odisha’s Kendrapara.

Commending the Ministry’s efforts to protect natural heritage, rich biodiversity and highly productive ecosystems, the MLA apprised the Centre that the decision poses several significant concerns that must be addressed.

1. Adverse Impact on Local Communities:

The livelihoods of numerous families in the draft-notified geography depend on activities such as fishing, agriculture, and traditional practices. The proposed ESZ regulations threaten to severely restrict these activities, leading to economic distress and social upheaval.

2. Potential Ecological Imbalance:

The notification might not fully account for the intricate ecological dynamics of the Bhitarkanika region. Without a detailed scientific study, there is a risk that the ESZ could inadvertently disturb the habitat of endangered species and disrupt the local biodiversity.

3. Lack of Comprehensive Public Consultation:

The process leading to this notification appears to have inadequately involved local stakeholders, including community leaders, environmental experts, and residents. Effective conservation strategies require the input and cooperation of all affected parties.

4. Unclear and Ambiguous Regulations:

“The current notification lacks clarity regarding permissible and restricted activities within the ESZ. This ambiguity can lead to confusion, misinterpretation, and unintended negative consequences for both the environment and local communities,” MLA Sahoo wrote.

The Rajnagar MLA urged the MoEF&CC a thorough re-evaluation of the ESZ boundaries, considering the socio-economic realities and ecological characteristics unique to Bhitarkanika Sanctuary.

MLA Sahoo requested to organise extensive consultations with local communities (Gram Sabha), environmental scientists, and other relevant stakeholders to ensure their concerns and suggestions are incorporated into the final plan.

The MLA also called for clear, transparent, and easily understandable guidelines regarding activities within the ESZ, ensuring they are fair and do not unduly harm local livelihoods.

Further, the MLA advocated for a balanced approach that integrates sustainable development practices with robust conservation measures, safeguarding both the environment and the economic well-being of local communities.

On behalf of the residents of Rajnagar, the MLA appealed to the Ministry to reconsider the notification S.O. 3974 (E) dated June 6, 2024, and take the necessary steps to address the concerns. “We believe that with collaborative and inclusive efforts, we can achieve the dual objectives of environmental conservation and community prosperity,” MLA Sahoo wrote.

Furthermore, the Rajnagar MLA urged the Ministry to extend the last date for submission of objections for another 3 months beyond the current closing date of 8^th August 2024 in the greater interest of the general public to raise their concerns and voice.

_{Images are for reference only.Images and contents gathered automatic from google or 3rd party sources.All rights on the images and contents are with their legal original owners.}