Odisha’s Tourism Push Sparks Concerns Over Wildlife Risks

Quick Summary:

• Odisha Plans Policy Changes: The Odisha government is advocating amendments to Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) notifications and Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) classifications to promote tourism in ecologically sensitive areas such as national parks, coastal zones, tiger reserves, and Ramsar wetlands.
• Removal of Restrictions: Proposed amendments aim to eliminate “no commercial/no construction” clauses prohibiting infrastructure advancement for hospitality purposes in protected areas.
• High-Level Committee Formation: An empowered committee has been formed to review tourism projects vis-a-vis forest regulations.It excludes autonomous ecologists,wildlife scientists,and tribal representatives.
• Ecological Concerns Raised:

– Legal experts state these changes undermine forest laws like the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, Forest Conservation Act, 1980, and principles of the National Forest Policy of 1988.
– The Supreme Court’s directive for a minimum one-kilometre buffer around protected areas may also be contradicted by the proposal.

• Lack of Environmental Assessment: government records show no mention of critical studies like carrying capacity assessments or ecological impact evaluations necessary for sites like Chilika Lake.

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Indian Opinion Analysis:

The Odisha government’s intention to boost tourism through relaxed environmental restrictions signals a collision between economic objectives and ecological mandates. While expanding tourism infrastructure might encourage growth in this sector, it risks undermining India’s commitments under key biodiversity protection laws.Restricting ESZs has been premised on scientific principles prioritizing wildlife conservation-a policy validated by various judicial directives including those from the Supreme Court. any dilution without comprehensive ecological assessments could degrade fragile ecosystems or set concerning precedents nationally.

Absent consideration for factors such as carrying capacity evaluations or consultations with wetland authorities indicates gaps in planning crucially needed for lasting projects. Further exclusion of independent experts raises openness concerns about whether long-term conservation goals are being sacrificed at the altar of short-term economic gains.

India’s future standing as an eco-conscious nation following both national legislation and international agreements hinges on states balancing preservation with progress responsibly-making inclusive evidence-based policymaking indispensable here.