Approval expected in next two-three months
*Plan envisages eco-protection with sustainable development
Mohinder Verma
JAMMU, May 22: In a major step towards strengthening environmental safeguards around protected areas, the long-awaited Master Plan for the Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) of the Surinsar-Mansar Wildlife Sanctuary has finally been submitted to the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) for approval.
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The submission marks the culmination of an extensive preparatory exercise undertaken by the concerned authorities for implementation of the Eco-Sensitive Zone framework notified by the Union Ministry in January 2022 to regulate developmental and human activities around the ecologically fragile sanctuary landscape.
Official sources told EXCELSIOR that the Master Plan has been prepared strictly in accordance with the directives of the Supreme Court by categorising activities into “Permitted”, “Regulated” and “Prohibited” zones to ensure ecological protection alongside sustainable development.
“The entire drafting exercise has been completed and the Master Plan has now been forwarded to the MoEFCC for final approval,” sources said, adding that implementation will begin once the Union Ministry accords its nod.
The Eco-Sensitive Zone of the sanctuary was notified vide S.O. 210(E) dated January 17, 2022 by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change with the objective of minimizing adverse impact on the fragile ecosystem surrounding the protected area.
The Eco-Sensitive Zone generally extends up to some kilometres from the boundary of a protected area, though the extent may vary depending on ecological sensitivity and local conditions. In the case of the Surinsar-Mansar Wildlife Sanctuary, the ESZ spreads across parts of three districts-Jammu, Samba and Udhampur, making inter-district coordination a key component of the conservation strategy.
The notification envisaged immediate constitution of a Monitoring Committee to oversee implementation of regulations. However, the Divisional Level Committee headed by the Divisional Commissioner Jammu was constituted only on June 13, 2025 for effective monitoring of the provisions of the notification.
To facilitate preparation of the Master Plan, a consultant was engaged to assist the Divisional Level Committee in framing the regulatory blueprint.
According to sources, the Master Plan lays emphasis on protection of biodiversity, preservation of natural habitats, regulation of construction and industrial activities and promotion of eco-friendly livelihoods. The document also addresses key issues relating to pollution control, land-use regulation and tourism management around the sanctuary.
Under the regulatory framework, prohibited activities include commercial mining, saw mills, industries causing air, water, soil or noise pollution, establishment of major projects, commercial use of wood and discharge of effluents, solid waste or hazardous substances.
Regulated activities include felling of trees, establishment of hotels and resorts, commercial use of natural water resources, drastic changes in agricultural systems and road widening projects. Permitted activities include ongoing agricultural and horticultural practices, rainwater harvesting, organic farming, use of renewable energy and adoption of green technologies.
“The formulation of Master Plan is imperative for long-term ecological stability, wildlife conservation and sustainable development, especially in ecologically fragile zones facing increasing developmental pressure”, environmental experts said while welcoming the submission of Master Plan in respect of Surinsar-Mansar to the Union Ministry.
Once approved and enforced, the Master Plan for Eco-Sensitive Zone is expected to function as protective buffers around wildlife sanctuary, ensuring that conservation priorities are balanced with responsible growth and community interests.
When contacted, an officer of the J&K Wildlife Department confirmed that Master Plan for ESZ of Surinsar-Mansar Wildlife Sanctuary has been submitted to the Union Minister and said, “the approval process will take around two-three months”. He, however, dubbed the completion of detailed exercise as a major step towards strengthening environmental safeguards around protected area.
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