Context: The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has notified Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary (WLS) as an Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) to regulate activities around the sanctuary and its buffer areas.
Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs)
- Legal Basis: Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
- Purpose: Act as a transition zone between highly protected areas (like wildlife sanctuaries and national parks) and areas with lesser protection.
- Extent: Usually 10 km from protected area boundary, but may vary depending on site-specific requirements.
Significance:
oControls pollution and industrial activities
oProtects flora, fauna, and ecosystem services
oPromotes sustainable development in adjoining areas
About Kumbhalgarh Wildlife Sanctuary (Established 1971)
- Location: Rajasthan
oSpreads across Rajsamand, Udaipur, and Pali districts
oSurrounds Kumbhalgarh Fort (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Area: 610.5 sq km
- Topography: Covers four hill and mountain ranges of the Aravallis: Kumbhalgarh Range, Sadri Range, Desuri Range, Bokhada Range
Biodiversity
Wildlife:
- Mammals: Leopard, striped hyena, jungle cat, Indian pangolin, blue bull (nilgai), chinkara
- Significance: Habitat for endangered and endemic species
Vegetation:
- Forest Type: Predominantly dry deciduous
- Dominant Trees: Dhok, Salar, Khair, Churel
IAS-2026 - OPTIONAL / GEOGRAPHY / PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION / SOCIOLOGY / ANTHROPOLOGY / ORIENTATION ON 03 & 04-10-2025 
