Bhagirathi Eco-sensitive Zone
The Bhagirathi Eco-sensitive Zone is an environmentally protected buffer region notified around the upper reaches of the Bhagirathi River in Uttarakhand.
Bhagirathi Eco-sensitive Zone (ESZ)
The Bhagirathi Eco-sensitive Zone has been in focus after the Union government informed the Supreme Court that it does not support any new hydro-electric projects in the Alaknanda and Bhagirathi river basins due to ecological concerns.
About Bhagirathi Eco-sensitive Zone
The:
Bhagirathi Eco-sensitive Zone
was notified in 2012.
Location & Coverage
Covers 4179.59 sq. km
Extends from Gaumukh to Uttarkashi
Located in the upper Bhagirathi river basin (Himalayan region)
Purpose
The main objective is to:
Protect fragile Himalayan ecosystems
Regulate development activities
Maintain river health of the Bhagirathi (a major Ganga tributary)
Zonal Master Plan (ZMP)
The Zone requires the state government to prepare a:
Zonal Master Plan (ZMP)
Key features:
Based on a watershed approach
Balances development with ecological protection
Regulates construction, tourism, and hydropower activity
Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs)
ESZs act as:
A “shock absorber” around protected ecosystems
Buffer zones between wildlife/natural habitats and human activity
Functions of ESZs
Control industrial and construction activity
Regulate mining and hydropower projects
Protect biodiversity and river ecosystems
Reduce ecological degradation around sensitive areas
Importance of Bhagirathi ESZ
The:
Bhagirathi Eco-sensitive Zone
is critical because:
It is part of the upper Ganga river system
The region is ecologically fragile and landslide-prone
It supports Himalayan biodiversity and downstream water security
Conclusion
The Bhagirathi Eco-sensitive Zone represents a key environmental safeguard for the Himalayan ecosystem, ensuring that development in the fragile upper Ganga basin remains sustainable and environmentally balanced.