Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve and Eco-sensitive Zone Regulation

Context:
The Tamil Nadu government informed the Madras High Court that illegal resorts in the eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) of Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve (STR) have been sealed.

Key Highlights:

• Location & Geography

• Located in Tamil Nadu, at the junction of the Eastern and Western Ghats.
• Part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
• Connected to Mudumalai, Bandipur, and BR Tiger Reserves.

• Physical Features

• Terrain: Hilly and undulating (750–1649 m).
• Climate: Subtropical with dry summers and wet monsoons.
• Rivers: Bhavani, Moyar, Noyyal.

• Biodiversity

• Flora:
  • Teak, sandalwood, bamboo, Terminalia, Albizia.
• Fauna:
  • Tiger, Elephant, Leopard (Panther), Sloth bear, Gaur, Blackbuck.
  • Primates: Nilgiri langur, Bonnet macaque.
• Tribal Communities:
  • Irula, Kurumba tribes.

• Significance / Applications

• Acts as a critical wildlife corridor between Western and Eastern Ghats.
• Supports high biodiversity and conservation of endangered species.

• Concerns

• Illegal resorts in ESZ threaten ecosystem integrity.
• Human activities may lead to habitat fragmentation and wildlife disturbance.

Relevant Prelims Points:

• Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ): Buffer area around protected areas to regulate activities.
• STR is part of Project Tiger network.
• Located in Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (UNESCO recognized).

Relevant Mains Points:

• Conservation Challenges:
  • Encroachment, tourism pressure, and illegal constructions.
  • Human-wildlife conflict due to habitat disturbance.
• Legal and Governance Aspects:
  • Role of judiciary in environmental protection.
  • Enforcement of ESZ regulations under Environment Protection Act, 1986.
• Ecological Importance:
  • Maintains landscape connectivity for wildlife migration.
  • Supports climate resilience and biodiversity conservation.
• Balancing Development & Conservation:
  • Need for regulated eco-tourism.
  • Inclusion of local communities in conservation efforts.

• Way Forward

• Strict enforcement of ESZ norms.
• Promote community-based conservation models.
• Strengthen monitoring using technology (GIS, drones).

UPSC Relevance:
• GS 3: Environment – Biodiversity conservation
• GS 2: Governance – Environmental regulation and judiciary role