Question

In which of the following states, the Government has identified the maximum number of ecologically sensitive zones under the Environmental Protection Act,1986?
A. Maharashtra
B. Andhra Pradesh
C. Tamil Nadu
D. Karnataka

Answer 1

Hint:An environmentally sensitive area (ESA) is a form of designation for an area which, because of its landscape, wildlife, or historical value, requires special protection.

Complete answer:
An eco-sensitive area is a buffer zone across up to 10 kilometers of a national park or wildlife sanctuary, according to Indian guidelines laid down by the Ministry of Environment and Forests. Activities such as the set-up of manufacturing plants, deforestation, and similar activities that degrade the current environmental condition are not permitted.
Now let’s see ecologically sensitive zones in states mentioned in options above:

1. In Andhra Pradesh, the Eco-Sensitive areas-
Wildlife Sanctuary at Pullicat
Wildlife Sanctuary of the Great Indian Bustard Rollapadu
Kambalakonda Sanctuary for Wildlife
National Park of Rajiv Gandhi
Bird Sanctuary Nelapattu
Sri Lankamalleswara Sanctuary for Wildlife

2. In the Maharashtra Eco-Sensitive areas-
Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary, New Nagzira Wildlife Sanctuary, Navegaon Wildlife Sanctuary, Navegaon National Park, and Koka Wildlife Sanctuary
Painganga Sanctuary for Wildlife
Gautala Autramghat Sanctuary for Wildlife
Umred Karhandla Sanctuary for Wildlife
The New Great Indian Bustard Refuge of Gangewadi
Wildlife Refuge Phansad
Bhamragarh Sanctuary for Wildlife
Yedshi Ramling Ghat WLS Ramling Ghat
Wildlife Sanctuary at Dyanganga
WLS Sagareshwar
Kalsubai Harishchandragad Sanctuaries for Wildlife
Lonar WLS

3. In Tamil Nadu, the Eco-Sensitive areas are-
Chitrangudi Sanctuary for Birds
Karaivetti Sanctuary for Birds
Koonthankulam Sanctuary for Birds
Udayamarthandapuram Sanctuary for Birds
Tiger Reserve Mudumalai
The Bird Sanctuary of Therthnagal
Sakkarakottai Sanctuary for Birds
Grizzled Srivilliputhur Squirrel Sanctuary
Kanjirankulam Sanctuary for Birds
Sanctuary Vallanadu Black Buck
Vettangudi Sanctuary for Birds,
Bird Sanctuary of Melaselvanur-Kelaselvanoor
Sanctuary of Kanyakumari
National Park of the Gulf of Mannar

4. Eco-Sensitive areas in Karnataka are-
NP of Bandipur
Wildlife Sanctuary of Mookambika
Brahmagiri Sanctuary for Wildlife
Wildlife Sanctuary at Arabithittu
Attiveri Sanctuary of Birds
Ghataprabha Sanctuary for Birds
Sanctuary Ranebennur Blackbuck
Rangayyanadurga Sanctuary of Four Horned Antelope Wildlife
Gudekote Sloth Sanctuary Bear
Gudavi Sanctuary for Birds
Pushpagiri Sanctuaries for Wildlife
Wildlife Sanctuary in Cauvery
We have seen from the above discussion that the State of Maharashtra has the highest number of Ecologically Sensitive Areas, so option A - Maharashtra is the correct answer.

Note: The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 authorizes the central government to protect and enhance the quality of the environment, regulate and minimize all sources of pollution, and prohibit or limit the environmentally sound setting and/or operation of any industrial facility.