Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary

Syllabus: General Studies Paper 3

The Supreme Court (SC) exempted Maharashtra’s Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary (TWS) from its June 3 order mandating the creation of a one-kilometre eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) around all Protected Areas in India.

• It also stated that practical difficulties and ground realities will have to be taken into account before having a uniform order for creating ESZs as mandated by the June 3 order.
• The bench is hearing applications filed in the TN Godavarman Thirumalpad case that has sought exemption from the order.
• We are all for the protection of the environment. But at the same time, we cannot halt development.

About Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary

• It was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 2003.
• It is in the suburbs of Mumbai.
• Tungareshwar is a mountain plateau situated between Virar and Vasai.
• Spread over 85 sq.km, it forms a corridor between Sanjay Gandhi National Park (also known as Borivali National Park) and Tansa Wildlife Sanctuary.
• There are three different types of forests – Dry Deciduous, Moist Deciduous and Semi Evergreen.
• It is a popular picnic destination.
• On the periphery of Mumbai, in Vasai, lies Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary. 
• Spread over 85 sq.km, it forms a corridor between Sanjay Gandhi National Park (also known as Borivali National Park) and Tansa Wildlife Sanctuary. 
• There are three different types of forests – Dry Deciduous, Moist Deciduous and Semi Evergreen. 
• The region is rich in biodiversity: the Leopard, Wild Boar, Barking Deer, Langur, Bonnet and Rhesus Macaque, and Black-naped Hare, as well as a multitude of birds, including the Crested Serpent-eagle, Jungle Owlet, White-eyed Buzzard, Oriental Honey-buzzard, Emerald Dove and Heart-spotted Woodpecker can be found here.
• However, the sanctuary is not without its share of problems. Irresponsible tourism, deforestation, illegal construction, encroachment for agriculture, and hunting have taken a toll on its natural beauty.

Question: What are eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) and highlight their environmental significance.