Kolkata: Centre has issued a redraft notification for the eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) around Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary in north Bengal, bringing the minimum distance from the sanctuary boundary down from 5km to 1km.Issued by the Union environment ministry under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, the draft proposes an ESZ extending from 1km to around 18.2km from the sanctuary boundary. It will cover approximately 539.86 sq km across Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Jalpaiguri districts.The notification includes a revised boundary description, maps and geographical coordinates of key points along the zone, besides details of the villages, tea gardens and forest areas within it.In a press note, the state forest department said the draft notification dated Oct 27, is available on its website. Stakeholders and interested persons can submit suggestions or objections to the Union environment ministry within 60 days of its publication, by post or email.Sources said ESZ limits vary across national parks and sanctuaries in the state. The zone around Jaldapara ranges from 0 to 5km, while those around Neora Valley and Singalila national parks extend up to 2km.The redraft is significant as it reduces the proposed minimum buffer around Mahananda sanctuary from 5km to 1km.
