Seven-year delay in Similipal eco-sensitive zone notification stalls protection

The notification for an eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) around Similipal Tiger Reserve in Odisha has stalled for seven years, hampering efforts to strengthen environmental protections at the biologically significant site. Eco-sensitive zones function as buffer regions extending up to 10 kilometers beyond protected areas, where commercial activities face strict limitations to prevent ecological degradation and safeguard wildlife habitats.

Central government officials have attributed the prolonged delay to insufficient progress from the Odisha state administration in completing required procedural steps for the ESZ notification. The designation requires coordination between multiple state departments and alignment with existing land-use policies, processes that have reportedly moved slowly in recent years.

Similipal Tiger Reserve, located in Mayurbhanj district, represents one of India's significant tiger habitats and biodiversity hotspots. The pending ESZ notification has left the reserve's peripheral areas vulnerable to unrestricted commercial development and resource extraction activities that could compromise conservation objectives.

Environmental groups have expressed concern over the extended delays, warning that prolonged absence of formal ESZ protections increases pressure on forest ecosystems and wildlife corridors. The situation highlights implementation challenges in India's federal environmental governance framework, where state-level coordination proves essential for executing conservation policy at the ground level.

Odisha authorities have not issued formal public statements regarding the specific obstacles encountered in the notification process. Industry and development stakeholders in regions surrounding the reserve await clarity on final ESZ boundaries and activity restrictions.