Declaration of the Eco-Sensitive Zone
Parvati–Arga Bird Sanctuary Declared Eco-Sensitive Zone: The Parvati–Arga Bird Sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh has been declared an Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ), strengthening the legal framework for wetland conservation in northern India. The notification was issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) to regulate activities around the protected area.
The ESZ status introduces restrictions on land-use change, construction, and polluting activities. The objective is to reduce external pressures while allowing carefully monitored, sustainable economic activities.
Static GK fact: Eco-Sensitive Zones are notified under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, to act as protective buffers around national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.
Objectives Behind the ESZ Notification
The primary aim of declaring an ESZ is to prevent ecological degradation caused by unplanned development. Rapid urbanisation, infrastructure expansion, and resource extraction often threaten wetlands located near human settlements.
In the case of Parvati–Arga, the ESZ seeks to harmonise conservation goals with local livelihoods. Regulated ecotourism and sustainable agriculture are expected to provide economic opportunities without damaging fragile ecosystems.
Static GK Tip: ESZ boundaries can extend up to 10 kilometres from the limits of a protected area, depending on ecological sensitivity and site-specific needs.
Ecological Importance of Parvati–Arga Wetland
The sanctuary spreads across 1,084 hectares in the Indo-Gangetic floodplain of eastern Uttar Pradesh. It consists of two permanent freshwater oxbow lakes, Parvati Lake and Arga Lake, formed from abandoned river channels.
These wetlands perform vital ecological functions such as groundwater recharge, flood moderation, and microclimate regulation. They also support fish, amphibians, reptiles, and a wide range of aquatic vegetation essential for food chains.
Static GK fact: Oxbow lakes are crescent-shaped water bodies formed when river meanders are cut off from the main channel.
Importance for Migratory and Threatened Birds
Parvati–Arga serves as an important wintering and stopover habitat for migratory birds arriving from Central Asia and the Tibetan region. Seasonal flooding and nutrient-rich waters create ideal feeding and breeding conditions.
The site has been recognised internationally as a Ramsar Site, highlighting its global wetland significance. It also supports threatened vulture species, including the white-rumped vulture, Indian vulture, and the endangered Egyptian vulture, which depend on open wetlands and surrounding grasslands.
Despite its importance, invasive species such as water hyacinth pose serious threats by reducing open water areas and oxygen levels.
Role of Eco-Sensitive Zones in Wetland Conservation
Eco-Sensitive Zones function as transition areas between strictly protected habitats and human-dominated landscapes. For Parvati–Arga, ESZ regulations are expected to restrict polluting industries, control waste discharge, and regulate construction activities.
Such measures help maintain the wetland’s hydrology and protect bird nesting and foraging grounds. Over time, effective ESZ management can enhance biodiversity resilience while supporting sustainable regional development.
Static GK Tip: Wetlands are among the most productive ecosystems and are crucial for achieving climate adaptation goals.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Parvati–Arga Bird Sanctuary Declared Eco-Sensitive Zone:
| Topic | Detail |
| Sanctuary location | Gonda district, Uttar Pradesh |
| Area covered | 1,084 hectares |
| Ecosystem type | Indo-Gangetic floodplain wetland |
| Key water bodies | Parvati Lake and Arga Lake |
| International status | Ramsar Site |
| ESZ notifying authority | Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change |
| Conservation focus | Wetland protection and bird habitat preservation |
| Major ecological threat | Invasive water hyacinth |
