Question

In India eco-sensitive zones were declared under:

• A. Environment Protection Act 1968
• B. Wild Life Protection Act 1972
• C. Cantonment Act 2006
• D. Forest Conservation Act 1980

Hint:

Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs):
• Surround protected areas
• Restrict harmful developmental activities
• Help conserve biodiversity and wildlife habitats Important environmental laws in India:
• Wildlife Protection Act -- 1972
• Forest Conservation Act -- 1980
• Environment Protection Act -- 1986

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Concept: Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs) are environmentally fragile areas surrounding protected forests, wildlife sanctuaries, and national parks. These zones are created to:
• Protect biodiversity,
• Reduce environmental degradation,
• Regulate human activities near protected areas,
• Maintain ecological balance. They act as transition zones between protected ecosystems and human settlements.

Step 1: Understand the legal basis of Eco-Sensitive Zones.
Eco-Sensitive Zones in India are associated with wildlife and protected area conservation measures under environmental and wildlife protection frameworks. The relevant legislation connected with such protection is: \[ \text{Wild Life Protection Act, 1972} \]

Step 2: Analyze the given options.
• Environment Protection Act 1968 -- Incorrect year and not the appropriate legislation here.
• Wild Life Protection Act 1972 -- Correct legislation associated with protection of ecologically sensitive areas around wildlife habitats. \checkmark
• Cantonment Act 2006 -- Related to military cantonment administration.
• Forest Conservation Act 1980 -- Concerned mainly with forest land diversion and conservation, not specifically ESZ declaration. Therefore, the correct answer is: \[ {\text{Wild Life Protection Act 1972}} \]