To safeguard wildlife, the government has declared a 100-metre radius around Van Vihar National Park in Bhopal as an eco-sensitive zone, limiting human activity near the park.
A joint committee of the Revenue and Forest Departments recently completed the demarcation process, covering three villages—Prempura, Aamkheda, and Dharampura. Officials confirmed that no objections were raised by residents. Due to waterlogging in Dharampura, symbolic demarcation was carried out there, while the process was fully completed in other areas.
Authorities stated that this move aligns with the government’s broader conservation strategy. While the eco-sensitive zone restricts certain activities, officials clarified that all shops, hotels, and commercial establishments near the Boat Club remain unaffected, as they fall outside the designated boundary. Boards marking the eco-sensitive zone have also been installed.
Professor Krishna K Dhote of MANIT, who researches urban renewal and sustainable development, emphasised that rapid urbanisation makes such zones critical. “As human populations grow, so do other species within the ecosystem. Conservation efforts like this help maintain ecological balance,” he said.
He pointed out that similar eco-sensitive zones have already been established in Gir, Gujarat, and Satpura, Madhya Pradesh, with the process underway in Kuno. “A 100-metre zone is the standard, but it can be expanded based on local needs. This is a crucial step in protecting biodiversity and the food chain,” he explained.
Professor Surbhi Mehrotra, a National Wetland Committee (NWC) member, welcomed the step but suggested extending the eco-sensitive zone beyond 100 metres.
