Tral Eco-Sensitive Zone designation: Welcome step but not enough

The recent notification by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change declaring an eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) around the Tral Wildlife Sanctuary is a commendable and long-overdue step towards safeguarding Kashmir’s fragile biodiversity. The notification, which designates an ESZ ranging from zero to 3.26 kilometers and encompassing 127.10 square kilometers across 26 villages, marks a positive step to ecological conservation in a region increasingly threatened by urban expansion and environmental degradation.

The Tral Wildlife Sanctuary, established in 2019 by upgrading older conservation reserves like Shikargah and Khangund, holds immense ecological value. It is not only a historic sanctuary — dating back to the era of Maharajah’s game laws in 1945 — but also a vital habitat for critically endangered species, including the iconic Hangul or Kashmiri Red Deer. As one of the last refuges of this majestic animal outside Dachigam National Park, Tral plays a crucial role in maintaining genetic diversity and supporting the species’ long-term survival.

By creating a buffer zone, the government has taken a significant step to reduce human-wildlife conflict, limit unsustainable development, and curb environmentally harmful activities near ecologically sensitive areas. It also reinforces India’s obligations under various international conservation frameworks, including the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).

However, this welcome initiative should not remain an isolated act. The environmental challenges facing Jammu & Kashmir today — including unregulated construction, rapid urbanization, deforestation and unscientific tourism — necessitate a broader vision. There is an urgent need to identify and declare additional eco-sensitive zones across other vulnerable landscapes in Kashmir, especially areas that serve as corridors or habitats for endemic and endangered species.

Regions like Lolab, Bungus, Overa-Aru  and the upper reaches of Gurez and Shopian host rich biodiversity and could benefit greatly from the protections afforded by ESZ status. Additionally, including wetlands, riverine ecosystems and alpine pastures in this conservation framework would help conservation in the face of climate change.

The path forward must balance human livelihoods with ecological preservation. Sustainable development and community involvement in conservation must go hand in hand. But above all, the government must act swiftly to protect Kashmir’s remaining natural treasures before irreversible damage sets in. The declaration of the ESZ around Tral Wildlife Sanctuary is a hopeful start — now it must be followed with bold, comprehensive action.