EnvironmentFriday, 24 April 2026·The Hindu
Centre notifies eco-sensitive zone around Uttar Pradesh’s Barasingha Sanctuary
The Environment Ministry on 16 April 2026 issued a draft notification for a 408.7 sq km eco-sensitive zone around Barasingha Wildlife Sanctuary.
Key highlights
Direct fact
On 16 April 2026, the Environment Ministry issued a draft notification to declare a 408.7 sq km Eco-Sensitive Zone around the Barasingha Wildlife Sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh.
Key specifics
- The proposed ESZ covers 307 villages across 5 districts.
- District-wise area includes Bijnor 155.02 sq km and Muzaffarnagar 138.71 sq km.
- Meerut accounts for 50.04 sq km, Amroha 46.35 sq km and Hapur 18.35 sq km.
- The sanctuary originally covered 2,073 sq km and was later rationalized to 1,159.16 sq km.
- Barasingha is the State Animal of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh and is listed as Vulnerable by IUCN.
Exam lens
Question type: Environment and protected areas, ESZ, 408.7 sq km, 307 villages, 5 districts, Barasingha, IUCN Vulnerable. TNPSC may ask the legal basis of ESZ and the state animal status of Barasingha.