Senkaku Islands | Siliguri Corridor | Supreme Court Prohibited Tiger Safaris in Core Tiger Habitats

Senkaku Islands

Syllabus: GS1/Places

In News

• A China Coast Guard ship formation conducted a “rights enforcement patrol” near the Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands, escalating tensions with Japan.

The Senkaku Islands

• The Senkaku Islands is the collective term that refers to a group of islands that includes Uotsuri, Kitakojima, Minamikojima, Kuba, Taisho, Okinokitaiwa, Okinominamiiwa, and Tobise
• Dispute: The Senkaku Islands have long been a contentious issue in Japan-China relations.
• At present it is being controlled by the Japanese.

Siliguri Corridor

Syllabus: GS3/Internal Security

Context

• Indian Army sets up three new garrisons near the strategic Siliguri Corridor.

Siliguri Corridor

• It is also referred to as the Chicken’s Neck.
• It is a narrow strip of land in West Bengal that connects the Northeastern States to the rest of the country.
• It is a very important strategic area of eastern India, located between Mahananda and Teesta river.

Significance of Siliguri Corridor

• Strategic Connectivity: If disrupted, it would isolate the north east states, making it difficult for the government to supply essential goods, services, and military support.
• Military and Defense Considerations: It lies close to sensitive international borders, particularly with China, Nepal, and Bangladesh.

Supreme Court Prohibited Tiger Safaris in Core Tiger Habitats

Syllabus: GS3/Environment, Conservation

Context

• The Supreme Court has issued directions to prohibit tiger safaris in the core or critical tiger habitat.

Eco Sensitive Zones

• Notified by – These are notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) under the Environmental (Protection) Act, 1986.
• Definition – The land falling within 10 km of the boundaries of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries are notified as eco-fragile zones or Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs).

Activities in ESZs

• Prohibited Activities: Commercial mining, saw mills, industries causing pollution (air, water, soil, noise etc), establishment of major hydroelectric projects (HEP), commercial use of wood.
• Regulated Activities: Felling of trees, establishment of hotels and resorts, commercial use of natural water, erection of electrical cables, drastic change of agriculture system.
• Permitted Activities: Ongoing agricultural or horticultural practices, rainwater harvesting, organic farming.