• Dr V Sumathi
• Shanthi N P

An evaluation of growth trends and policy implementation of Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs) in India which serve as buffer zones around Protected Areas to minimize human-induced ecological impacts while allowing regulated development is very important. Using a quantitative approach based on secondary data from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change ( MoEFCC) and related government sources for a period of 10 years (2014-2023), the study analyzed the annual and compound growth rates i ESZ coverage and the number of notifications issued. Results indicate a three-phase trajectory: an initial surge in ESZ expansion (2015-2017), a period of stable implementation (2018-2021), and a slowdown in recent years (2022-2023). Despite a high Compound Annual Growth Rate ( CAGR) of 49.25%, the gap between projected and actual growth in recent years signals potential policy saturation or administrative delays. Further, though India has made substantial progress in ESZ governance. Now, it is time to shift from quantitative expansion to qualitative improvement in the spheres of enforcement, community participation, and ecological functionality to ensure long-term sustainability.

Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs), environmental governance, protected areas, sustainable development, ecological regulation and conservation policy.

"Decade of Conservation: Growth and Governance of Eco-Sensitive zones in India ", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 6, page no.h502-h510, June-2025, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2506764.pdf

"Decade of Conservation: Growth and Governance of Eco-Sensitive zones in India ", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 6, page no. pph502-h510, June-2025, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2506764.pdf