The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) convened a high-level meeting on the Bhagirathi Eco-Sensitive Zone (BESZ), in Dehradun on Saturday. The meeting was chaired by the Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav.
The Bhagirathi Eco-Sensitive Zone (BESZ) is a protected area of the Ganges River in Uttarakhand, extending from Gaumukh in Uttarkashi to Uttarkashi (approximately 4,179 sq km), which was notified in 2012. It regulates large dams, deforestation, and uncontrolled development in order to safeguard the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.
The deliberations centered on ensuring effective implementation of the BESZ notification. Discussions highlighted the importance of conserving the region’s rich biodiversity while harmonizing ecological priorities with local aspirations and livelihoods through a balanced and sustainable development approach.
Bhupender Yadav underscored the need for a structured and coordinated framework for protection and conservation of rich biodiversity and ecosystem of Bhagirathi Ecosensitive Zone, which is the origin of Ganges River.
He emphasized that such efforts must be anchored in scientific and evidence-based studies, integrated development planning, clearly defined institutional mechanisms, and robust monitoring and enforcement systems. Stressing that unscientific development in eco-sensitive areas often results in avoidable disasters, the Minister called for a precautionary and informed approach to mitigate risks.
Yadav further highlighted the importance of convergence among stakeholders to ensure that environmental protection measures are seamlessly aligned with developmental priorities, thereby safeguarding both ecological integrity and community well-being in the Bhagirathi region.
The meeting was attended by the Chief Secretary, Government of Uttarakhand, senior officials of the State Government, members of the Monitoring Committee, Secretary, MoEFCC, Director General of Forests & Special Secretary (DGF&SS), and other senior officials of the Ministry.
