Govt to bring Regulations on Andaman’s buffer zone

A Presidential order will soon be placed to ban tourist and other commercial activities in the proposed buffer zone in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Objective: The move is targeted to protect native tribes such as the Jarawas.

Area of up to 5 km radius around the Jarawa tribal reserve was declared as a buffer zone and commercial activity was banned within it. Subsequent to this order, the violations of this zone will invite imprisonment of 3 to 7 years and a fine of Rs 10,000.

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands (Protection of Aboriginal Tribes) Amendment Regulation 2012 would be promulgated under article 240 of the constitution.

What does Article 240 of the Constitution say?

The Article 240 of the constitution is about President’s power to make regulations for certain Union Territories:

(1) The President may make regulations for the peace, progress and good government of the Union territory of—

  • The Andaman and Nicobar Islands;
  • Lakshadweep;
  • Dadra and Nagar Haveli;
  • Daman and Diu;
  • Puducherry:

provided that when any body is created under article 239A to function as a Legislature for the Union territory of Puducherry, the President shall not make any regulation for the peace, progress and good government of that Union territory with effect from the date appointed for the first meeting of the Legislature:

Provided further that whenever the body functioning as a Legislature for the Union territory of Puducherry is dissolved, or the functioning of that body as such Legislature remains suspended on account of any action taken under any such law as is referred to in clause (1) of article 239A, the President may, during the period of such dissolution or suspension, make regulations for the peace, progress and good government of that Union territory.

What is a Buffer Zone?

  • In the current context, a buffer zone is a protected area which intends to prevent the effect of negative environmental or human influences, whether or not it embodies great natural or cultural value itself.
  • Generally created for better management and protection of biodiversity

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