(i) the areas notified under Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 around National Parks and sanctuaries, etc: This is correct. Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs) are indeed notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. The purpose is to regulate certain activities around Protected Areas to minimize the negative impacts on the fragile ecosystems.
(ii) the areas notified under Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 around National Parks and sanctuaries, etc: While ESZs are related to wildlife protection, they are not directly notified under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. This Act primarily deals with the declaration and management of Protected Areas themselves.
(iii) the areas notified under Forest (conservation) Act, 1980 around National Parks and sanctuaries, etc: The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, deals with the diversion of forest land for non-forest purposes. ESZs are distinct from the direct application of this Act, although activities within ESZs would naturally be subject to its provisions if forest land is involved.
Therefore, only statement (i) accurately describes the legal basis for ESZs.
