Western Ghats Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA) Draft Notification

Western Ghats Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA) Draft Notification

GS-III: Environment | Biodiversity | Conservation

Context

The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has reissued, for the seventh time in over a decade, the draft notification proposing an Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA) in the Western Ghats after the previous draft lapsed on July 27, 2026.

The draft notification will remain open for public objections for 60 days before the Centre considers issuing the final notification.

What does the draft notification propose?

• Prohibited activities: Mining, quarrying, sand mining, new thermal power plants, certain industries and large construction projects within the ESA.
• Regulated activities: Hydel power generation and other specified activities.
• Objective: Protect the ecologically sensitive landscape of the Western Ghats.

Why has the notification been reissued?

• Pending differences: Long-standing disagreements between the Centre and the six Western Ghats States over villages and areas to be included in the ESA.
• State concerns: Impact of ESA declaration on agriculture, plantations, infrastructure and development.
• Expert Committee: A committee constituted in 2022 is examining objections regarding the correct names and area of villages proposed to be included, along with other suggestions submitted by the States.

Extent of the proposed ESA

Total area: 56,825.7 sq. km across six States.

State-wise distribution:

• Karnataka – 20,668 sq. km
• Maharashtra – 17,340 sq. km
• Kerala – 9,993.7 sq. km
• Tamil Nadu – 6,914 sq. km
• Goa – 1,461 sq. km
• Gujarat – 449 sq. km

What remains unchanged?

• No substantive changes: The latest draft is identical to the July 2024 notification in terms of notified area, State-wise extent and regulatory provisions.
• Village list: The proposed villages for inclusion remain unchanged.
• Kerala: The 13 villages in Wayanad district (Mananthavady, Sulthan Bathery and Vythiri taluks) continue to be included.

Background

• Madhav Gadgil Committee (2011): Recommended the entire 1,29,000 sq. km Western Ghats be declared an Ecologically Sensitive Area with graded protection.
• K. Kasturirangan Committee: Recommended about 37% of the Western Ghats (59,940 sq. km) as Ecologically Sensitive Area.
• Kerala’s field verification: Reduced the proposed ESA in the State from 13,108 sq. km to 9,993.7 sq. km.

Conclusion

• Pending issue: The final notification continues to be delayed due to unresolved differences between the Centre and the States over the extent and boundaries of the Ecologically Sensitive Area.
• Current status: The draft notification retains the same proposed area and regulatory framework as the previous draft.

UPSC Mains Practice Question

Q. Discuss the significance of the proposed Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA) in the Western Ghats. Why has its notification remained contentious despite repeated draft notifications?