Western Ghats conservation with science and dialogue

GS-III: Environment & Ecology | Biodiversity Conservation | Environmental Governance

Context

• ESA notification under consideration: The Union Government has extended the tenure of the expert panel examining the Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA) notification for the Western Ghats after repeated delays due to the lack of consensus among States.
• Editorial’s argument: While ecological conservation of the Western Ghats cannot be postponed indefinitely, the concerns of local communities, especially regarding livelihoods and forest rights, must be addressed through a balanced and participatory approach.

Western Ghats: Ecological Importance

• Global biodiversity hotspot: The Western Ghats, spread across Gujarat (small portion), Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu, are among the world’s eight “hottest hotspots” of biodiversity.
• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: The region contains 39 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, comprising national parks, wildlife sanctuaries and reserved forests recognised for their exceptional biodiversity.
• Ecological significance: The Ghats support numerous endemic plant and animal species and act as the origin of several major peninsular rivers, providing vital ecosystem services.

Evolution of the ESA Proposal

Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel (WGEEP), 2010

• Constituted under: Chairmanship of Madhav Gadgil.
• Recommendation: Proposed declaring 142 talukas across 44 districts of the Western Ghats as Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA).
• Ecological zoning: Recommended dividing the region into three Ecologically Sensitive Zones (ESZs) based on ecological fragility.
• Legal protection: Suggested notifying ESA under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 to regulate environmentally harmful activities.

Kasturirangan Committee, 2012

• Reason for constitution: Formed after widespread opposition from States and local communities to the Gadgil Committee recommendations.
• Revised approach: Limited restrictions mainly to ecologically sensitive natural landscapes.
• Reduced ESA coverage: Recommended protection for only 37% of the Western Ghats, balancing conservation with developmental needs.

Subsequent Developments

• First draft notification (2014): Issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) based on the Kasturirangan report.
• Sanjay Kumar Expert Panel (2022): Constituted to examine concerns raised by stakeholder States.
• Repeated delays: Between 2015 and 2026, five draft notifications were issued due to continued disagreements between the Centre and States.
• Latest development (2026): The Union Government has extended the expert panel’s tenure by another year after the expiry of the previous draft notification.
• State-wise progress: Gujarat and Goa have broadly agreed to the notification, while Maharashtra has sought further review. Discussions with Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu continue.

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Karnataka’s Concerns

• Large population affected: Karnataka has 10 Western Ghats districts, with nearly 23.4% of the State’s population residing in the region.
• Extensive ESA coverage: Around 20,668 sq. km. has been proposed for ESA notification.
• Livelihood concerns: The State fears restrictions on agriculture, plantations, mining and infrastructure development.
• Political consensus: Successive governments, irrespective of political affiliation, have opposed the proposal citing its socio-economic implications.

Concerns Raised by Local Communities

• Livelihood insecurity: Residents fear adverse impacts on farming, plantation activities and collection of minor forest produce.
• Relocation fears: Villages near protected areas worry about eventual displacement due to expanding conservation measures.
• Forest Rights issues: Both tribal and long-settled non-tribal communities have reported difficulties in securing recognition of forest rights.
• Satellite mapping concerns: Villagers argue that satellite imagery cannot accurately distinguish plantations such as coffee, arecanut, rubber and coconut from natural forests.
• Lack of consultation: Local communities contend that committees did not conduct adequate field visits before identifying ESA boundaries.
• Buffer zone misconceptions: Many residents fear that ESA notification will automatically lead to large-scale eviction from their lands.

Editorial’s Observations

• Existing restrictions: Many regulatory restrictions already existed because these areas were notified as protected forests and wildlife reserves even before the ESA proposal.
• Need for empathy: Karnataka’s concerns require genuine stakeholder consultation rather than outright rejection or unilateral implementation.
• Ecology beyond boundaries: Ecological systems transcend administrative and political boundaries, making coordinated conservation essential.

Importance of ESA Notification

• Biodiversity conservation: Protects fragile ecosystems from environmentally destructive activities.
• Sustainable development: Encourages development that minimises ecological damage.
• Climate resilience: Conserves forests that regulate rainfall, groundwater recharge and carbon sequestration.
• Disaster risk reduction: Reduces the likelihood of landslides, floods and soil erosion.
• Long-term ecological security: Preserves ecosystem services critical for water security and livelihoods.

Protecting Indigenous Communities

• Traditional conservation practices: Indigenous communities have historically protected forests through sustainable resource use.
• Biocultural diversity: Their continued presence helps preserve both biodiversity and traditional ecological knowledge.
• Community participation: Conservation policies should integrate local communities as partners rather than treating them as obstacles.

Challenges

• Balancing conservation and development: Reconciling ecological protection with livelihood needs remains difficult.
• Inter-governmental coordination: Lack of consensus between the Centre and States has delayed implementation.
• Forest Rights implementation: Recognition of legitimate community rights remains incomplete.
• Scientific mapping: Accurate identification of ecologically sensitive areas requires both satellite technology and field verification.

Way Forward

• Participatory conservation: Involve local communities, Gram Sabhas and indigenous groups in ESA planning and implementation.
• Scientific ground verification: Combine satellite imagery with detailed field surveys before finalising ESA boundaries.
• Protect livelihoods: Ensure that genuine agricultural and plantation activities are not unnecessarily affected.
• Recognise forest rights: Properly implement the Forest Rights Act, 2006 before imposing additional conservation restrictions.
• State-specific implementation: Adopt a phased and consultative approach while maintaining ecological objectives.
• Promote sustainable development: Encourage eco-tourism, sustainable agriculture and green livelihoods compatible with conservation goals.

Conclusion

• Conservation with inclusion: The Western Ghats require urgent ecological protection, but conservation efforts must respect the rights and livelihoods of local communities.
• Balanced governance: A scientifically informed, participatory and federal approach can ensure that biodiversity conservation and sustainable development reinforce rather than undermine each other.

UPSC Mains Practice Question

Q. The prolonged delay in notifying the Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA) in the Western Ghats highlights the challenge of balancing environmental conservation with developmental needs. Discuss in the light of the Gadgil and Kasturirangan Committee recommendations.