Western Ghats Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA)

Western Ghats Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA)

What is it? An Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA) proposed under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 to conserve the biodiversity and ecological integrity of the Western Ghats.

Purpose: To regulate environmentally harmful activities while permitting sustainable livelihoods and development.

Proposed ESA area: 56,825.7 sq. km across six States.

States covered: Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

Activities prohibited: Mining, quarrying, sand mining, new thermal power plants, certain red-category industries and large construction projects.

Activities regulated: Hydroelectric (hydel) power projects and other developmental activities, subject to environmental safeguards.

Legal basis: Notification issued under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 after inviting public objections.

Current status: The draft notification has been reissued multiple times due to unresolved objections from the six States regarding the villages and areas proposed to be included.

Background

Madhav Gadgil Committee (Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel, 2011):

Recommended the entire Western Ghats (about 1,29,000 sq. km) be declared ecologically sensitive with graded levels of protection.

K. Kasturirangan Committee (High-Level Working Group, 2013):

Recommended declaring about 37% of the Western Ghats (59,940 sq. km) as Ecologically Sensitive Area, focusing on natural landscapes.

Western Ghats – Facts

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Declared in 2012.

Global recognition: One of the eight “hottest hotspots” of biological diversity in the world.

Extent: Runs parallel to the western coast of India for about 1,600 km.

States traversed: Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

Major river origins: Godavari, Krishna, Kaveri, Tungabhadra and Periyar.

UPSC Prelims Question

Q. With reference to the proposed Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA) in the Western Ghats, consider the following statements:

• The ESA is proposed under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
• Mining and quarrying are proposed to be prohibited within the notified ESA.
• The Madhav Gadgil Committee recommended that only about 37% of the Western Ghats be declared an Ecologically Sensitive Area.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

• A. 1 and 2 only
• B. 2 and 3 only
• C. 1 and 3 only
• D. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: A

Explanation: Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is incorrect because the Madhav Gadgil Committee recommended the entire Western Ghats (about 1,29,000 sq. km) be treated as ecologically sensitive. The recommendation of about 37% (59,940 sq. km) was made later by the K. Kasturirangan Committee