Prelims: Current events of national and international importance | Environment
Why in News?
Recently, Environment Ministry reissued its draft on Western Ghats Eco‑Sensitive Area (ESA), 7th draft in decade - reflecting disputes with 6 States over village inclusion and balancing conservation with development.
Key Provisions
- Activities Prohibited – Mining, quarrying, sand mining, new thermal power plants, certain industries, large construction projects.
- Activities Regulated – Hydel power generation and other development projects.
- Extent – ESA proposed at 56,825.7 sq. km across 6 States: Karnataka, Maharashtra, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Goa and Gujarat.
Karnataka has the largest ESA share as per the current draft.
State Concerns
- Impact on Agriculture and Plantations – Fear of restrictions affecting livelihoods.
- Infrastructure and Development – Apprehensions about curbs on roads, housing, and industry.
- Village Inclusion – Disputes over names/areas of villages to be included; expert committee (2022) still examining objections.
- Example – 13 villages in Kerala’s Wayanad district (Mananthavady, Sulthan Bathery, Vythiri taluks) continue to be listed despite earlier protests.
Historical Background
- 2011 Gadgil Committee – Recommended entire 1,29,000 sq. km Western Ghats as ESA with graded protection.
- 2013 Kasturirangan Committee – Suggested 37% of Western Ghats (59,940 sq. km) as ESA, focusing on natural landscapes.
- Successive Drafts – Since 2014, repeated attempts to balance conservation with State concerns.
Current Status
- Latest Draft – Open for public objections for 60 days.
- No Substantive Changes – Area, State‑wise extent, and regulatory provisions same as July 2024 draft.
- Centre yet to reconcile conservation objectives with States’ development concerns.
Significance
- Ecological – Western Ghats is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, biodiversity hotspot, source of major rivers.
- Policy – ESA notification crucial for balancing conservation with sustainable development.
- Governance – Highlights challenges of federal‑centre coordination in environmental regulation.
Reference
The Hindu | ESA
