Government prepares to notify Western Ghats eco sensitive areas in at least three states

2026-06-22 · 3 min

UPSC CSE Context Why in News: Centre set to notify Western Ghats Ecologically Sensitive Areas in states where consensus is reached, after 12 years of deliberation. Syllabus Connection: Environment and Ecology: Conservation, Environmental Impact Assessment, Biodiversity, Western Ghats. Exam Relevance: Highlights the tension between development and conservation, federal dynamics in environmental governance, and the role of expert committees. Core Issue Delayed notification of Western Ghats ESA; partial consensus among states. Key Development: Centre to notify ESA in Gujarat, Goa, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu, while Kerala and Karnataka remain unresolved. Stakeholders: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change State governments of Kerala, Karnataka, Gujarat, Goa, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu Kasturirangan Committee Local communities Industries Static Knowledge High Value Background: Western Ghats is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of eight 'hottest biodiversity hotspots' globally.

## UPSC CSE Context **Why in News:** Centre set to notify Western Ghats Ecologically Sensitive Areas in states where consensus is reached, after 12 years of deliberation. **Syllabus Connection:** Environment and Ecology: Conservation, Environmental Impact Assessment, Biodiversity, Western Ghats. **Exam Relevance:** Highlights the tension between development and conservation, federal dynamics in environmental governance, and the role of expert committees. ## Core Issue Delayed notification of Western Ghats ESA; partial consensus among states. **Key Development:** Centre to notify ESA in Gujarat, Goa, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu, while Kerala and Karnataka remain unresolved. **Stakeholders:** - Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change - State governments of Kerala, Karnataka, Gujarat, Goa, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu - Kasturirangan Committee - Local communities - Industries ## Static Knowledge **High-Value Background:** - Western Ghats is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of eight 'hottest biodiversity hotspots' globally. **Exam Linkage:** - Useful for questions on biodiversity conservation, federalism in environmental regulation, and the Environment Protection Act. **Concepts in Context:** - Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA): Areas designated under the Environment Protection Act, 1986, to regulate activities harming fragile ecosystems. **Institutions and Mechanisms:** - Environment Protection Act, 1986: Provides legal framework for ESA notification. ## Dynamic Analysis ### Governance - Partial notification reflects Centre-state negotiation challenges, with Kerala and Karnataka resisting due to development concerns. - Delay of 12 years indicates bureaucratic inertia and political sensitivity in balancing ecology and economy. - Gujarat's consent with conditions (minor mineral mining) shows states leverage ESA for local economic interests. ### Environment and Ecology - ESA notification bans mining, thermal power, and large construction, crucial for protecting biodiversity and water sources. - Western Ghats influence monsoon and feed major peninsular rivers, making conservation vital for water security. - Reduction of ESA area in Kerala due to urbanization pressure highlights trade-off between development and conservation. ### Federalism - Centre's move to notify only consenting states is a pragmatic but fragmented approach, potentially weakening holistic conservation. - State-level disagreements reflect divergent priorities: Kerala wants smaller ESA, Karnataka questions the entire exercise. - The case exemplifies cooperative federalism challenges in environmental governance where land-use decisions are state subjects. ## Mains Value Addition **Arguments:** - ESA notification is essential to prevent irreversible damage to biodiversity hotspots, but must be balanced with local livelihoods. - Partial notification may lead to fragmented conservation, undermining the ecological integrity of the Western Ghats. - State consent conditions (e.g., Gujarat's minor mineral mining) could dilute conservation objectives. **Examples:** - Gujarat's consent subject to allowing minor mineral mining in non-forest ESA areas. **Data Points:** - Proposed ESA area: 56,825.7 sq km (reduced from ~60,000 sq km). - Gujarat's ESA: ~449-470 sq km across 64 villages. **Counterpoints:** - Strict ESA regulations may hinder development in ecologically sensitive but economically backward regions. - Kerala's insistence on reducing ESA area reflects genuine concerns of urban expansion and livelihood dependence. ## Way Forward - Expedite resolution with Kerala and Karnataka through dialogue, possibly with scientific reassessment of ESA boundaries. - Incorporate local community participation in ESA management to ensure sustainable livelihoods. - Develop a uniform national framework for ESA notification to reduce state-level discretion and delays. - Strengthen monitoring mechanisms to prevent violations once ESA is notified.

Source: National Affairs