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

Published 2026-06-22 · Updated 2026-06-22 · 3 min · 496 words

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.

Primary/reference source: National Affairs