High ranges of Kottayam mobilise against Centre’s proposed ESA tag

Published 2026-09-14 · Updated 2026-09-14 · 4 min · 697 words

UPSC CSE Context

Why in News

The Centre's seventh draft notification on Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESAs) in the Western Ghats has triggered protests in Kottayam's high ranges, with residents fearing restrictions on agriculture and development.

Syllabus Connection

Environment and Ecology; Conservation; Environmental Impact Assessment; Governance; Federalism.

Exam Relevance

The issue highlights the conflict between conservation and development, a recurring theme in UPSC CSE Mains and Prelims, especially regarding Western Ghats ecology and ESA regulations.

Core Issue

Proposed ESA tag in Western Ghats threatens livelihoods in Kottayam villages.

Key Development

Four villages in Poonjar constituency are included in the draft ESA notification, affecting around 70,000 people.

Stakeholders

• Residents and farmers of Koottikkal, Melukavu, Poonjar Thekkekkara, Teekoy
• Local bodies (panchayats)
• Kerala government
• Union government
• Political parties (UDF, Kerala Congress)
• Catholic church and other organisations

Static Knowledge

High-Value Background

• The Western Ghats are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world's eight 'hottest hotspots' of biological diversity.
• Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESAs) are notified under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 to regulate activities that may harm the environment.

Exam Linkage

• Useful for questions on biodiversity conservation, sustainable development, and centre-state relations in environmental governance.

Concepts in Context

• Satellite survey misclassification: plantations mistaken for forest cover, leading to erroneous ESA inclusion.
• ESA regulations restrict certain activities like mining, quarrying, and large-scale constructions, impacting local livelihoods.

Institutions and Mechanisms

• Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) issues draft notifications and considers objections/suggestions.
• State government can propose modifications to the draft notification based on ground realities.

Dynamic Analysis

Environment vs Development

• The ESA tag aims to protect biodiversity but may hinder agricultural practices and infrastructure development in inhabited areas.
• Misclassification of plantations as forests in satellite surveys leads to unnecessary restrictions on farmers.
• Excluding inhabited and agricultural lands from ESA can balance conservation with livelihood needs.
• The conflict underscores the need for accurate ground-truthing before finalising ESA boundaries.

Federalism and Centre-State Relations

• Kerala's request to reduce ESA area and exclude inhabited regions reflects state-specific concerns.
• The Centre's draft notification overrides local aspirations, leading to protests and political mobilisation.
• The 60-day window for objections is a procedural opportunity for states to negotiate modifications.
• The issue tests cooperative federalism in environmental decision-making.

Governance and Public Participation

• Local bodies have used grama sabhas and resolutions to voice opposition, showcasing grassroots democracy.
• The involvement of the Catholic church and farmer collectives indicates broad-based civil society engagement.
• The threat of mass agitation highlights the intensity of public sentiment against the ESA tag.
• Effective grievance redressal mechanisms are essential to address such conflicts.

Socio-Economic Impact

• Agriculture is the primary livelihood in these villages, with crops like rubber, cardamom, and coffee.
• ESA restrictions could reduce agricultural productivity and income, affecting food security and rural economy.
• Development activities like road construction and housing may be stalled, impacting quality of life.
• The estimated 70,000 affected people face uncertainty over land use and property rights.

Mains Value Addition

Arguments

• The ESA notification must be based on accurate ground data to avoid penalising legitimate agricultural activities.
• Conservation efforts should integrate local community participation to ensure sustainable outcomes.
• The conflict highlights the need for a balanced approach that recognises both ecological and developmental imperatives.
• Federal consultation mechanisms need strengthening to address state-specific concerns in environmental governance.

Examples

• Koottikkal panchayat passed a unanimous resolution seeking exclusion, citing absence of forest land.

Data Points

• Draft notification issued on July 27; 60-day window for objections.
• Proposed ESA area: 9,993.7 sq km; Kerala seeks reduction to 8,590.69 sq km.

Counterpoints

• Environmentalists argue that ESA status is crucial to prevent further degradation of the Western Ghats.
• Excluding inhabited areas may create loopholes for illegal encroachment and deforestation.
• Satellite data, while imperfect, provides a rapid assessment tool; ground-truthing may delay conservation efforts.

Way Forward

• Conduct comprehensive ground-truthing to accurately delineate forest and non-forest areas before finalising ESA boundaries.
• Establish a joint committee with central, state, and local representatives to resolve disputes over ESA inclusion.
• Develop clear guidelines for exempting agricultural and inhabited lands from ESA restrictions.
• Enhance public awareness and participation in the ESA notification process to build consensus.
• Explore alternative conservation models like community reserves or eco-sensitive zones with differential regulations.

Primary/reference source: National News