Context
The Indian government has reissued a draft notification proposing to declare over 56,800 square kilometers of the Western Ghats across six states as Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESAs). This move comes in the wake of recent devastating landslides in Kerala’s Wayanad district, which has highlighted the fragility of the Western Ghats ecosystem.
Background
- The Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the eight ‘hottest hotspots’ of biological diversity in the world, have been the subject of intense debate regarding their conservation and development. In 2011, the Madhav Gadgil committee recommended that 64% of the Western Ghats be designated as eco-sensitive areas, while the Dr. Kasturirangan committee in 2013 reduced this to 37%.
- The process of earmarking ecologically sensitive areas (ESAs) in the Western Ghats has been pending since August 2011, when a central panel, headed by ecologist Madhav Gadgil, recommended that the government take it up on priority to save the fragile terrain in six states: Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Goa, Kerala, Karnataka and Gujarat.
Key Features of the Draft Notification
The draft notification, issued on July 31, 2024, proposes to declare the following areas as ESAs:
- 449 sq km in Gujarat
- 17,340 sq km in Maharashtra
- 1,461 sq km in Goa
- 20,668 sq km in Karnataka
- 6,914 sq km in Tamil Nadu
- 9,993.7 sq km in Kerala, including 13 villages in Wayanad district that were hit by recent landslides
The notification seeks to prohibit or regulate certain environmentally hazardous human activities within these ecologically sensitive areas. Key provisions include:
- Complete ban on mining, quarrying, sand mining and high polluting industries
- Phasing out of existing mines within five years from the date of issue of the final notification or on the expiry of existing mining lease, whichever is earlier
- Ban on setting up of any new thermal power projects and expansion of existing power plants
- Prohibition of construction projects of 20,000 sq m and above, and all new and expansion of townships, and development projects with an area of 50 hectares and above or with built up area of 1.5 lakh sq m and above
The draft also proposes regulation of hydropower projects, essential services and low-polluting industries. Importantly, it specifies that agriculture, plantation and less polluting activities will not be affected due to the ESA provisions.
Objectives and Implications
- The reissued draft notification aims to enhance the protection of the Western Ghats ecosystem, which is under threat from various developmental activities. By declaring these areas as ESAs, the government seeks to strike a balance between conservation and sustainable development.
- The notification has significant implications for the six states involved, as it will restrict certain activities and projects within the designated ESAs. This has led to objections from some states, particularly regarding the inclusion or exclusion of certain areas within their jurisdictions.
Conclusion
The reissued draft notification on ecologically sensitive areas in the Western Ghats is a significant step towards the conservation of this fragile ecosystem. However, the success of this initiative will depend on the government’s ability to address the concerns of the states and build a consensus on the way forward. The implementation of the final notification will require a coordinated effort among the central government, state governments, and local communities to ensure the protection of the Western Ghats while allowing for sustainable development.
Source: TOI
UPSC Mains Practice Question
Q. Evaluate the significance of the reissued draft notification on Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESAs) in the Western Ghats. How does it aim to balance environmental conservation with developmental needs? Discuss the potential impacts on biodiversity, local communities, and sustainable development.