Centre's Fresh Move for Declaring Western Ghats as Ecologically Sensitive Area

The Centre issued a new draft notification to designate over 56,800 sq km of the Western Ghats as an Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA), covering regions across six states, including 13 villages in Kerala's landslide-hit Wayanad. This move invites public suggestions and objections within 60 days.

The Centre has issued a fresh draft notification to designate over 56,800 square kilometres of the Western Ghats across six states, including 13 villages in Kerala's landslide-hit Wayanad, as an Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA). The public is invited to submit suggestions and objections within 60 days.

The notification, released on July 31, followed a series of landslides that claimed over 300 lives in Wayanad district. Experts blame the tragedy on forest cover loss, mining in the fragile terrain, and climate change.

Specific measures proposed in the draft include a complete ban on mining, quarrying, and new thermal power projects, and restrictions on large-scale construction. Variabilities in state responses and objections have delayed a final notification.

(With inputs from agencies.)