Centre reissues draft notification on Eco sensitive areas in Western Ghats

Sub: Env

Sec: Env legislation

Context:

In response to the Wayanad landslide, the Union government has reissued a draft notification for the sixth time in a decade, classifying parts of the Western Ghats in six states (Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu) as ecologically sensitive areas (ESAs).

Details:

Restrictions will be imposed on economic activities such as quarrying, mining, and large infrastructure development in these areas.
Despite six iterations, the draft is not yet law due to objections from the affected states: Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.
Kerala opposes the draft, fearing it will impact agricultural plantations, and hydroelectricity plans, and lead to migration issues.

Ecologist Madhav Gadgil’s Recommendations:

A committee led by ecologist Madhav Gadgil recommended in 2011 that the entire Western Ghats region be declared ecologically sensitive.
The Gadgil panel suggested creating three broad zones with varying restrictions on economic activity.
- Creation of three broad zones — ESA 1, ESA 2 and ESA 3 — with the first two inviting the strictest restrictions on economic activity.
States opposed these recommendations, leading to a second committee led by former ISRO Chairman K. Kasturirangan, which halved the protected regions’ area.

New Committee and Future Steps:

A new committee has been formed to address state concerns and discrepancies in the draft notification.
This committee is examining issues raised by states and has yet to submit its report.
The committee’s mandate is to balance conservation aspects with the region’s developmental aspirations.

Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESAs)

ESAs are regions recognized for their environmental significance, where human activities are regulated to protect biodiversity, ecosystems, and natural habitats. These areas are often home to endemic species of plants and animals and are crucial for maintaining ecological balance.
The Environment (Protection) Act of 1986 allows the Central Government to restrict industrial activities in these sensitive areas to safeguard their ecological integrity. Although the term “Eco-Sensitive Zones” is not explicitly mentioned in the Act, provisions exist to prohibit or regulate activities based on biodiversity and environmental considerations.

Source: TH