Western Ghats Eco-Sensitive Area (ESA) 2026: Government Re-Issues Draft Notification for 56,825 sq km

Why in News?

The Union Government has re-issued the seventh draft notification proposing 56,825.7 sq km of the Western Ghats as an Eco-Sensitive Area (ESA).

Important Point

• The fresh notification was issued after the sixth draft notification expired, as consensus among the six Western Ghats states is yet to be achieved.
• The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has also extended the tenure of the Expert Committee headed by Sanjay Kumar till July 2027.
• The draft aims to balance ecological conservation with the developmental aspirations and livelihood concerns of the region.

What is an Eco-Sensitive Area (ESA)?

An Eco-Sensitive Area (ESA) is a fragile ecosystem notified by the Central Government under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 to act as a buffer around ecologically important regions. These areas are regulated to minimise environmental degradation while allowing sustainable development.

Objectives

• Protect biodiversity and ecosystems.
• Prevent unplanned urbanisation.
• Regulate environmentally harmful activities.
• Conserve forests, wildlife and water resources.
• Promote sustainable and climate-resilient development.

State-wise Proposed Eco-Sensitive Area

Total Proposed ESA: 56,825.7 sq. km

Key Provisions of the Draft Notification

1. Complete Ban on Mining

• No new mining activities.
• Ban on quarrying and sand mining.
• Existing mines to be phased out within five years from the final notification or upon lease expiry, whichever is earlier.

2. Restrictions on Thermal Power Plants

• No new thermal power plants.
• Expansion of existing thermal power plants prohibited.

3. Ban on Highly Polluting Industries

• No new Red Category Industries.
• Expansion of existing red-category industries prohibited.

4. Restrictions on Large Construction Projects

The following projects will not be permitted:

• Buildings having a built-up area of 20,000 sq. metres or more.
• Township projects exceeding 50 hectares.

Status of Different States

• Gujarat: Largely agreed with the proposed ESA boundaries.
• Goa: Broadly accepted the proposed ESA demarcation.
• Maharashtra: Submitted a revised proposal which is under examination.
• Karnataka: Continues to oppose the notification. Expressed concerns regarding farmers, villages and developmental restrictions.
• Kerala: Discussions continue over boundary demarcation and livelihood concerns.
• Tamil Nadu: Certain technical discrepancies regarding mapping are under resolution.

Expert Committee

Chairperson: Sanjay Kumar (Former Director General of Forest, MoEFCC)

Mandate

• Examine suggestions from six state governments.
• Balance ecological conservation with developmental needs.
• Protect the rights and livelihood of local communities.
• Recommend practical implementation measures.

Tenure Extended Till: July 2027

Evolution of the Western Ghats ESA Proposal

1. Madhav Gadgil Committee (Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel – 2011)

Chairperson: Madhav Gadgil

Recommendations

• Entire Western Ghats should be declared ecologically sensitive.
• Divide the region into ESZ-1, ESZ-2 and ESZ-3.
• Strict restrictions on mining and large industries.
• Greater role for local communities in environmental governance.

2. Kasturirangan Committee (High-Level Working Group – 2013)

Chairperson: K. Kasturirangan

Recommendations

• Around 37% of the Western Ghats should be notified as ESA.
• Exclude human settlements and agricultural lands.
• Strike a balance between conservation and economic development.

The first draft notification was issued in March 2014 based on these recommendations.

About the Western Ghats

• One of the world's eight Biodiversity Hotspots.
• Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Extends for nearly 1,600 km along India's western coast.
• Passes through Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
• Source of major peninsular rivers including:
  • Godavari
  • Krishna
  • Kaveri
  • Tungabhadra
  • Periyar

Importance of Declaring ESA

• Conserves globally significant biodiversity.
• Protects wildlife habitats and endemic species.
• Reduces landslides and flood risks.
• Safeguards river catchments and water security.
• Supports climate change mitigation and adaptation.
• Encourages sustainable development.

Challenges

• Opposition from state governments.
• Livelihood concerns of farmers and local communities.
• Balancing conservation with infrastructure development.
• Boundary demarcation disputes.
• Political and administrative coordination.

Constitutional and Legal Framework

• Article 48A – Protection and improvement of the environment.
• Article 51A (g) – Fundamental duty of citizens to protect the environment.
• Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972: Provides legal protection to wild animals, birds, plants, and their habitats through the establishment of protected areas such as National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, and Conservation Reserves.
• Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980: Restricts the diversion of forest land for non-forest purposes without prior approval of the Central Government, helping prevent deforestation.
• Environment (Protection) Act, 1986: Empowers the Central Government to protect and improve the environment by regulating activities that may cause environmental pollution, including the notification of Eco-Sensitive Areas.
• Biological Diversity Act, 2002: Provides for the conservation of biological diversity, sustainable use of its components, and fair sharing of benefits arising from the use of biological resources.

UPSC Prelims Facts

• First ESA Draft Notification: March 2014
• Current Notification: Seventh Draft
• Total Proposed ESA: 56,825.7 sq km
• Expert Committee Chairman: Sanjay Kumar
• Committee Tenure: Till July 2027
• Based on: Kasturirangan Committee Recommendations

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)