Centre Reissues Western Ghats Eco-Sensitive Area Draft Notification for Seventh Time
The Union Environment Ministry has reissued its draft notification proposing an ecologically sensitive area (ESA) across the Western Ghats for the seventh time in over a decade, following the lapse of the previous draft without finalisation.
What Happened
On July 27, 2026, the Union Environment Ministry released a fresh draft notification after the earlier notification lapsed. The new proposal retains the total proposed ESA coverage of 56,825.7 square kilometres across six states: Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. The draft will remain open for public objections and feedback for a period of 60 days before the central government considers issuing a final notification.
An expert committee established in 2022 continues to examine objections and recommendations from the concerned state governments regarding the exact names and boundaries of villages to be included in the eco-sensitive zone.
Key Highlights
- Total Proposed Area: 56,825.7 sq. km across six states.
- State-wise Distribution: Karnataka (20,668 sq. km), Maharashtra (17,340 sq. km), Kerala (9,993.7 sq. km), Tamil Nadu (6,914 sq. km), Goa (1,461 sq. km), and Gujarat (449 sq. km).
- Prohibited Activities: Mining, quarrying, sand mining, new thermal power plants, certain industries, and large construction projects.
- Regulated Activities: Hydropower generation projects.
- Wayanad Villages: The draft retains 13 villages across Mananthavady, Sulthan Bathery, and Vythiri taluks in Kerala’s Wayanad district.
- Consultation Window: 60 days allocated for public comments and objections.
Why This Matters
The reissuance highlights ongoing differences between the Centre and the six states over the specific areas and inhabited villages to be incorporated into the ESA. State governments have expressed concerns about how restrictions could affect agriculture, plantations, local infrastructure, and regional development.
The protection framework dates back to 2011, when a committee chaired by late ecologist Madhav Gadgil recommended designating the entire 1,29,000 sq. km Western Ghats range as ecologically sensitive. A subsequent high-level working group led by K. Kasturirangan suggested designating approximately 37% (59,940 sq. km) as an ESA. Following a field verification exercise, Kerala reduced its proposed ESA extent from the working group’s 13,108 sq. km to 9,993.7 sq. km.
What to Watch Next
The public objection window remains open for 60 days from the draft’s issuance date. Following this period, the Centre will evaluate feedback, alongside ongoing evaluations by the 2022 expert committee, to decide whether to issue a final notification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which states are covered under the Western Ghats ESA notification?
The proposed ESA covers six states: Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.
What activities are restricted under the proposed draft?
Once finalised, the notification would prohibit mining, quarrying, sand mining, new thermal power plants, certain industrial operations, and large construction projects, while regulating activities such as hydropower projects.
Has the proposed area changed from the previous draft?
No substantive changes were made to the proposed total area, state-wise distribution, or regulatory clauses compared to the draft issued in July 2024.
Source: Based on reporting from The Hindu.