KGPA Demands Thorough Review of Centre’s Western Ghats ESA Notification
The Kozhikode district committee of the Kerala Grama Panchayat Association (KGPA) has demanded a comprehensive review of the central government’s draft notification on demarcating ecologically sensitive areas (ESAs) across the Western Ghats, with particular focus on proposals concerning Kozhikode district.
What Happened
During a meeting of people’s representatives and local body heads held at Kattippara on September 3, the KGPA district committee passed a formal resolution concerning the ESA draft notification. The session was inaugurated by P.K. Firoz, MLA, and presided over by KGPA district president Biju Thannikkakkuzhi. The gathering included C.K. Kasim, MLA, district panchayat president Mili Mohan, and heads of eight grama panchayats.
The resolution called for evaluating proposed boundaries on the basis of their geographical, ecological, and socio-economic realities. Participants stressed that the final demarcation should not impede ongoing development activities or harm the welfare of local populations. The association urged the government to incorporate the views of grama panchayat presidents, elected representatives, and local residents before completing the notification process.
Key Highlights
- Fluctuating Village Counts: The committee highlighted that the number of included villages has shifted across consecutive draft proposals from 123, to 119, 92, 98, and now 131 villages, demanding clarification on how boundaries are being set.
- Coverage Area: The current proposal spans 9,993.7 square kilometres across 131 villages in Kerala.
- Call for Field Verification: Local leaders requested ground-level assessments considering revenue and cadastral boundaries, alongside mapping through Geographic Information System (GIS) or cadastral data in consultation with local stakeholders.
- Scrutiny of Methodology: The association questioned whether the High-Level Working Group’s geospatial parameters—including population density and natural landscape proportions—were implemented uniformly across all proposed zones.
- Scientific Basis for Forest Extent: Attendees raised concerns regarding the accuracy of designated forest areas, asserting that any alterations or reductions require a clear scientific basis.
Why This Matters
The resolution directly highlights local concerns that environmental demarcation without precise ground verification could impact livelihoods, land administration, and regional infrastructure development. Because previous drafts exhibited notable fluctuations in village counts, local administrators argue that revenue boundaries and cadastral mapping must be checked thoroughly to ensure fair and accurate boundaries.
What to Watch Next
The KGPA has appealed to the state government to draft necessary amendments and submit formal objections and recommendations to the Centre before the final notification is published. The association also urged coordinated consultations with the Forest Department and other relevant agencies, paired with local-level verification exercises.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did the KGPA resolve regarding the Western Ghats ESA draft?
The KGPA passed a resolution requesting a comprehensive review of the draft notification, stating that ecological, geographical, and socio-economic characteristics should guide boundary demarcation without harming local residents or developmental works.
How many villages and what area are covered in the latest proposal?
The latest notification covers an area of 9,993.7 square kilometres across 131 villages in Kerala.
What technical tools did local leaders suggest using for boundary demarcation?
Local leaders recommended conducting field-level checks and clearly delineating boundaries using Geographic Information System (GIS) tools or cadastral maps in consultation with local panchayats and stakeholders.
Source: Based on reporting published by The Hindu.