3 states seek shrinking of eco-sensitive areas in Western Ghats

Last Updated14/06/2024

Karnataka, Maharashtra and Goa, are states where the Centre has proposed eco-sensitive areas (ESA) to protect the Western Ghats,
But these states have sought a reduction in the extent of these ESAs to allow development works.

While the panel will consider the states’ demands, it will stick to the principles of ecological protection and follow a uniform approach.
Karnataka, where an area of 20,668 sq km was proposed as ESA, maintained its opposition to the K Kasturirangan panel report, saying the livelihood of people in the region would be hit.
Goa also demanded reduction of its area earmarked as ESAs in the state
The Kasturirangan panel had identified 37 percent of the Ghats as ecologically sensitive and recommended prohibition or regulation of certain activities.

Eco-Sensitive Areas (ESAs) are located within 10 kms around Protected Areas, National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries.
ESAs are notified by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) under Environment Protection Act 1986.
The basic aim is to regulate certain activities around National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries so as to minimize the negative impacts of such activities on the fragile ecosystem.