In recent developments, the Government of Karnataka has expressed opposition to the report by the Kasturirangan Committee on Western Ghats. The state government is of the view that designating Western Ghats as an Eco-Sensitive Area (ESA), a recommendation made in the report, could negatively impact the livelihoods of residents in the region.
Understanding Eco-Sensitive Areas:
Eco-Sensitive Areas or ESAs are a 10-kilometer vicinity surrounding Protected Areas, National Parks, and Wildlife Sanctuaries. These regions are notified as ESAs by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) in accordance with the Environment Protection Act of 1986. The purpose of designating ESAs is to regulate certain activities near National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries in order to minimize potential negative impacts of these activities on the vulnerable ecosystems of the protected areas.
Kasturirangan Committee Report Suggestions:
The Kasturirangan Committee proposed roughly an area of 60,000 sq km, including 20,668 sq km of Karnataka’s land covering 1,576 villages, to be designated as ESA. Accordingly, the sites’ boundaries are generally outlined by the legally recognized perimeters of national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, tiger reserves, and forest divisions. To protect these areas, the report advocates a complete ban on mining, quarrying, red category industries, and thermal power projects.
It also highlights the need to evaluate the impact of infrastructural projects on the woodland and wildlife before granting permissions for such activities. It encourages embracing the UNESCO Heritage tag as an opportunity to globally and domestically acknowledge the significant natural wealth of the Western Ghats.
State Governments’ Role:
State governments are encouraged to seize this opportunity to conserve, appreciate, and treasure the resources and opportunities provided by the region.
Karnataka Government’s Stance:
The Karnataka government harbours concerns that the implementation of these recommendations may stall developmental activities in the region. The committee report was drafted based on satellite imagery, but the state government argues that ground realities are different.
Residents of the region practice agriculture and horticulture in an environmentally-friendly manner. The state has put great emphasis on environmental protection under the Forest Protection Act 1980, maintaining extensive forest cover and protecting the biodiversity of the Western Ghats.
What lies ahead?
Given the changes in climate that have significant economic and livelihood implications, it is essential to protect these fragile ecosystems. This conservation strategy is more cost-effective than spending money and resources on restoration and rejuvenation post-natural calamities.
Therefore, it’s crucial to carry out a thorough scientific analysis accompanied by consensus among various stakeholders while addressing their concerns. There is an urgent need to have a comprehensive understanding of the threats and demands on forest land, products, and services. Adequate strategies need to be devised to manage these with clearly defined objectives for the authorities involved.
