Article:
Recent developments have made headlines regarding the Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change’s interaction via video conference with Chief Ministers from six states. These states include Kerala, Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu. Their discussion primarily dealt with issues relating to the notification of the Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA) in relation to the Western Ghats.
The Background: Notified ESA and Its Implications
In an effort to conserve and protect the biodiversity of Western Ghats, the government instituted a High-Level Working Group, chaired by Dr. Kasturirangan. The Committee suggested that geographical areas spread across six states – Kerala, Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu – be declared as Ecologically Sensitive Areas. The proposal involved 37% of the Western Ghats to be earmarked as ESA zones, which was in contrast to the 64% put forward by the Gadgil Committee report.
To further this initiative, a draft notification detailing the relevant areas for ESA notification was issued in 2018.
Challenges and Concerns: States’ Perspective
While all participating states agreed on the need to protect the Western Ghats, concerns were raised about regulatory activities and the proposed area within the draft notification. It was decided that state-specific issues would be deliberated and resolved through consensus.
Understanding the ESA
Eco-Sensitive Areas are situated within 10 km around Protected Areas, National Parks, and Wildlife Sanctuaries. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change takes responsibility for notifying ESAs, regulated under the Environment Protection Act 1986. The main objective is to control certain environmental activities surrounding National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries to reduce potential negative impacts on delicate ecosystems.
Insights from the Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel
In 2011, the Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel (WGEEP), led by ecologist Madhav Gadgil, suggested that the entirety of the Western Ghats be classified as ESA with restricted development in graded zones. The panel categorized the Western Ghats into ESA 1, 2, and 3, with ESA-1 being of the highest priority and therefore, most developmental activities were prohibited within this zone. The report encouraged an environment-friendly approach but was criticized for not addressing the on-ground realities.
What did the Kasturirangan Committee Recommend?
The Kasturirangan Committee aimed to strike a balance between development and environmental protection. Core recommendations included designating only 37% of the total area as ESA, banning mining, quarrying, and sand mining entirely in the ESA. They also advised against allowing thermal power projects whilst permitting hydropower projects only after a thorough study.
Proposed Way Forward
As it stands, it is essential to conduct an analysis based on scientific study and achieve consensus among various stakeholders. This includes taking a holistic view of threats and demands on the forest land, products, and services, and formulating strategies to address these issues with clear objectives for the authorities involved. Delays in implementation risk exacerbating the degradation of this esteemed natural resource.
