NEW DELHI: The Centre is expected to notify portions of the Western Ghats in Goa, Maharashtra and Gujarat as Eco-Sensitive Areas (ESA), advancing a long-pending conservation initiative aimed at protecting one of the world’s most ecologically significant regions.
The proposed notification is based on the recommendations of a committee headed by former ISRO chairman K. Kasturirangan. The plan covers nearly 56,000 square kilometres across six states and seeks to balance environmental protection with sustainable development.
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However, the process has faced delays due to objections from Kerala and Karnataka. According to reports, the Centre has decided to move ahead initially with Goa, Maharashtra and Gujarat, which have agreed to the proposal.
Once the notification comes into effect, several activities in the designated eco-sensitive zones will face restrictions. These include mining operations, establishment of new polluting industries, coal-based power plants and large-scale construction projects that could adversely impact the fragile ecosystem.
The initiative is aimed at safeguarding the unique biodiversity of the Western Ghats while encouraging environmentally sustainable livelihoods for local communities living in and around the region.
Recognised by UNESCO as one of the world’s foremost biodiversity hotspots, the Western Ghats are home to numerous endemic and threatened species of plants and animals. Environmentalists have long stressed the importance of stronger conservation measures to protect the region from increasing developmental pressures and ecological degradation.
The proposed ESA notification is expected to play a key role in preserving the ecological balance of the Western Ghats and ensuring the long-term sustainability of one of India’s most valuable natural landscapes.
