NEW DELHI: In the wake of the massive landslides in Kerala’s Wayanad district, the Centre on Friday released a sixth draft notification proposing the designation of 56,825 sq km as an ecologically sensitive area (ESA) in the Western Ghats. This move aims to regulate and prohibit environmentally hazardous activities within this fragile region, which spans six states.
Key Highlights of the 6th Draft Notification
- Total Proposed ESA: 56,825 sq km across six states.
- Specific to Kerala: 9,993 sq km, including 13 villages in Wayanad district, such as Noolpuzha, which was severely affected by the landslides on July 30.
- State-wise ESA Distribution:
- Karnataka: 20,668 sq km
- Maharashtra: 17,340 sq km
- Tamil Nadu: 6,914 sq km
- Goa: 1,461 sq km
- Gujarat: 449 sq km
New Provisions and Regulations
For the first time, the draft includes a provision allowing the final ESA notification to be implemented in a phased manner, either state-wise or through a combined single notification. This is expected to expedite the process by not requiring all six states to agree simultaneously.
Activities Prohibited Within the ESA
- Mining: Complete ban on mining, quarrying, sand mining, and high-polluting (Red category) industries. Existing mines to be phased out within five years or by the end of their current lease.
- Thermal Power Projects: No new thermal power projects or expansion of existing ones.
- Construction Projects: Ban on projects over 20,000 sq m, new townships, and development projects exceeding 50 hectares or a built-up area of 1.5 lakh sq m.
Regulated Activities
- Hydro-power Projects: Subject to regulation.
- Essential Services: Will be regulated.
- Low-polluting Industries: Orange and White category industries will be regulated but not banned.
Background and Context
The issue of designating ESA in the Western Ghats has been pending since 2011 when a central panel led by ecologist Madhav Gadgil recommended urgent action. The Environment Ministry has issued multiple draft notifications since 2014, but consensus among the states has been elusive.
Recent Developments
The need for a sixth draft arose due to the failure of states to agree on the ESA within their jurisdictions. The previous Karnataka government requested the Centre to withdraw the 2022 draft, arguing that the ESA designation covering 20,668 sq km in Karnataka would negatively impact livelihoods due to activity bans. Despite these objections, the draft ensures that agriculture, plantation, and less polluting activities will remain unaffected.
Public Involvement
The Environment Ministry has sought “objections or suggestions” from the public on the proposals within the draft. The final ESA notification will be considered for publication after a 60-day period from the date the draft is made public.
Conclusion
The release of this sixth draft notification marks a significant step towards protecting the Western Ghats’ ecological integrity while balancing developmental needs. The phased implementation provision aims to facilitate faster consensus among states, ensuring timely and effective conservation measures. The proposed ESA designation underscores the urgent need to safeguard the fragile environment of the Western Ghats, especially in the wake of natural disasters like the Wayanad landslides.
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