Western Ghats Declared Ecologically Sensitive Area in New Draft Notification

The Centre has issued a notification to declare over 56,800 square kilometres of the Western Ghats as an Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA). The proposal spans six states, including Kerala's landslide-hit Wayanad. The notification bans mining, quarrying, and new thermal power projects in the ESA.

The Centre has recently issued a fifth draft notification to designate more than 56,800 square kilometres of the Western Ghats as an Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA). This designation includes 13 villages in Wayanad, Kerala, affected by landslides that killed over 290 people.

The notification, issued on July 31, proposes including 9,993.7 sq km in Kerala and covers additional areas in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. The declaration aims to restrict mining, quarrying, and new thermal power projects within these ecologically fragile zones.

The draft notification specifically mandates a complete ban on mining activities, including sand mining, with existing operations to be phased out within five years. It also prohibits large-scale construction projects while allowing for the repair and renovation of existing buildings.

(With inputs from agencies.)