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Category — GS Paper 3 ///Published — 2026-06-24 ///Exam — Both Prelims and Mains ///Tags — Environment, Western Ghats, Biodiversity ///Category — GS Paper 3 ///Published — 2026-06-24 ///Exam — Both Prelims and Mains ///Tags — Environment, Western Ghats, Biodiversity ///

News · GS Paper 3

Western Ghats: A Step Closer to ESA Notification After 13 Years

The Centre is set to finalize and notify Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESA) in the Western Ghats, nearly 13 years after the first draft notification. Over 56,000 sq km across six states will be demarcated as ESA based on the Kasturirangan Committee Report. The Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and global biodiversity hotspot, will receive legal protection under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

2026-06-24

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Background

The journey to protect the Western Ghats has been long and contentious:

2011: The Madhav Gadgil Committee recommended stronger protection for the entire Western Ghats
2013: Following State objections, the Kasturirangan Committee reduced the proposed ESA area by distinguishing between natural and cultural landscapes
2024: The Centre is now preparing to finalize the ESA notification after 13 years

Proposed ESA Coverage

Area: Over 56,000 sq km
States covered: Six states - Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu
Basis: Mainly the K. Kasturirangan Committee Report, 2013

Legal Framework

Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESA)

Notified under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
Provides legal protection to ecologically fragile regions
Regulates activities that may damage:
Biodiversity
Forests
Water systems
Ecological connectivity

Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs)

Designated by MoEFCC around Protected Areas
Serve as "shock absorbers" between highly protected areas and less protected regions
In existence since 2002

Restricted Activities in ESA

The following activities are proposed to be banned or heavily restricted:

New mining and quarrying projects
Thermal power plants
Red-category highly polluting industries
Large construction projects of 20,000 sq m or above

Permitted Activities

ESA status does not stop all human activity. Environment-friendly activities may be encouraged:

Organic farming
Rainwater harvesting
Green technology
Sustainable local livelihoods

Significance of Western Ghats

UNESCO World Heritage Site
One of the world's hottest biodiversity hotspots
Known as the "water tower of peninsular India" because:
They influence the monsoon
Feed major rivers

Constitutional/Legal Provisions

Environment (Protection) Act, 1986: Primary legislation for ESA notification
Article 48A (Directive Principles of State Policy): Protection of environment
Article 51A(g): Fundamental Duty to protect and improve the natural environment