Western Ghats and Eco-Sensitive Areas

• The Karnataka government recently rejected the Kasturirangan Committee Report, which recommended declaring a large portion of the Western Ghats as Eco-Sensitive Areas (ESAs). 
• This decision has reignited the debate on balancing ecological protection and developmental needs in this fragile region.

What Are Eco-Sensitive Areas (ESAs)?

• Eco-Sensitive Areas are regions identified as environmentally fragile due to their unique ecological, biological, and cultural value.
• Defined under the National Environment Policy, 2006.
• Notified by the Central Government under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

Objectives of ESAs

• To prevent environmental degradation due to human activities.
• To act as a buffer or shock absorber around Protected Areas like national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.
• Serve as transition zones between highly protected regions and areas with lesser restrictions.

Activities in ESAs

• The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) classifies activities into:

About the Western Ghats

Location and Geography

• Extends over 6 Indian states: Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.
• Stretches for ~1,600 km, covering around 140,000 sq. km.
• Comprises mountain ranges like:
  • Sahyadris (Maharashtra)
  • Nilgiris (Tamil Nadu & Karnataka)
  • Anaimalai & Cardamom Hills (Kerala & Tamil Nadu)

Key Features

• Highest peak: Anamudi (Kerala)
• Passes: Palghat Gap, Thal Ghat, and Bhor Ghat
• Forest types: Evergreen, semi-evergreen, moist deciduous, dry deciduous
• Mineral-rich: Deposits of iron, manganese, bauxite

Ecological Significance of Western Ghat 

• Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2012.
• One of the world's eight “hottest hotspots” of biodiversity.
• Though it covers only 6% of India's land area, it hosts:
  • Over 30% of India’s species of flora and fauna
  • More than 5,000 plant species (over 50% endemic)
  • 139 mammal species, including Nilgiri Tahr and Lion-tailed Macaque
  • 179 amphibian species, mostly endemic
  • 227 reptile species
  • 219 freshwater fish species (53% endemic)

Committees for Western Ghats Protection

Madhav Gadgil Committee (2011) 

• Proposed declaring the entire Western Ghats as an Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA).
• Divided the region into 3 zones:
  • ESZ 1: Very high ecological sensitivity
  • ESZ 2: High sensitivity
  • ESZ 3: Moderate sensitivity
• Emphasized community-led conservation.

Kasturirangan Committee (2013) 

• Recommended ESA declaration for 37% (~60,000 sq. km) of the Western Ghats.
• Karnataka would have the highest ESA area, followed by Maharashtra.
• Advocated for:
  • Color-coded industrial zoning
  • Use of Entry 20 (Economic Planning) in the Concurrent List for regulation

Recent Developments

• Six draft notifications have been issued by the central government to designate ESA areas.
• In the Brahmagiri Hills case, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) directed the Ministry of Environment to finalize the ESA declaration.
• States like Karnataka and Kerala have opposed ESA notification, citing concerns over livelihoods, development, and land use.

Importance of ESA Status for the Western Ghats

• Source of major rivers: Godavari, Krishna, Kaveri
• Acts as a climate stabilizer and carbon sink
• Supports indigenous communities and traditional farming
• Helps mitigate the impact of natural disasters like floods and landslides
• In-situ conservation of endemic and endangered species

Way Forward

• Develop scientific and community-informed ESA zoning based on ground-level ecological sensitivity.
• Improve Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA).
• Promote eco-tourism and agroforestry for livelihood sustainability.
• Ensure inter-state cooperation for uniform implementation of ESA guidelines.
• Strike a balance between conservation and development, focusing on nature-based solutions.