Maharashtra’s designation of ecologically sensitive areas (ESA) has significantly expanded, with a new draft notification from the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change revealing that 2,515 villages are now classified as eco-sensitive. This marks a notable increase of 382 villages, a 17% rise from the previous total of 2,133 as reported in a draft notification published in 2022.
The updated list, released on July 31, encompasses villages across 13 districts, with a notable inclusion of 333 villages in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). These villages are predominantly situated in tehsils such as Shahapur, Murbad, Wada, Mokhada, and Jawhar in the Thane and Palghar districts. The expanded ESA now covers approximately 17,340 square kilometres of Maharashtra within the broader Western Ghats ESA, which spans six states and totals 56,825 square kilometres.
The draft notification imposes a stringent regulatory framework for these eco-sensitive regions. It proposes a complete ban on new mining, quarrying, and sand mining activities, with a phased cessation of existing mines within five years. Furthermore, it prohibits new thermal power projects and the expansion of highly polluting industries in these areas. Stakeholders have a 60-day window to submit suggestions and objections regarding the draft.
This expansion follows a protracted debate on the extent of the eco-sensitive zone in the Western Ghats, which began in 2011. Initial recommendations by the Gadgil Committee suggested designating 75% of the Western Ghats as environmentally sensitive. Subsequent reviews by a second panel and a draft notification in 2018 reduced this area to 37%. However, these notifications faced delays and objections, preventing finalisation. The most recent draft follows a devastating landslide in Kerala’s Wayanad district that resulted in over 300 casualties.
The inclusion of additional villages, particularly in the MMR, is expected to stir opposition among political leaders and stakeholders concerned about the impact on construction, mining, and infrastructure projects. The evolving situation underscores the ongoing tension between environmental preservation and developmental interests in Maharashtra’s ecologically sensitive regions.
