The proposed exclusion of 388 villages from the list of Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESAs) in the Western Ghats has ignited widespread concern among environmentalists in Navi Mumbai. The move, outlined in a draft notification issued by the Maharashtra state government, has raised fears about the long-term consequences for the region’s biodiversity and the livelihoods of local communities. Environmental activists have vehemently opposed the government’s proposal, urging the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MOEF &CC) to reconsider the decision.
They argue that the exclusion of these villages, particularly in the Konkan region, could lead to severe environmental degradation, deforestation, water pollution, and loss of biodiversity. The draft notification, which has a deadline of September 27 for public comments, seeks to remove 323 villages from the ESA list, of which 55 are earmarked for industrial development. This move raises concerns about the potential impact on the region’s delicate ecosystems and the displacement of local communities. Environmental experts and botanists have conducted numerous studies highlighting the detrimental effects of excessive development in ecologically sensitive areas.
The Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to a rich biodiversity and plays a crucial role in the region’s ecology. The activists’ concerns are echoed by local communities, who fear that the exclusion of their villages from the ESA list could threaten their livelihoods and way of life. They rely heavily on the natural resources and ecosystems of the Western Ghats for their sustenance and cultural heritage. The proposed delisting of villages from the ESA list raises serious questions about the government’s priorities and its commitment to environmental conservation. It is imperative that the MOEF &CC carefully consider the potential consequences of this decision and take steps to protect the Western Ghats’ fragile ecosystems.
