Fourteen years after the Gadgil Committee recommended extensive environmental protections for the Western Ghats, progress remains stalled. The Gadgil report, issued in 2011, proposed that a substantial 75% of the Western Ghats’ 129,037 square kilometres be designated as ecologically sensitive due to its rich biodiversity and endemic species.
This proposal faced strong opposition from several states, which deemed the restrictions too stringent. In response to the controversy, a subsequent panel led by K. Kasturirangan recommended a reduced scope, proposing that 50% of the area be classified as eco-sensitive. However, even these recommendations encountered further dilution, resulting in four draft notifications being issued over the years.
As of July 22, the Union Ministry of Environment disclosed that a draft notification dated July 6, 2022, outlined an Eco-Sensitive Area (ESA) of 56,825 square kilometres, spanning six states: Goa, Gujarat, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu. Despite this, the finalisation of these zones has been persistently delayed, primarily due to objections from Kerala and Karnataka regarding the designation of certain areas. Both states have expressed concerns over the potential impacts on local industries and development activities.
To address these issues, the Ministry formed a committee to review the state governments’ objections comprehensively. This committee is tasked with balancing conservation needs with developmental aspirations of the region, reflecting the complex interplay between environmental preservation and economic interests. The latest draft notification, which was released on October 3, 2018, has since been revised to cover approximately 37% of the Western Ghats. The scope of this notification includes a complete ban on mining, quarrying, and sand mining, a phased cessation of existing mining operations, restrictions on new thermal power projects, and limitations on expanding polluting industries. The validity of this draft was extended until December 31, 2021, due to the disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
