Kerala has submitted a proposal to the Centre seeking changes to the state’s Eco-Sensitive Area (ESA) map covering parts of the Western Ghats. The state has proposed limiting the ESA area to approximately 8,590.69 square kilometres, according to a report published today.
The Western Ghats are ecologically important because they contain forests, rivers, wildlife habitats and biodiversity-rich landscapes. At the same time, many people live and work in settlements located within or near the mountain region. As a result, decisions about eco-sensitive areas can have implications for both environmental protection and local development.
The ESA framework is intended to regulate activities that could cause significant environmental damage in ecologically fragile regions. Proposed restrictions can involve construction, mining, industrial activity and other land-use changes, depending on the final rules.
Kerala’s latest proposal seeks to revise the mapping of areas included under the ESA framework. The proposal will need to be considered by the Centre before any final changes are made.
The issue is particularly significant for communities in Kerala’s Western Ghats districts, where agriculture, housing, tourism and infrastructure development coexist with sensitive natural ecosystems
