Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: A crucial decision on the long-pending proposal to declare large parts of the Western Ghats as Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESA) is expected in the coming weeks, with the latest draft notification nearing the end of its validity period.
The current draft, issued by the Union Government in July 2024, is scheduled to expire in late July 2026. With the deadline approaching, uncertainty remains over whether the Centre will issue a final notification for the ecologically fragile mountain range or release yet another draft for further consultations.
The proposal seeks to bring over 56,000 square kilometres of the Western Ghats under an environmentally sensitive regime. The notified area would span portions of six states — Goa, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
The process has witnessed several rounds of revisions over the years. Since the first draft was published more than a decade ago, multiple versions have been issued as authorities attempted to address concerns raised by state governments and local stakeholders.
One of the primary reasons for the delay has been opposition from the affected states, which have questioned the inclusion of certain villages and regions within the proposed eco-sensitive boundaries. These concerns have led to prolonged discussions between the Centre and state administrations.
A final notification would strengthen environmental safeguards in one of the country’s most important ecological landscapes. The Western Ghats are recognised for their rich biodiversity, unique wildlife habitats and critical role in water security. Activities considered environmentally damaging could face tighter regulation within the notified areas.
Meanwhile, the tenure of the expert panel facilitating discussions with state governments is also expected to conclude in July 2026, adding urgency to the decision-making process.
With both the draft notification and the committee’s term approaching their end, environmentalists, policymakers and local communities are closely watching the Centre’s next move, which will shape the future of conservation efforts in the Western Ghats.
