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Western Ghats Ecologically Sensitive Area draft notification released

Source:mysamvidhan ↗

Why It Matters

Crucial for MPSC and civil services aspirants studying environmental governance, biodiversity hotspots, and sustainable development frameworks in India.

Summary

The article discusses the draft notification issued for declaring parts of the Western Ghats (Sahyadri) as an Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA) to curb environmental degradation, protect endemic flora and fauna, and implement recommendations from committees like Kasturirangan and Gadgil.

Key Points

  • The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has released draft notifications to declare parts of the Western Ghats as an Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA) to protect its fragile biodiversity.
  • The Western Ghats (Sahyadri) stretch across six states—Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu—and are recognized as a global biodiversity hotspot.
  • The push for ESA notification stems from recommendations of expert bodies like the Madhav Gadgil Committee and K. Kasturirangan Committee, balancing ecological conservation with developmental needs.
  • The draft notification proposes restrictions on mining, quarrying, thermal power plants, large construction projects, and red-category industries within the designated ESA zones.

Important Terms

Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA) Draft Notification

A statutory mechanism under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, designating vulnerable geographic zones to regulate commercial activities, mining, and large constructions to safeguard endemic biodiversity and mitigate climate risks.

UPSC context

MPSC Rajyaseva Environment & Ecology: Tests statutory provisions under EPA 1986, Western Ghats biodiversity conservation, and developmental trade-offs.

Source
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC)

The nodal Union ministry responsible for formulating environmental and forestry policies, administering the Environment (Protection) Act, and issuing eco-sensitive zone notifications across India.

UPSC context

MPSC Governance: Tests central administrative machinery, environmental governance, and statutory notification powers.

Source
Gadgil Committee (Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel)

The 2011 panel chaired by Madhav Gadgil that recommended designating the entire Western Ghats as an ecologically sensitive zone with graded restrictions on developmental activities.

UPSC context

MPSC Environment: Tests landmark ecological committees, participatory resource management, and regional conservation debates.

Source
Kasturirangan Committee (High Level Working Group)

The 2013 high-level working group led by K. Kasturirangan that advocated a balanced approach by restricting the ESA designation to roughly 37 percent of the Western Ghats landscape.

UPSC context

MPSC Geography & Environment: Tests expert recommendations on sustainable development versus economic needs in the Western Ghats.

Source

Static Concepts Connected

Environment and Biodiversity Conservation

What are the key differences between the Gadgil Committee and Kasturirangan Committee reports on the Western Ghats?

  • Gadgil Scope: Entire region: Gadgil (WGEEP) recommended classifying the entire Western Ghats as an Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA) with 3 zones.
  • Kasturirangan Scope: 37 percent: Kasturirangan (HLWG) recommended bringing only 37% (approx. 60,000 sq km) of the Western Ghats under ESA.
  • Governance Model: Regulatory approach: Gadgil suggested a bottom-up decentralized governance model, whereas Kasturirangan favoured a top-down prohibitive approach on red-category industries.

Cross-Topic Patterns

  • Western Ghats ESA + Federalism & State Autonomy

    The Western Ghats traverse 6 states, creating federal friction between union environmental mandates and state-level mining/agrarian interests.

  • Environmental Protection + Industrial Development & Mining

    Proposing ESAs directly impacts mining leases and red-category industries, balancing green growth with industrial output.

Kasturirangan vs Gadgil committee recommendations and the 6 states covered in Western Ghats ESA frequently feature in MPSC statement questions.

Linked PYQs · 3

Linked PYQs · 3

  • 2025MPSC_PRELIMSGS1

    Match the following. | Biosphere Reserve | Establishment Year | |---|---| | a. Nilgiri | I. 2011 | | b. Sundarban | II. 2008 | | c. Kutch | III. 1989 | | d. Panna | IV. 1986 | Code: a b c d

  • 2022MPSC_PRELIMSGS1

    In India, which of the following has become a hot-spot with reference to threats to biodiversity ?

  • 2017MPSC_PRELIMSGS1

    Which of the following mountains are considered as one of the top biodiversity hot spots ?