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Seventh Draft Notification Issued for Western Ghats ESA

Source:drishtiias ↗

Why It Matters

Important for MPSC aspirants tracking environmental policy, ecological conservation of the Western Ghats (Sahyadri), and notifications related to sustainable development and biodiversity protection.

Summary

The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has released the 7th draft notification for declaring the Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA) along the Western Ghats, spanning six states including Maharashtra, to balance conservation with sustainable development.

Key Points

  • The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has issued the 7th draft notification to declare an Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA) in the Western Ghats.
  • The notification covers a total area across six states: Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.
  • It aims to regulate developmental activities such as mining, quarrying, large construction, and thermal power plants to preserve the fragile biodiversity of the Western Ghats.
  • The governance framework builds upon recommendations from environmental committees like the Kasturirangan Committee and Gadgil Committee.

Important Terms

Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA) Notification

A designated region around protected areas, national parks, and sanctuaries where certain activities are regulated or prohibited to prevent ecological damage from human intervention.

UPSC context

MPSC Paper I/III (Geography & Environment): Tests understanding of environmental conservation policies, land-use regulations, and sustainable development trade-offs.

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

The Union Ministry responsible for planning, promoting, and coordinating environmental and forestry policies, wildlife protection, and pollution control across India.

UPSC context

MPSC Paper II/III (Governance & Environment): Important for questions on key ministries, regulatory bodies, and statutory notifications.

Source
Gadgil Committee (Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel)

A 2011 expert panel headed by Madhav Gadgil that recommended designating the entire Western Ghats as an Ecologically Sensitive Area with strict environmental safeguards.

UPSC context

MPSC Paper III (Environment and Biodiversity): Frequently asked in static and current environment questions comparing expert recommendations on Western Ghats conservation.

Source
Kasturirangan Committee

A 2013 high-level working group chaired by K. Kasturirangan that recommended bringing only 37% of the Western Ghats under the ESA to balance ecological preservation with development.

UPSC context

MPSC Paper III (Ecology and Biodiversity): Tests analytical knowledge of developmental models versus ecological vulnerability assessments in regional planning.

Source

Static Concepts Connected

Environment and Ecology Biodiversity

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

  • Gadgil Scope: Gadgil Report classified the entire Western Ghats as Ecologically Sensitive Zones (ESZ 1, 2, and 3) and recommended a blanket ban on mining and thermal power plants.
  • Kasturirangan Scope: Kasturirangan Report adopted a more developmental-friendly approach, classifying only 37% of the Western Ghats as ecologically sensitive and prohibiting only red-category industries.
  • Governance Focus: Both committees emphasized participatory governance, but Gadgil favored decentralized local bodies while Kasturirangan relied more on existing regulatory mechanisms.

Cross-Topic Patterns

  • Western Ghats ESA vs. PESA Act

    While Gadgil and Kasturirangan reports debate developmental restrictions in the Western Ghats, MPSC often tests these recommendations against Schedule V/VI tribal rights and Panchayat (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act provisions in forested tracts.

  • ESA Regulations vs. Mineral Security

    Proposals to curb mining and large construction in ESA zones intersect directly with India's net-zero transition and critical mineral supply chains, testing federal mineral rights versus central environmental decrees.

Expect a statement-based question comparing Gadgil (WGEEP) and Kasturirangan committee recommendations on Western Ghats restrictions.

Linked PYQs · 2

Linked PYQs · 2

  • 2017MPSC_PRELIMSGS1

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

  • 2025MPSC_PRELIMSGS1

    Kalsubai is the highest mountain peak in Maharashtra located in which of the following mountain ranges ?