Environment & Climate

Western Ghats Draft Notification Triggers Protests Over ESA Tag

14 September 2026UPSCSSC

In Brief

Centre issues seventh draft notification declaring Ecologically Sensitive Areas across Western Ghats states.

The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has issued its seventh draft notification to demarcate Ecologically Sensitive Areas across the Western Ghats region. The draft has sparked fresh local resistance in Kerala high-range districts like Kottayam and Idukki, affecting nearly 70,000 residents.

The Western Ghats, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and biodiversity hotspot, require legal protection against unregulated urbanization, mining, and industrialization. The exercise originated from reports submitted by the Madhav Gadgil-led Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel and the subsequent K. Kasturirangan Working Group.

This development is highly critical for UPSC GS-III Environment syllabus. Aspirants should expect questions on the comparative analysis of Gadgil vs Kasturirangan committee recommendations, statutory protections under the Environment Protection Act 1986, and balancing conservation with livelihood rights in sensitive eco-zones.

UPSC Study NotesHIGHGS3 — Environment & Ecology; GS2 — Governance & Federal Issues

GS3 — Environment & Ecology; GS2 — Governance & Federal Issues

📌 Exam Angle

UPSC commonly asks comparative analysis questions on Gadgil vs Kasturirangan recommendations—expect MCQs on their key differences (Gadgil's stricter 60% ESA demarcation vs Kasturirangan's 37%). Mains may ask: "Critically evaluate the balance between environmental conservation and livelihood rights in Western Ghats ESA notifications" with emphasis on federal tensions between Centre and states.

⚠️ Key Concerns

The persistent local resistance (seven drafts issued) reveals the classic Centre-State friction and conflict between conservation mandates and livelihood displacement affecting 70,000+ residents. UPSC probes this contradiction: Can environmental protection ignore socio-economic costs? The notification's restricted activities (mining bans, industrial curbs) impact revenue-dependent states like Kerala and Karnataka.

💡 Why It Matters

This exemplifies India's struggle to implement UNESCO World Heritage obligations while respecting federalism and local economies. It reflects broader tensions in balancing sustainable development with constitutional rights of citizens in ecologically critical zones.

🔑 Must Remember

• Kasturirangan Committee's 37% ESA coverage was more lenient than Gadgil's 60% proposal • ESAs restrict mining, quarrying, thermal power plants, and red-category industries completely • Seventh draft indicates persistent stakeholder resistance across six states over resource use restrictions

📝 Key Terms

Western GhatsEcologically Sensitive AreasGadgil CommitteeKasturirangan Working GroupUNESCO World Heritage Sitebiodiversity hotspotEnvironment Protection Act 1986Centre-State tensions

Western Ghats Draft Notification Triggers Protests Over ESA Tag

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