The Indian government has taken a significant step towards protecting the ecologically fragile Western Ghats by issuing a draft notification to declare over 56,800 square kilometers of the region as an Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA). This proposal covers six states, including Kerala, where the recent devastating landslides in Wayanad claimed hundreds of lives.
The draft notification, released on July 31, includes 13 villages in Wayanad’s landslide-hit district, aiming to safeguard these sensitive areas. While the notification mentions villages like Periya, Thirunelli, and Thondernad, some severely affected regions, such as Mundakkai, Chooralmala, and Attamala in Vythiri taluka, are notably absent.
The proposed ESA designation for the Western Ghats aims to restrict activities that could harm the region’s delicate ecosystem. The draft notification suggests a complete ban on mining, quarrying, and sand mining, with existing mines being phased out within five years from the issuance of the final notification or the expiry of their existing leases, whichever comes first.
Furthermore, the draft prohibits the establishment of new thermal power projects and the expansion of existing ones. Expansion of ‘Red’ category industries, deemed highly polluting by pollution control boards, is also banned. The notification is open for public feedback for 60 days, allowing individuals and organizations to submit suggestions and objections before the final notification is issued.
This move comes amidst concerns about the impact of climate change, mining practices, and deforestation on the Western Ghats, which have contributed to the recent landslide disaster. The inclusion of Wayanad in the proposed ESA highlights the government’s recognition of the vulnerability of these areas and the need for stricter environmental regulations to prevent future tragedies.
