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Source- This post on Eco-Sensitive Areas (ESAs) of Western Ghats has been created based on the article “Centre reissues draft notification on ecosensitive areas in Western Ghats” published in The Hindu on 03 August 2024.
Why in News?
Recently, the Union government, for the sixth time in a decade, has reissued a draft notification mentioning the eco-sensitive areas for Western Ghats. The draft notification classifies parts of the Western Ghats as eco-sensitive areas (ESAs).
Aim of the Eco-sensitive Areas Notification for Western Ghats
The draft notification aims to restrict economic activities like quarrying, mining, and large infrastructure development in the ecologically sensitive areas.
Previous Committee Recommendations Related to Eco-Sensitive Areas of Western Ghats
1. Gadgil Committee- The Gadgil committee report initially proposed to regulate developmental activities in the entire 1,60,000 sq km stretch of the Western Ghats. However, following consultations with residents, industrialists, and government officials, it recommended the creation of three broad zones- ESA 1, ESA 2 and ESA 3. ESA 1 and ESA 2 , invited the strictest restrictions on economic activity.
2. Kasturirangan Committee- K Kasturirangan report recommended demarcation of 37 per cent of the Western Ghats as an ecologically sensitive areas (ESAs) and complete ban on mining and quarrying in these protected zones. The committee also invited the States to draw up their own ESAs, with Kerala becoming the first state to demarcate ESA.
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UPSC Syllabus: Environment
