Centre Reissues Draft Notification for Eco-Sensitive Zones in Western Ghats

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) reissued a comprehensive draft notification on August 8, 2026, proposing to declare approximately 56,800 square kilometers of contiguous forest area across six states in the Western Ghats as an Eco-Sensitive Area (ESA). The notification seeks to protect the fragile ecological landscape of the Western Ghats—a UNESCO World Heritage Site and global biodiversity hotspot—while regulating commercial mining, large infrastructure projects, and polluting industries.

Context & The Gadgil vs Kasturirangan Debate

The ecological conservation of the Western Ghats has been a subject of intense policy deliberation for over a decade. In 2011, the Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel (WGEEP) led by Dr. Madhav Gadgil recommended designating the entire 1,600 km mountain range as an Eco-Sensitive Zone, dividing it into three strict conservation tiers. Subsequently, the High-Level Working Group chaired by Dr. K. Kasturirangan in 2013 proposed a balanced framework, recommending that 37% (~59,940 sq km) of the Western Ghats be classified as ESA.

The reissued 2026 draft notification covers 56,800 sq km spanning 6 states:

• Gujarat (~449 sq km)
• Maharashtra (~17,340 sq km)
• Goa (~1,461 sq km)
• Karnataka (~20,668 sq km)
• Kerala (~9,993 sq km)
• Tamil Nadu (~6,914 sq km)

Under the proposed ESA rules, a complete ban is enforced on mining, quarrying, thermal power plants, red-category heavy polluting industries, and large township developments. However, agriculture, plantation activities, and existing residential dwellings remain fully exempted.

Significance & Biodiversity Conservation Impact

Demarcating an Eco-Sensitive Area across the Western Ghats protects essential watershed origin points for major peninsular rivers—including the Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri. Protecting contiguous tropical evergreen forest corridors safeguards endangered endemic fauna like the Nilgiri Tahr, Lion-tailed Macaque, and Asian Elephant. For environmental governance, establishing clear ESA boundaries mitigates natural disaster risks, such as destructive landslides and flash floods during monsoonal deluges.

Ecologists emphasize that balancing ecological protection with local agrarian livelihoods under participatory forest management is essential for long-term sustainable development.

Exam Relevance & Syllabus Connection

This environmental policy notification is directly relevant for UPSC CSE candidates under GS Paper 3 (Environment, Biodiversity & Climate Change; Western Ghats ESA; Gadgil vs Kasturirangan Reports; Environment Protection Act 1986). Candidates should study EPA 1986 rules, Western Ghats ecology, and landslide mitigation.

Key Takeaways & Figures

• Issuing Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
• Proposed ESA Extent: ~56,800 square kilometers across 6 states.
• Covered States: Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala & Tamil Nadu.
• Prohibited Activities: Mining, thermal power plants, red-category industries & commercial quarrying.
• Permitted Activities: Agriculture, horticulture, traditional plantations & residential maintenance.

Analytical Perspective for Civil Services

From an environmental governance standpoint, declaring Eco-Sensitive Areas under the Environment (Protection) Act 1986 balances ecological conservation with sustainable local economic development. Protecting watershed catchments in the Western Ghats ensures climate resilience and water security across Peninsular India.

Source & Attribution

According to official gazette notifications published by MoEFCC on 8 August 2026, the draft was reissued. The story was reported by The Hindu, Indian Express, and Press Trust of India (PTI).