Western Ghats Eco-Sensitive Area (ESA) Proposal

The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has reissued the draft notification proposing an Eco-Sensitive Area across the Western Ghats for the seventh time. This is crucial for UPSC aspirants as it relates to GS Paper 3, focusing on environmental conservation and sustainable development. Last Updated: 29-07-2026

Key Facts About the Western Ghats Eco-Sensitive Area (ESA) Proposal

• The proposed ESA covers a vast 56,825.7 sq. km across six states, with Karnataka having the largest area at 20,668 sq. km and Gujarat the smallest at 449 sq. km.
• Activities such as commercial mining, stone quarrying, sand mining, new thermal power plants, and large-scale construction projects are completely banned.
• Hydro power projects will be strictly regulated, while agriculture and plantation activities remain unaffected.
• The notification proposes phased implementation, allowing state-wise or combined notification without full consensus.
• An expert committee led by Sanjay Kumar has been extended until July 2027 to address state objections and demarcation issues.

Significance of the Western Ghats ESA Proposal

The proposal is significant as it aims to protect one of the world's eight "hottest hotspots" of biological diversity. The Western Ghats play a crucial role in India's climate regulation, monsoon patterns, and hydrology. The region contributes to about 10% of India's forest-based carbon sequestration, aligning with India's strategic goals of environmental sustainability and biodiversity conservation.

UPSC Relevance

The Western Ghats ESA proposal is relevant for GS Paper 3, focusing on environmental conservation, biodiversity, and sustainable development. In the prelims, questions could focus on the geographical spread, key features of the ESA, and its ecological significance. For the mains, it connects to themes of balancing development with conservation, the role of government policies in environmental protection, and the challenges of federalism in ecological governance.

FAQ Section

• What is the Western Ghats ESA Proposal?
  The proposal aims to designate the Western Ghats as an Eco-Sensitive Area to protect its rich biodiversity and ecological significance, restricting certain human activities to prevent environmental degradation.
• Why is the Western Ghats ESA important?
  The ESA is crucial for preserving the Western Ghats' unique biodiversity, regulating India's climate and monsoon, and supporting millions of livelihoods dependent on its natural resources.
• What are the key features of the ESA proposal?
  The proposal includes a ban on certain industrial activities, phased implementation, and regulated hydro power projects, while ensuring traditional agricultural practices remain unaffected.