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GS Paper: GS3-18.Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation, EIA

  • Western Ghats Eco-Sensitive Area notification remains deadlocked

    Why in News

    1. The Union Environment Ministry’s expert committee on Western Ghats Ecologically Sensitive Areas has had its tenure extended to July 2027.
    2. The 2024 draft notification covering 56,825 sq km remains unresolved across six states.

    Key Highlights

    1. Panel extension: Expert committee tenure extended to July 2027.
    2. Draft notification scope: 2024 draft notification covers 56,825 sq km across six states.
    3. Background dispute: The unresolved notification continues the divergence between the Gadgil Committee Report and the Kasturirangan Committee Report on how much of the Western Ghats should fall under Eco-Sensitive Area status.

    What is an Eco-Sensitive Area (ESA)?

    • Ecologically fragile areas notified under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
    • Act as “shock absorbers” around protected ecosystems by regulating developmental activities.
    • Aim to balance environmental conservation with sustainable development.

    Gadgil Committee vs Kasturirangan Committee

    Gadgil Committee (Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel, 2011)

    • Recommended about 64% of the Western Ghats as ESA.
    • Favoured strict conservation with a bottom-up, community-led approach.
    • Proposed a ban on mining, quarrying and highly polluting industries in sensitive zones.
    • Emphasised Gram Sabha participation in environmental governance.

    Kasturirangan Committee (High-Level Working Group, 2013)

    • Recommended about 37% of the Western Ghats (around 59,940 sq km) as ESA.
    • Used satellite imagery to identify ecologically sensitive landscapes.
    • Allowed greater flexibility for agriculture and human settlements.
    • Focused on balancing ecological protection with economic development.

    Significance of the Western Ghats

    • One of the world’s eight hottest biodiversity hotspots.
    • Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    • Origin of major peninsular rivers including Godavari, Krishna, Kaveri and Periyar.
    • Plays a crucial role in regulating the South-West Monsoon.
    • Supports rich biodiversity with a high proportion of endemic flora and fauna.
    • Provides vital ecosystem services, including water security and climate regulation.

    [2016] ‘Gadgil Committee Report’ and ‘Kasturirangan Committee Report’, sometimes seen in the news, are related to

    (a) constitutional reforms

    (b) Ganga Action Plan

    (c) linking of rivers

    (d) protection of Western Ghats

    “[2014] With reference to ‘Eco-Sensitive Zones’, which of the following statements is/are correct?

    1. Eco-Sensitive Zones are the areas that are declared under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

    2. The purpose of the declaration of Eco-Sensitive Zones is to prohibit all kinds of human activities in those zones except agriculture.

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) Both 1 and 2

    (d) Neither 1 nor 2