Centre reissues notification on Western Ghats eco-sensitive zone amid deadlock with States
The Union Environment Ministry has reissued a draft notification for the seventh time to establish an ecologically sensitive area across the Western Ghats. The proposal faces ongoing resistance from six states concerned about the impact on local development, agriculture, and infrastructure.
Why it matters
This deadlock highlights the persistent tension between national environmental conservation goals and state-level economic development priorities in India.
The Union Environment Ministry has reissued, for the seventh time in over a decade, its draft notification proposing an ecologically sensitive area (ESA) across the Western Ghats, after the previous draft lapsed on July 27 without being finalised.
The latest draft, issued on July 27, 2026, will remain open for public objections for 60 days before the Centre considers issuing a final notification. The notification reiterates that once finalised, it would prohibit mining, quarrying, sand mining, new thermal power plants, certain industries and large construction projects within the ESA, while regulating activities such as hydel power generation.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in