Centre’s stand on ESA draft unacceptable to Kerala government, says MP
MP Francis George has criticized the central government for ignoring Kerala's recommendations regarding the demarcation of Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESA). He argues that the current draft fails to exclude human settlements and agricultural lands from the protected zones.
Why it matters
This reflects a long-standing conflict between central environmental conservation policies and the socio-economic needs of local populations in Kerala.
Parliament member Francis George has criticised the Centre for refusing to accept the reports and recommendations submitted by the Kerala government on the demarcation of the Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA).
In a statement, Mr.George said the draft notification issued on July 27 had failed to accommodate Kerala’s long-standing demand that human habitations, plantations and agricultural lands be completely excluded from the proposed ESA.
According to Mr. George, the latest draft notification retains the same proposal contained in the 2024 draft, under which 9,993.7 sq. km spread across 131 villages in Kerala would be notified as an Ecologically Sensitive Area.
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