Keralam to argue for restricting ESA to 98 villages and 8,590.69 sq km
Keralam (Kerala) plans to reiterate its demand to restrict the Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA) in the Western Ghats to 98 villages and 8,590.69 sq km, ahead of the objection deadline for the Centre's notification. The State seeks special treatment, proposing to limit ESA to forest and leased forest plantations, while conservationists argue against any dilution of norms.
Why it matters
This issue highlights the ongoing conflict between environmental conservation efforts in the biodiversity-rich Western Ghats and the socio-economic concerns of local communities and state governments regarding development restrictions. The outcome will have significant implications for both ecology and human livelihoods in the region.
Keralam would reiterate its demand to restrict the Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA) in its Western Ghats region to 98 villages spread over 8,590.69 sq km, as the last date for filing objections to the Centre’s notification of ESAs expires on Friday (September 25, 2026).
The objection, which demands special treatment and categorisation for the State, also pitches for restricting the ESA to forest and the leased forest plantations. The proposals are likely to come up for the consideration of the State Cabinet on Wednesday (September 23, 2026).
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