KGPA seeks comprehensive review of Western Ghats ESA proposal

The district committee of the Kerala Grama Panchayat Association (KGPA) has called for a comprehensive review of the Centre’s draft notification proposing the demarcation of ecologically sensitive areas (ESAs) in the Western Ghats, particularly those proposed in Kozhikode district.

A resolution passed by the committee at a meeting of people’s representatives and local body heads at Kattippara on Thursday (September 3) said the proposed ESA boundaries should be examined based on their ecological, geographical, and socio-economic characteristics. It said the demarcation should not adversely affect the interests of local communities or development activities.

It urged the government to consider the concerns of grama panchayat presidents, members, and residents while finalising the ESA notification. It also appealed to the government to make necessary amendments to the proposal and submit its objections and recommendations to the Centre before the final notification was issued.