Article 3: To protect Western Ghats, southern states must break impasse
Why in news: After Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Goa agreed to the Kasturirangan Committee recommendations, implementation of the long-pending Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA) proposal for the Western Ghats has gained renewed momentum.
Key Details
- ESA Proposal: Recommends declaring 60,000 sq km (37%) of the Western Ghats as an Ecologically Sensitive Area with restrictions on mining, polluting industries, thermal plants, and large construction.
- Recent Progress: Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Goa have accepted the proposal, enabling protection of nearly 19,000 sq km, while Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu are yet to agree.
- Ecological Significance: The Western Ghats are a global biodiversity hotspot, influence the Indian monsoon, and are the source of major rivers including the Godavari, Krishna, Cauvery, and Periyar.
- Conservation Need: The 2018 Kerala floods and 2024 Wayanad landslide highlighted the ecological fragility of the region and the consequences of unregulated development.
Delay in ESA Implementation
- Implementation of the K. Kasturirangan Committee recommendations has been delayed for over 12 years.
- The Committee proposed declaring 60,000 sq km (about 37%) of the Western Ghats as an Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA).
- Proposed restrictions included a ban on mining, polluting industries, thermal power plants, and large construction projects.
- Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka initially opposed the proposal, citing development concerns.
- Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Goa have now agreed, enabling ESA protection in around 19,000 sq km.
Ecological Importance of the Western Ghats
- One of the world's eight hottest biodiversity hotspots, rich in endemic flora and fauna.
- Acts as a barrier to monsoon winds, ensuring heavy rainfall along the western coast.
- Origin of major rivers such as the Godavari, Krishna, Cauvery, and Periyar.
- Plays a crucial role in water security, climate regulation, carbon sequestration, and biodiversity conservation.
- Supports millions of people through essential ecosystem services.
Challenges to Conservation
- The region has a high population density, creating pressure for infrastructure and economic development.
- State governments fear ESA restrictions may affect industrial growth and employment.
- Environmental protection is often viewed as conflicting with development objectives.
- Ecologists argue that ESA norms do not restrict agriculture or farmers' livelihoods.
- Climate change has increased concerns over balancing ecological conservation and economic growth.
Lessons from Recent Disasters
- The 2018 Kerala floods highlighted the consequences of ecological degradation.
- The 2024 Wayanad landslide exposed the vulnerability of fragile mountain ecosystems.
- Unregulated development increases the risk of landslides, floods, and soil erosion.
- Protecting the Western Ghats strengthens climate resilience and disaster mitigation.
- Sustainable land-use planning is essential for long-term environmental security.
Way Forward
- Bring Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu, which contain about two-thirds of the proposed ESA, into the consensus.
- Introduce Payments for Ecosystem Services (PES) to compensate local communities for conservation efforts.
- Balance economic aspirations with ecological sustainability through participatory policymaking.
- Promote awareness that environmental conservation also protects agriculture and livelihoods.
- Build a cooperative framework to implement the Kasturirangan Committee recommendations while ensuring sustainable development.
Conclusion
Protecting the Western Ghats is essential for India's water security, biodiversity, climate resilience, and disaster risk reduction. Effective implementation of the ESA framework requires cooperation between the Centre, states, and local communities. Sustainable development, supported by compensation for ecosystem services and scientific planning, can reconcile environmental conservation with economic aspirations, ensuring long-term ecological and developmental benefits.
Descriptive question:
Q. "The Western Ghats are vital for India's ecological security but face increasing developmental pressures." Discuss the significance of the Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA) framework and the challenges in its implementation. (250 words, 15 marks)
Source: The Indian Expres