A committee, led by Sanjay Kumar, is currently in talks with the Ghat states – Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala – to address concerns regarding the declaration of the Western Ghats as an ecologically sensitive area (ESA). The recent landslides in Wayanad have highlighted the urgent need for conservation measures, following objections from states like Kerala.
Despite previous objections, states are now reconsidering conservation efforts after the tragic landslides claimed over 200 lives. The expert panel’s proposed protection schemes were initially rejected by the states due to concerns about development restrictions in the hilly regions along the coast.
Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav has criticized Kerala for not taking action against illegal mining and unregulated constructions, which exacerbated the landslides. The government’s delay in issuing the ESA notification has been attributed to pressure from illegal mining and tourism industries.
It is evident that immediate action is needed to prevent further environmental disasters in the ecologically sensitive Western Ghats region. Collaboration between the government and states is crucial to strike a balance between conservation efforts and sustainable development.
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