Archive · 27 Jul 2026
Western Ghats ESA Deadlock Continues
The Western Ghats are a very important and delicate area in India.
The government set up a committee in 2022 to figure out which parts should be protected because they are so special.
They made a plan in July 2024, but the states involved have different ideas about what should be protected and what can be used for development.
The committee was given more time to sort this out because they couldn't agree.
The plan affects six states and covers a huge area of over 56,000 square kilometers.
Some people want to protect the environment, while others want to use the land for things like industries and buildings.
The committee has to balance these different needs.
An expert committee was given a year’s extension to resolve the ESA demarcation deadlock in the Western Ghats.
The July 2024 draft notification declared 56,825.7 sq km as ESA across six states.
The deadlock continues as the committee and the Centre work to finalize the ESA demarcation.
The extension was given to break the deadlock on the finalization of ESAs.
The Western Ghats region includes Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala.
- Who
- Union environment ministry and an expert committee
- What
- Extension of the committee's term to resolve ESA demarcation deadlock
- When
- Late last month
- Where
- Western Ghats region across six states
- Why
- To finalize the demarcation of ecologically sensitive areas (ESAs)
Environmental Conservation
State Development Interests
Purpose of ESA Demarcation
Environmental Conservation
Protects biodiversity and ecological balance in the Western Ghats.
State Development Interests
Restricts development and economic activities in the region.
Impact on Local Economies
Environmental Conservation
Ensures long-term sustainability and ecological health.
State Development Interests
Hinders industrial and infrastructural growth, affecting local economies.
- Committee Formation
- 2022
- Extension Given
- Late last month
- Draft Notification Date
- July 31, 2024
- Total ESA Declared
- 56,825.7 sq km
- States Involved
- Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala