Centre Notifies Seventh Draft of Western Ghats ESA

The Union Environment Ministry reissued the seventh draft notification for an Ecologically Sensitive Area across the Western Ghats on 27 July 2026. The proposed Ecologically Sensitive Area covers 56,825.7 sq. km across six states: Karnataka, Maharashtra, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Goa and Gujarat.

Western Ghats as a Biodiversity Region

The Western Ghats is a mountain chain along the western edge of India and is recognised as one of the world’s major biodiversity hotspots. The range extends through six states and includes forests, grasslands, rivers and hill ecosystems.

Proposed State-wise Coverage

The draft assigns 20,668 sq. km to Karnataka, 17,340 sq. km to Maharashtra, 9,993.7 sq. km to Kerala, 6,914 sq. km to Tamil Nadu, 1,461 sq. km to Goa and 449 sq. km to Gujarat. In Goa, the draft retains 108 villages under the proposed ESA.

Regulatory Features of an ESA

An Ecologically Sensitive Area is a notified region under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, where activities are restricted to protect fragile ecosystems. In the finalised ESA, mining, quarrying, sand mining, new thermal power plants, certain industries and large construction projects are prohibited, while hydel power generation is regulated.

Public Consultation and Committee Process

The draft notification remains open for public objections and suggestions for 60 days before the Centre considers a final notification. The expert committee headed by Sanjay Kumar has been extended until July 2027 to examine objections and suggestions from the states.

Important Facts for Exams

• The Western Ghats were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2012.
• Ecologically Sensitive Areas are notified under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
• The Western Ghats pass through Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
• Goa’s seventh draft retains 108 villages within the proposed Ecologically Sensitive Area.

State-Level Concerns

The draft has remained under discussion because of differences between the Centre and the six Western Ghats states on village boundaries and land-use restrictions. Kerala and Karnataka have raised concerns over the impact of demarcation on livelihoods and development.