Government Moves Draft Designating 57,000 Sq Km of Western Ghats As Eco-Sensitive Following Wayanad Tragedy

Following the Wayanad landslide tragedy, the center moves a draft notification which declares 57,000 Sq Km of western ghats as an ‘ecologically sensitive area.’

The area constitutes 13 villages of Wayanad and a 10,000 sq km area of Kerala state itself. As per the detailed document exclusively accessed by News18, the notification aims to declare around 36% of western ghats as eco-sensitive.

Also Read: Wayanad Landslide: ISRO Releases Images Of Before & After The Disaster

As per the draft notification, citizens have 60 days to submit their feedback to the Centre. Afterward, a final notification will be issued, either on a state-by-state basis or as a combined order.

In addition, areas of India’s six states are also proposed under ecologically sensitive category. The following states are Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Goa and Gujarat.

What Happens If These Areas Come Under Eco-Sensitive Category?

Under the ecologically-sensitive area category,  total ban will be enforced on mining, quarrying, and sand extraction.

In addition, all current mining operations must be phased out within five years from the final notification date or upon the expiration of existing mining leases, whichever comes first.

Moreover, no new thermal power projects or expansions of existing plants will be permitted in these areas. But new hydropower projects will be permitted only if they ensure an uninterrupted ecological flow of at least thirty percent of the river’s flow during the lean season, till a comprehensive study establishes individual baselines for each project.

Every industry which is designated under red category by Central Pollution Control Board or State Pollution Control Board, its expansion is completely banned. Its red categorization will be specified by Central Pollution Control Board.

Must Read: Gautam Adani Contributes Rs 5 Crore to Kerala Relief Fund Amidst Wayanad Landslides

The existing or already established red industries  including health care ones will operate under applied rules & regulations.

All new and expanding projects involving construction & buildings which possess built-up area of 20,000 square meters or more will prohibited. The new and expanded townships and area development projects covering 50 hectares or more, or a built-up area of 150,000 square meters or more, will also be prohibited.

About The Draft

Meanwhile, this notification has been moved for sixth time by the centre. The previous draft was released in July 2022, and a committee was formed to finalize the notification in consultation with state governments.

Notably, this proposal to designate western ghat areas (covering six states) as ecologically sensitive begun on 2013, ever since the High-Level Working Group has submitted its report.