Centre Issues 7th Draft ESA Notification: 56,825.7 sq km in Western Ghats, 9,993.7 sq km in Kerala

Kerala Seeks Final Notification on Western Ghats ESA, Proposes Limiting to 8,590.69 sq km Forest Area

Kerala has formally submitted recommendations to the Centre to limit the Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA) in the Western Ghats to only forest areas covering 8,590.69 sq km, excluding all populated areas, farmlands, and plantations. The state, which has been demanding a final notification after multiple draft versions since 2014, plans to pass a resolution in the Assembly to press its case. This is a critical exam topic for understanding environmental governance, federal-state dynamics, and the developmental vs. conservation debate.

7th ESA Draft Notification: 9,993.7 sq km in 131 Kerala Villages Under Western Ghats Regulation

The 7th draft ESA notification for Kerala's Western Ghats has triggered protests from settlers and farmers who fear displacement and land-use restrictions. The notification covers 9,993.7 sq km across 131 villages, but the state government wants it reduced to 8,590.69 sq km excluding human habitations. This is a decade-old conflict between ecological conservation and livelihood rights, with implications for UPSC GS3 (Environment) and GS2 (Federalism, Governance).

Western Ghats ESA: Gadgil and Kasturirangan Reports, 5 Draft Notifications, State Opposition

The Western Ghats Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA) notification has been in limbo since 2010, with two major committee reports (Gadgil and Kasturirangan) offering contrasting approaches. With five draft notifications issued between 2014 and 2026 and states like Karnataka opposing the move, this issue is a classic UPSC case study on balancing conservation with livelihoods, federalism, and scientific decision-making.

7th ESA Draft Notification Covers 9,993.7 sq km in Kerala; 131 Villages Included Across 12 Districts

The Union government's seventh draft notification for Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESA) in the Western Ghats has designated 9,993.7 sq km in Kerala, affecting 131 villages across 12 districts. Farmers and residents fear restrictions on agriculture and habitation, demanding exclusion of populated areas before the final notification. This is a critical issue for environment and governance syllabus, highlighting the conflict between ecological conservation and livelihood rights.

Centre Amends EIA 2006: Port Environmental Clearance Validity Doubled to 20 Years, Extendable to 30

The Centre has doubled the validity of environmental clearances for ports and harbours from 10 years to a minimum of 20 years, with provisions for two five-year extensions. This amendment to the EIA 2006 notification aims to rationalise the clearance framework for long-gestation port projects, reducing compliance burden while maintaining environmental safeguards. For exam aspirants, this is a key policy change linking environmental regulation, infrastructure development, and governance.

72% of Punjab's Groundwater Blocks in 'Red Zone' as Extraction Rate Hits 152% - Pani Bachao Scheme Offers Cash for Conservation

Punjab's groundwater crisis deepens with an extraction rate of 152%, and 72% of its 153 blocks classified as 'over-exploited'. The rice-wheat cropping system, supported by subsidised electricity and assured procurement, drives this overuse. The 'Pani Bachao, Paisa Kamao' scheme offers cash incentives for electricity conservation, but low enrolment limits impact. This is a critical issue for UPSC Environment, Agriculture, and Governance papers.

Karnataka Assembly Unanimously Rejects Kasturirangan Report's ESA Framework for Western Ghats

The Karnataka Assembly unanimously rejected the Kasturirangan Report's recommendations for Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESAs) in the Western Ghats, citing livelihood fears and outdated satellite data. The rejection pressures Karnataka to produce an alternative map, as other states like Gujarat and Tamil Nadu are progressing with the framework.

SC-NBWL Clears 1,800 MW Hydropower Project in Panna-Ranipur Tiger Corridor Despite DFO Concerns

The Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife (SC-NBWL) has recommended clearance for a 1,800 MW pumped storage hydropower project in the Panna-Ranipur tiger corridor, overruling objections from a Madhya Pradesh forest officer who warned of corridor fragmentation. The project requires 411.48 hectares of forest land and will be allowed with mitigation measures including three wildlife overpasses. This decision highlights the tension between renewable energy expansion and wildlife conservation.