Karnataka Legislature Unanimously Rejects ESA Draft (7th Time); Demands Physical Survey of 20,668 sq km

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Report's recommendations for Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESAs) in the Western Ghats, citing livelihood fears and outdated satellite data.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.

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.

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

The Centre's seventh draft notification proposes to designate 56,825.7 sq km in Western Ghats as Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA) under Kasturirangan Committee recommendations. Farmers in Kerala, particularly in Kozhikode, fear restrictions on land use affecting livelihoods, and question omission of certain recommendations. This is critical for environment vs development debate in exam context.

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).

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.

Karnataka High Court Quashes Housing Board Land Acquisition in Bannerghatta ESZ, Upholds Elephant Corridor Protection

The Karnataka High Court quashed land acquisition for a housing project in the Bannerghatta National Park Eco-Sensitive Zone, ruling that elephant corridors are essential habitat, not mere passages, and cannot be displaced for development. This judgment reinforces the legal protection of wildlife corridors and eco-sensitive zones in land acquisition cases, a crucial topic for environment and governance.

Kasturirangan Report Implementation Opposed: 1,576 ESA Villages, 20,668 sq km in Karnataka

On September 15, 2026, Karnataka Minister Madhu Bangarappa declared the state government's opposition to implementing the Kasturirangan Report, citing threats to farmers of the Malnad region. The report proposes to declare 1,576 villages across 20,668 sq km as Eco-Sensitive Areas (ESA), sparking a conflict between environmental conservation and livelihood protection.

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.