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

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.

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).

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.

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.

AP Assembly Adopts Water Amendment Act 2024: Penalties of ₹10K-₹15L for Minor Violations

Andhra Pradesh has adopted the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Amendment Act, 2024, decriminalising minor technical violations by replacing criminal penalties with financial fines (₹10,000–₹15 lakh). This is a key shift toward trust-based governance and ease of doing business, and a potential Prelims/Mains topic on environmental law reforms.

Karnataka Parks & BMLTA Amendments Shield Tunnel Road Project; 5% Park Land Use Allowed

The Karnataka government has passed two controversial bills amending the Parks (Preservation) Act and the BMLTA Act, which critics allege are designed to shield the Chief Minister's pet Tunnel Road project from three pending PILs in court. The amendments allow the state to use 5% of protected park land for public infrastructure and grant retrospective approval to projects initiated between 2022-2026, potentially bypassing legal scrutiny.