Kerala Government Proposes ESA Reduction to 8,591 sq km, Restricted to Forest Areas

The Kerala government has requested a reduction of the Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA) designation to 8,591 square kilometers, focusing exclusively on forest regions, as reported by The Times of India. This request comes in response to the central governments plan to declare 15,431 square kilometers of land in the Western Ghats as ESA, which includes regions populated by local communities and agricultural land.

The states move aims to balance environmental protection with economic development, acknowledging the need to preserve biodiversity while also considering the livelihoods of people living in the region. The Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna and is crucial for maintaining ecological balance and water resources.

State officials have stated that the proposed reduction in ESA boundaries reflects the states commitment to environmental conservation while also ensuring that the agricultural activities and development projects in the region are not unduly hampered. The government is expected to submit detailed representations and scientific data supporting its proposal to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

By limiting the ESA to forest areas, the Kerala government hopes to safeguard vital ecosystems without imposing restrictions on agricultural and developmental activities that significantly contribute to the states economy.