Following the deadly landslides in Wayanad, Kerala revises its Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA) proposal to protect 8,590 sq km of the Western Ghats. The updated plan is aimed at mitigating future risks and preserving biodiversity.
Kerala’s Revised ESA Proposal: Protecting Vulnerable Regions in the Western Ghats
In a critical move, the Kerala government has revised its proposal for declaring Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESAs) in the Western Ghats. The updated proposal seeks to protect 8,590.69 sq km of the region, which spans across 98 villages and 12 districts, following the devastating landslides in Wayanad that killed over 400 people in July 2024.
This revision comes after the government received feedback from various stakeholders and considers both ecological preservation and the developmental needs of local communities. The revised ESA area is 121 sq km smaller than the proposal submitted earlier in May 2024, reflecting efforts to address local concerns.
Important Revisions in the New ESA Proposal
Area Reduction: The revised ESA proposal reduces the total protected area by 121 sq km from the earlier submission, focusing on the most vulnerable zones.
Village Inclusion: The proposal covers 98 villages, including those in high-risk areas like Wayanad’s Chooralmala and Vellarimala, which were severely affected by the July landslides.
Focus on Fragile Areas: The updated plan gives priority to areas that face immediate threats from natural disasters, such as mudslides and soil erosion, which have been more prevalent due to the ongoing environmental degradation.
Why the Western Ghats Need Protection
The Western Ghats are one of the world’s most biologically diverse regions and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The area is crucial for:
Biodiversity Conservation: Housing several endemic species of plants and animals, many of which are found nowhere else on Earth.
Water Supply: Contributing to the watersheds that feed several major rivers in southern India.
Climate Regulation: Helping to maintain the monsoon patterns and regulate temperatures.
However, threats such as deforestation, mining, and unregulated tourism continue to put the region at risk. The ESA proposal aims to mitigate these threats by protecting the most ecologically sensitive areas.
The Aftermath of the Wayanad Landslides: A Call for Urgent Action
The deadly landslides in Wayanad in July 2024 have left a deep impact on the local communities and the government’s approach to ecological preservation. Areas such as Chooralmala, Mundakkai, and Vellarimala, which were devastated by the landslides, are now at the center of Kerala’s ESA revision. The state has made it a priority to ensure that these vulnerable regions are protected from further environmental degradation.
Balancing Conservation and Development Needs
While the revised ESA proposal is seen as a step toward better ecological protection, it has sparked concerns among local communities. Farmers and small-scale developers worry that stricter regulations might limit their access to land for agricultural and developmental purposes.
The Kerala government has assured that the proposal includes provisions for community consultation, aiming to strike a balance between development and conservation.
Union Ministry’s Role in ESA Approval
The Union Ministry of Environment is currently reviewing Kerala’s updated proposal as part of a larger national effort to designate 56,825 sq km of the Western Ghats as ESAs. The decision on this proposal will be vital in shaping India’s future conservation strategies for this important ecological region.
A Sustainable Path Forward
Kerala’s revised ESA proposal for the Western Ghats is a significant step toward protecting the region’s fragile ecosystems while addressing the needs of local communities. The proposal, which follows the devastating Wayanad landslides, underscores the importance of a balanced approach to conservation and development.
As the Union Ministry of Environment finalizes the ESA notification, Kerala’s proactive stance offers a model for how states can engage in sustainable conservation efforts while considering the socio-economic realities of their populations.
