July 18, 2025 8:21 am

Western Ghats Ecologically Sensitive Areas

CURRENT AFFAIRS: Western Ghats, Ecologically Sensitive Areas, Kasturirangan report, Sanjay Kumar panel, Gujarat ESA status, Goa compliance, Maharashtra environmental data, Wayanad landslide, Madhav Gadgil report, biodiversity protection

Western Ghats Ecologically Sensitive Areas

Importance of the Western Ghats

Western Ghats Ecologically Sensitive Areas: The Western Ghats are one of the eight “hottest hotspots” of biodiversity globally. Spanning six Indian states, they are home to countless endemic species and form the origin of major river systems like the Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri.

Static GK fact: The Western Ghats were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2012 due to their ecological significance.

Past efforts to protect the Ghats

In 2012, the Madhav Gadgil Committee recommended that the entire Western Ghats be declared Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESA). However, strong opposition from state governments led to its rejection. It was replaced by the more moderate Kasturirangan Committee, which suggested protecting 56,825 sq km out of the total area.

Current ESA review in 2025

A fresh review is underway, led by Sanjay Kumar, with a focus on Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Goa. This comes after years of stalled consensus. These three states are cooperating with the panel, and separate notifications are being considered to speed up protection.

Static GK tip: Gujarat’s Western Ghats portion is the smallest among the six states, while Kerala has the highest proportion of ecologically sensitive areas.

State-wise response

  • Gujarat has submitted minimal ESA area.
  • Maharashtra has actively provided updated data.
  • Goa has shown compliance with the committee’s demands.

The other states—Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu—will be addressed in later stages.

Consensus roadblocks

Karnataka has raised strong objections to the Kasturirangan recommendations, fearing adverse effects on local economies, plantation sectors, and real estate. This highlights the complex balance between conservation and development.

Legal and ecological priorities

The panel is cautious about legal compliance. Incentives are being explored to encourage states to support ESA measures. The larger goal remains protecting the ecological balance while ensuring sustainable livelihoods.

Triggering events increase urgency

The Wayanad landslides have intensified the urgency for environmental protections. Experts cite these events as direct outcomes of unchecked development in sensitive zones.

Static GK fact: Wayanad district lies in the northern part of Kerala’s Western Ghats, a region frequently affected by heavy monsoons.

What’s next?

The committee will finalise its review by August 2025. Phased notifications may be issued, ensuring states are not delayed by collective decision-making. This approach could lead to quicker implementation of critical conservation measures.

Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table

Western Ghats Ecologically Sensitive Areas:

Topic Detail
Total ESA proposed by Kasturirangan 56,825 sq km
Western Ghats UNESCO tag year 2012
Panel head for ESA review Sanjay Kumar
States under current ESA review Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa
Madhav Gadgil Committee year 2012
Kerala district hit by landslide Wayanad
Number of states in Western Ghats Six
Main rivers originating from Ghats Godavari, Krishna, Kaveri
Biodiversity status Global hotspot
Goa’s response to panel Compliant
Western Ghats Ecologically Sensitive Areas
  1. Western Ghats are a UNESCO World Heritage Site (2012) and a global biodiversity hotspot.
  2. The Ghats span six Indian states and are origin points for Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri
  3. The Madhav Gadgil Committee (2012) recommended declaring the entire Ghats as ESA.
  4. Due to state opposition, the Kasturirangan Committee proposed ESA for 56,825 sq km
  5. In 2025, a new review panel headed by Sanjay Kumar is revisiting ESA status.
  6. The current review focuses on Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Goa for ESA implementation.
  7. Gujarat has the smallest Ghats area and submitted minimal ESA land.
  8. Maharashtra provided updated data, actively participating in the ESA process.
  9. Goa is compliant with ESA recommendations of the review committee.
  10. Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu will be evaluated in later stages.
  11. Karnataka objects to ESA citing concerns over economy, plantations, and real estate.
  12. The review panel aims to balance environmental protection with sustainable livelihoods.
  13. The Wayanad landslide in Kerala has increased urgency for ecological safeguards.
  14. Wayanad lies in northern Kerala, often affected by heavy monsoons and deforestation.
  15. Phased notifications may be issued to avoid delays from inter-state disagreements.
  16. Legal frameworks and state-specific incentives are being considered for compliance.
  17. The Western Ghats host numerous endemic species, critical to ecological stability.
  18. The 2025 review may help streamline and fast-track conservation decisions.
  19. The ESA effort reflects India’s global biodiversity commitments and climate resilience goals.
  20. Development vs. conservation debate continues to challenge Western Ghats protection.

Q1. Which report originally recommended declaring the entire Western Ghats as Ecologically Sensitive Areas in 2012?


Q2. How much area did the Kasturirangan report propose for ESA status?


Q3. Which three states are currently under ESA review as of 2025?


Q4. What ecological disaster highlighted the urgency for Western Ghats protection?


Q5. Why has Karnataka objected to the Kasturirangan ESA recommendations?


Your Score: 0

Daily Current Affairs July 4

Descriptive CA PDF

One-Liner CA PDF

MCQ CA PDF​

CA PDF Tamil

Descriptive CA PDF Tamil

One-Liner CA PDF Tamil

MCQ CA PDF Tamil

CA PDF Hindi

Descriptive CA PDF Hindi

One-Liner CA PDF Hindi

MCQ CA PDF Hindi

News of the Day

Premium

National Tribal Health Conclave 2025: Advancing Inclusive Healthcare for Tribal India
New Client Special Offer

20% Off

Aenean leo ligulaconsequat vitae, eleifend acer neque sed ipsum. Nam quam nunc, blandit vel, tempus.