Kottayam High Ranges Mobilise Against Proposed Western Ghats ESA Tag

Residents across the high-range regions of Kottayam district in Kerala are actively protesting the Union government's latest draft notification proposing Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA) status for specific zones within the Western Ghats. This seventh draft, issued by the Centre, has sparked significant apprehension among local communities, who fear its potential impact on their livelihoods and daily existence.

The proposed ESA tag, part of a broader conservation effort for the biodiverse Western Ghats, would impose various restrictions on developmental activities, mining, quarrying, and certain agricultural practices in designated areas. Local panchayats and community organisations in Kottayam have expressed concerns that these measures could severely affect the approximately 70,000 individuals estimated to reside within the identified ESA boundaries.

Protesters argue that while environmental protection is crucial, the implementation of such stringent regulations must consider the socio-economic realities of the inhabitants who have lived and farmed in these areas for generations. They fear potential displacement, reduced agricultural output, and constraints on infrastructure development essential for their communities.

This long-standing debate surrounding the demarcation of ESAs in the Western Ghats has seen various expert committees, including the Gadgil and Kasturirangan panels, provide recommendations over the years. Each new draft notification reignites discussions about balancing ecological preservation with the developmental needs and traditional rights of indigenous and farming communities.

Local leaders are urging the Centre to engage in a more comprehensive dialogue with affected residents and local self-governing bodies before finalising the notification. They seek a balanced approach that safeguards the fragile ecosystem of the Western Ghats while also ensuring the welfare and sustainable living of the people dependent on these regions.