14-June-2024-Special-Article

3 STATES SEEK SHRINKING OF ECO-SENSITIVE AREAS IN WESTERN GHATS 

The Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a biodiversity hotspot that spans six states in India: Kerala, Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu.  

In order to conserve its unique ecology while allowing for sustainable development, the concept of Eco-Sensitive Areas (ESAs) was introduced. ESAs are designated regions where certain activities are regulated to minimize environmental impact. 

Background of Western Ghats Eco-Sensitive Area 

• High-Level Working Group: Formed in 2013 under Dr. Kasturirangan’s chairmanship to recommend measures for conserving biodiversity and promoting sustainable development in the Western Ghats. 
• Gadgil Committee Recommendations (2011): Initially recommended declaring 64% of the Western Ghats as ESAs, later reduced to 37% by the Kasturirangan Committee to balance conservation and development. 
• States Involved: Kerala, Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu are states where ESAs were proposed. 

Major Concerns of Declaring Eco-Sensitive Areas 

Balancing Conservation and Development: 

• ESAs overlap with regions of economic potential, leading to conflicts between conservation goals and development projects. 
• Local communities may perceive ESAs as barriers to economic growth, impacting their livelihoods negatively. 

Impact on Local Livelihoods: 

• Regulations within ESAs can restrict traditional practices such as agriculture, grazing, and collection of minor forest produce. 
• This can lead to resentment among local communities who depend on these activities for sustenance. 

Inconsistent Policies and Implementation: 

• Enforcement and regulations related to ESAs vary among states, leading to confusion and inconsistencies. 
• Differential implementation can create loopholes and undermine conservation efforts. 

Lack of Awareness and Participation: 

• Local communities and stakeholders may not fully understand the importance of ESAs and their implications. 
• Insufficient engagement can lead to resistance and non-compliance with ESA regulations. 

Way Forward 

Balanced Approach: 

• Implement zoning within ESAs to differentiate between core conservation areas and zones suitable for sustainable development. 
• Allow specific, low-impact development projects in designated zones to promote economic growth while safeguarding ecological integrity. 

Scientific Impact Assessment: 

• Conduct comprehensive scientific assessments to determine the minimum area required for ESA designation based on ecological significance. 
• Use evidence-based data to justify ESA boundaries and regulations, ensuring they are proportionate to conservation needs. 

Stakeholder Engagement: 

• Foster open dialogue and collaboration among central and state governments, local communities, and environmental organizations. 
• Involve stakeholders in decision-making processes to increase awareness, build consensus, and enhance compliance with ESA regulations. 

Alternative Livelihood Options: 

• Introduce alternative livelihood programs for communities affected by ESA regulations, focusing on eco-tourism, sustainable agriculture, and skill development. 
• Promote economic activities that align with conservation goals to provide sustainable income opportunities. 

Transparent Monitoring: 

• Establish robust monitoring mechanisms to track the effectiveness of ESAs in achieving conservation objectives. 
• Ensure transparency in monitoring data and reporting to facilitate adaptive management and timely interventions. 

Conclusion 

The conservation of Western Ghats through ESAs is crucial for preserving its rich biodiversity and ecosystem services. However, achieving this goal requires a balanced approach that considers both conservation imperatives and socio-economic realities.  

By enhancing stakeholder engagement, conducting rigorous scientific assessments, and promoting sustainable livelihood options, India can effectively manage ESAs to ensure the long-term health and resilience of the Western Ghats. 

Mains Question: 

1. Discuss the concept of Eco-Sensitive Areas (ESAs) in the context of the Western Ghats, highlighting the challenges in their implementation and suggesting measures for achieving a balance between conservation and development. (150 WORDS)