A Call for Immediate Action

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After the devastating Wayanad landslides, Kerala has revised its proposal for Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESAs) in the Western Ghats. The revised plan calls for the protection of 8,590 sq km of vulnerable land to prevent future environmental disasters. Kerala’s Revised ESA Proposal: A Critical Step for Western Ghats Protection In a revised proposal submitted to the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC), the Kerala government has requested the protection of 8,590.69 sq km in the Western Ghats. The proposal covers 98 villages across 12 districts, a reduction of 121 sq km from the original plan submitted earlier this year. The revised plan comes in the wake of the deadly landslides that struck Wayanad district in July 2024, which resulted in over 400 deaths and extensive damage to homes and infrastructure. The proposal aims to prevent further environmental catastrophes by designating vulnerable areas as Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESAs). Key Aspects of the Revised ESA Proposal Focus on Vulnerable Areas: The revised ESA plan covers 8,590.69 sq km of land, emphasizing high-risk zones that require urgent protection. 98 Villages in 12 Districts: The proposal includes 98 villages in landslide-prone areas like Wayanad, Idukki, and Palakkad. Areas Hit by Recent Landslides: Special attention is given to areas like Chooralmala, Mundakkai, and Vellarimala, which were devastated by the recent landslides. Why the Western Ghats Matter The Western Ghats are a biodiversity hotspot, home to several endemic species of flora and fauna. The region also plays a crucial role in regulating the climate and providing water resources to southern India. Protecting these areas is essential for preserving the delicate ecological balance of the region. The Aftermath of Wayanad Landslides The catastrophic landslides in Wayanad, caused by continuous rains, devastated the region and exposed the urgent need for better environmental protection measures. The loss of life and property prompted Kerala to revise its ESA proposal, focusing on the areas that are most vulnerable to such disasters. Concerns and Challenges Over ESA Implementation While the ESA proposal has received support from environmentalists, there are concerns from local communities regarding the restrictions on land use. Farmers and developers fear the impact on their livelihoods. The Kerala government is in talks with stakeholders to find solutions that balance conservation with economic growth. The Role of the Union Government The revised ESA proposal is now under review by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change. The ministry’s approval is crucial for the implementation of the proposed environmental protection measures. Conclusion: Ensuring the Future of the Western Ghats Kerala’s revised ESA proposal marks a significant step toward safeguarding the Western Ghats from further environmental degradation. By protecting 8,590.69 sq km of ecologically sensitive areas, the state is taking action to mitigate risks, particularly in the wake of the tragic landslides in Wayanad. The challenge ahead is to strike a balance between conservation and the needs of local communities, ensuring sustainable development for future generations.

After the devastating Wayanad landslides, Kerala has revised its proposal for Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESAs) in the Western Ghats. The revised plan calls for the protection of 8,590 sq km of vulnerable land to prevent future environmental disasters.

Kerala’s Revised ESA Proposal: A Critical Step for Western Ghats Protection

In a revised proposal submitted to the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC), the Kerala government has requested the protection of 8,590.69 sq km in the Western Ghats. The proposal covers 98 villages across 12 districts, a reduction of 121 sq km from the original plan submitted earlier this year.

The revised plan comes in the wake of the deadly landslides that struck Wayanad district in July 2024, which resulted in over 400 deaths and extensive damage to homes and infrastructure. The proposal aims to prevent further environmental catastrophes by designating vulnerable areas as Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESAs).

Key Aspects of the Revised ESA Proposal

Focus on Vulnerable Areas: The revised ESA plan covers 8,590.69 sq km of land, emphasizing high-risk zones that require urgent protection.

98 Villages in 12 Districts: The proposal includes 98 villages in landslide-prone areas like Wayanad, Idukki, and Palakkad.

Areas Hit by Recent Landslides: Special attention is given to areas like Chooralmala, Mundakkai, and Vellarimala, which were devastated by the recent landslides.

Why the Western Ghats Matter

The Western Ghats are a biodiversity hotspot, home to several endemic species of flora and fauna. The region also plays a crucial role in regulating the climate and providing water resources to southern India. Protecting these areas is essential for preserving the delicate ecological balance of the region.

The Aftermath of Wayanad Landslides

The catastrophic landslides in Wayanad, caused by continuous rains, devastated the region and exposed the urgent need for better environmental protection measures. The loss of life and property prompted Kerala to revise its ESA proposal, focusing on the areas that are most vulnerable to such disasters.

Concerns and Challenges Over ESA Implementation

While the ESA proposal has received support from environmentalists, there are concerns from local communities regarding the restrictions on land use. Farmers and developers fear the impact on their livelihoods. The Kerala government is in talks with stakeholders to find solutions that balance conservation with economic growth.

The Role of the Union Government

The revised ESA proposal is now under review by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change. The ministry’s approval is crucial for the implementation of the proposed environmental protection measures.

Ensuring the Future of the Western Ghats

Kerala’s revised ESA proposal marks a significant step toward safeguarding the Western Ghats from further environmental degradation. By protecting 8,590.69 sq km of ecologically sensitive areas, the state is taking action to mitigate risks, particularly in the wake of the tragic landslides in Wayanad. The challenge ahead is to strike a balance between conservation and the needs of local communities, ensuring sustainable development for future generations.