The Union Ministry of Environment and Forest recently approved in principle a proposal for Western Ghats Development prepared by K. Kasturirangan-led panel. The panel has recommended a ban on development activities in around 60000 sq. km ecologically sensitive area spread over

The High-Level Working Group on Western Ghats, chaired by K. Kasturirangan, recommended designating approximately 60,000 sq. km (about 37% of the total area) as an Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA). This region spans six Indian states: Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. The panel proposed a ban on mining, quarrying, thermal power plants, and highly polluting industries within this zone to preserve its unique biodiversity. While the Western Ghats are known for high species richness, including 5,000 flowering plants and 139 mammal species [1], they face significant developmental pressure. The report aimed to balance conservation with sustainable development across the six states mentioned, which host critical protected areas like the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and various national parks [2]. The Ministry of Environment and Forests accepted the report's recommendations in principle to safeguard this global biodiversity hotspot.

Sources

1. [1] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 5: Natural Vegetation and National Parks > Western Ghats: A World Heritage Site > p. 56
2. [2] Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 4: BIODIVERSITY > Western ghats as a World Heritage site > p. 57