Centre issues draft notification to declare Western Ghats eco-sensitive

The government has issued a draft notification to declare over 56,800 square kilometres of the Western Ghats across six states, including 13 villages in Kerala’s landslide-hit Wayanad, Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA). The development comes amid massive landslides wreaking havoc in Wayanad, leading to the deaths of over 300 people.

The notification was issued on July 31, a day after the series of landslides hit Wayanad. Besides, suggestions and objections have been invited on the draft notification within 60 days.

The draft notification strives for a consensus among six states - Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Goa, Kerala, Karnataka and Gujarat, involved since the issue emerged in 2011.