The Environment Ministry has notified a new draft related to the implementation of recommendations by the Kasturirangan Committee for the conservation of the Western Ghats. An earlier draft notified on March 10 last year expired on Wednesday. While responding to the draft notification, many stakeholders and State Governments of the Western Ghats region had expressed their apprehensions and concerns with respect to Ecologically Sensitive Area in the Western Ghats.
The new draft seeks to clarify these provisions and dispel apprehensions and concerns raised by the stakeholders with respect to provisions of the draft Notification and the concept of Ecologically Sensitive Area. As per the latest notification, the extent of Ecologically Sensitive Area and the other provisions stated in the earlier draft notification remain unchanged pending the finalisation of proposals from the State Governments of demarcation of Ecologically Sensitive Area by physical verification.
The ministry has given 60 days to general public for submission of feedback on the new draft document.