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Push to Finalise the Seventh Draft on Western Ghats Ecologically Sensitive Areas
খবরে কেন?
Seven drafts, one number—37%—that every Western Ghats ESA answer must cite
Various organisations have made a joint submission urging the Union government to strengthen and finalise the seventh draft notification on Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESA) in the Western Ghats, based substantially on the recommendations of the Kasturirangan Committee.
Why it matters: asked in KPSC 2024; factual, Prelims-type
What you need to know
2 মিনিট
Various organisations have made a joint submission urging the Union government to strengthen and finalise the seventh draft notification on Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESA) in the Western Ghats, based substantially on the recommendations of the Kasturirangan Committee.
The Kasturirangan Committee (2013) had recommended declaring about 37% of the Western Ghats as ecologically sensitive, restricting activities like mining, quarrying and large-scale construction there.
Karnataka is among the Western Ghats states that have repeatedly sought changes to the proposed ESA boundaries, citing concerns for local livelihoods.
সূত্র: Topper IAS editorial (PIB / The Hindu / Indian Express)
মূল তথ্য
Remember these
- Kasturirangan Committee (2013) recommended ~37% of the Western Ghats as Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA)
- ESA tag would restrict mining, quarrying and large-scale construction
- This is the seventh draft notification on Western Ghats ESA awaiting finalisation
- Karnataka is among states seeking changes to proposed ESA boundaries citing livelihood concerns
- Joint submission by various organisations urges Union government to strengthen and finalise the draft
প্রিলিমস · মেইনস
How the exam will ask it
প্রিলিমস
- The Kasturirangan Committee (2013) recommended declaring about 37% of the Western Ghats as Ecologically Sensitive Area.
- The ESA notification, if finalised, would restrict mining, quarrying and large-scale construction in identified areas.
- Karnataka is among the Western Ghats states that have sought changes to the proposed ESA boundaries.
- The Union government's notification on Western Ghats ESA is currently in its seventh draft.
মেইনস
GS-III Environment: the issue traces conservation of a biodiversity hotspot (Kasturirangan recommendations) against the policy reality of repeated draft notifications diluted by state-level livelihood concerns, implying weak implementation of ecological safeguards; the way forward lies in balancing local livelihood interests with scientifically demarcated ESA boundaries through consultative finalisation.
PYQ connection
A question UPSC has already asked on this
Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the K. Kasturirangan Committee? a) The Committee was set up in 2022. b) It was set up to study the status of important ecological areas in the Western Ghats. c) The Karnataka Government accepted the Kasturirangan Committee report in September 2024.
- a, b and c are correct
- only c is correct
- only b is correct
- only a and b are correct
উত্তর দেখুন
উত্তর: C
Why this matters: today's issue is directly connected to a concept UPSC has already tested. Read the story with this question in mind.
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Answer before you reveal
The Kasturirangan Committee (2013) recommended declaring approximately what proportion of the Western Ghats as Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA)?
- 60%
- 15%
- 25%
- 37%
উত্তর দেখুন
উত্তর: D — Correct: 37% — the Kasturirangan Committee (2013) recommended declaring about 37% of the Western Ghats as an Ecologically Sensitive Area. • 60% — wrong: overstates the figure. • 15% — wrong: understates the figure. • 25% — wrong: below the recommended figure.
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