Keralam proposes reducing Ecologically Sensitive Area by 1,403.01 sq.km excluding Sabarimala Sannidhanam
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Environmental laws, EIA & institutions· Prelims + Mains·
Why in news
The Keralam government submitted a proposal to the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change to reduce the state's Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA) by 1,403.01 sq.km.
Background
The proposal seeks to reduce the ESA from 9,993.7 sq.km. to 8,590.69 sq.km. It specifically excludes Sabarimala Sannidhanam, Pampa, Nilakkal parking ground, and the Neelimala route from the ESA limits.
Facts for Prelims
- PlaceSabarimala Sannidhanam, Pampa, Nilakkal parking ground, and Neelimala route are proposed to be excluded from Keralam's ESA limits.
- FactThe proposed reduction in Keralam's Ecologically Sensitive Area is 1,403.01 sq.km.
- PlaceSwami Ayyappan Road remains included in the ESA limits despite the exclusion of other nearby sites.
- PlaceBuffer zone regulations are expected to persist within the Periyar Tiger Reserve.
For Mains
Q. Discuss the challenges in balancing ecological conservation with religious and developmental activities in ecologically sensitive zones in India.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Regulatory friction: Conflict between state-level land use proposals and central environmental clearance mandates
- Conservation trade-offs: Balancing biodiversity protection in Periyar Tiger Reserve with high-footfall pilgrimage infrastructure
Keywords: Ecologically Sensitive Area · Biodiversity Conservation · Environmental Governance · Land Use Policy · Sustainable Development
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