Daijiworld Media Network – Panaji
Panaji, Jul 29: Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has urged people not to misinterpret the Centre's latest draft notification on the Western Ghats Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA), assuring that there is no reason for panic as the public consultation process provides an opportunity to raise objections and suggestions.
Responding to concerns over the seventh draft notification issued by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), Sawant said all representations submitted during the 60-day consultation period would be examined by the Central government before the final notification is issued.
The draft notification, published in the Gazette of India on July 27, proposes bringing 1,461 sq km of Goa's Western Ghats region under the Ecologically Sensitive Area category.
The proposed ESA covers 108 villages across five talukas — Sattari, Sanguem, Dharbandora, Canacona and Ponda. Of these, 63 villages are in Sattari, 26 in Sanguem, 13 in Dharbandora, five in Canacona and one in Ponda.
The proposal retains the same geographical extent and village coverage as the sixth draft notification issued on July 31, 2024.
Goa's proposal forms part of the larger Western Ghats conservation plan covering 56,825.7 sq km across Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
The MoEFCC has invited comments, objections and suggestions from the public within 60 days. The final notification will be issued after considering feedback from state governments, local communities, stakeholders and the expert committee.
The draft aims to protect the ecological significance and biodiversity of the Western Ghats while permitting activities compatible with environmental conservation.
Under the proposed rules, new mining, quarrying and sand mining activities will not be allowed within the notified ESA. Existing mining operations may continue only until the expiry of their lease or for five years from the date of the final notification, whichever is earlier.
The draft also proposes restrictions on new thermal power projects, expansion of existing thermal plants, establishment of new Red Category industries and large construction or township projects beyond specified limits.
The Ministry has clarified that the ESA notification will not result in the displacement of local residents and will not affect agriculture, plantations or ownership rights over private properties. Existing homes can continue to be repaired, renovated or expanded in accordance with prevailing laws.
The draft further states that hydroelectric projects, if proposed, will require comprehensive environmental assessments and strict safeguards. It also mandates compliance with the Forest Rights Act, including obtaining Gram Sabha consent wherever applicable for projects involving diversion of forest land.
The Centre will take a final decision on the notification after reviewing all submissions received during the consultation period.