BENGALURU: The Karnataka State Western Ghats Conservation Taskforce Committee (KWGCTC) on Friday submitted its formal objection, rejection and counter-submission about the seventh draft notification for declaration of Western Ghats’ eco-sensitive area (ESA).
In the objections raised to the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC), the committee pointed to the recent resolution taken by the state cabinet opposing the draft and the inter-departmental forest coordination committee rejecting the top-down demarcation models (2024-26).
The committee, in its report, also pointed out several concerns in the Western Ghats. These include hydro-ecological stress on the sites where water flows originate. The report highlighted the operation of unregulated resorts and homestays, which have exceeded the region’s waste and water-carrying capacity by 300%, particularly in Kodagu and Chikkamagaluru.
It also stated that the Western Ghats have more than 65 native species of medicinal plants and minor forest produce. These products have high value in the nutraceutical market and could provide economic opportunities for tribal communities if harvested sustainably.
Mohammed Tabrez Alam Sharif, KWGCTC chairman, said that since the Ministry called for objections within 60 days from the issue of the draft, dated July 27, 2026, the state government has listed out its objections with suggestions. “We have also stated that we are coming out with the National Western Ghats Conservation and Sustainable Development Policy. The blueprint has also been submitted to the Ministry,” Sharif said.
The Committee told the Ministry that the draft has remained locked for decades through the Gadgil and Kasturirangan Committee reports, and this 7th ESA draft lacks fundamental and scientific grounds.
It may be noted that while the Committee raised its objections on the catchment and riverine security, stating the Ministry was blind to hydrology; it said the draft lacked dedicated macro-corridors for peninsular river origins, citing the example of Cauvery, Krishna, Sharavathi, Netravati and Tungabhadra.
The panel opposed fixing of thresholds like the 20,000 sq metre built-up area regulation. The committee said geological stability zoning, ecological footprint, soil mechanics, hydrology and slope vulnerability should be considered.
The committee also sought formalisation of the Non-Timber Forest Produce value chain, organised tribal medicinal herb processing, nutraceutical hubs and premium Western Ghats Geographical Indication (GI) certification to help the forest dwellers and locals of the region. It also sought recognition of the local communities’ constitutional alignment with the 73rd and 74th amendments, Provisions of the Panchayats Act 1996, Forest Rights Act of 2006 and Decentralised Village Eco-Development Committees.
MALNAD-COASTAL TOURISM POLICY DRAFT BY SEPT 7
Bengaluru: The draft of the Coastal-Malnad tourism policy will be ready by September 7, said Tourism and Energy Department Minister KJ George on Friday. He said the policy is aimed towards the comprehensive development of the region and enhancing the diverse tourism potential of the region. The policy will be placed at the cabinet meeting scheduled to be held in Mangaluru soon.
George held a meeting with all stakeholders and elected representatives from the region. Health and Mangaluru District In-charge Minister UT Khader, MLA V Sunil Kumar and Udupi District In-charge Minister Rizwan Arshad were present at the meeting.
They discussed the Coastal Zonal Regulation, the eco-sensitive zones and the forest regulations. They also discussed creating opportunities for economic activities, employment, protection of the region’s culture, and yet ensuring investment. Aspects about enhancing the diverse tourism assets, including beaches, cuisines, cultural and natural destinations, were also discussed. Stakeholders stressed the need for a single-window clearance system for various projects and streamlined inter-departmental coordination. ens
