Kerala panchayats seek thorough review of Western Ghats eco-sensitive zone plan

The Kerala Grama Panchayat Association has urged the state government to conduct a detailed review of the Western Ghats Ecologically Sensitive Area proposal, particularly regarding the proposed zone demarcation in Kozhikode district. The association has emphasized the importance of field-level verification of the proposed boundaries to ensure accuracy and identify any potential discrepancies before the notification is finalized.

Local concerns about the ESA proposal have mounted among panchayat representatives, who argue that the current boundary delineation may not adequately reflect ground realities and the actual geographical and ecological characteristics of the region. The association contends that rushing the notification without proper ground verification could create implementation challenges and adversely affect local communities and developmental activities.

The association has specifically requested that government authorities engage more closely with local stakeholders, including gram panchayats, to address concerns and incorporate ground-level insights into the final boundary demarcation. Officials have been urged to conduct site inspections and stakeholder consultations before proceeding with the formal notification of the eco-sensitive zone.

The Western Ghats ESA proposal is part of the government's broader biodiversity conservation efforts in the region. However, the panchayat body's intervention highlights the need for balanced environmental protection measures that also consider the interests and livelihoods of local communities in the designated areas.