Kerala pushes for exemptions in proposed ecologically sensitive area zones

Kerala's Environment Minister Sunny Joseph said the state would press for broad exemptions from an Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA) proposal outlined in a draft notification issued by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change on July 27. Speaking to media on Saturday, Joseph said Kerala was finalizing its formal response and would advocate for the exclusion of inhabited zones, agricultural lands and plantation areas from the proposed ESA boundaries.

"The Government of Kerala is committed to studying and submitting amendment proposals while protecting the best interests of the state," Joseph said. The state aims to balance environmental protection with the socioeconomic concerns of communities and farming interests that would be affected by the ESA designation.

Kerala's response follows detailed consultations with a five-member high-level scientific team appointed by the Union Environment Ministry to solicit state input on the proposal. The discussions, conducted under the leadership of Chief Minister V D Satheesan, included participation from Forest Minister Shibu Baby John and other senior cabinet members, signaling the importance the state government places on the matter.

The ESA proposal has prompted significant engagement from state governments across the country, with Kerala among the first to publicly outline its position on the draft notification.