The Kerala state government is trying to remove more than 30 villages, covering over 1,500 sq km, from the ESA proposed by the Centre. The move has sparked a political row, with the Kerala Congress (M) demanding answers from the UDF government.
Key Developments
- Discrepancy claim: KC(M) alleges a mismatch between the 2014 five‑member committee report and the figures submitted to the MoEFCC in September 2026.
- Agricultural land inclusion: The latest ESA list adds agricultural areas in 25 villages across nine districts, raising concerns about livelihood impact.
- Political reach: The ESA now touches 36 Assembly constituencies (including five ministers and the chief whip) and 15 Lok Sabha constituencies.
- Demand for a special Assembly session: KC(M) says a session should have been convened before 25 September 2026 to pass a resolution excluding inhabited and farm lands outside existing reserve forests.
- Call for data transparency: Publication of village‑wise forest area figures from the 2014 committee and a comparison with the 2026 submission.
- Request for a White Paper: Covering the Gadgil and Kasturirangan reports, the Oommen V. Oommen report, Centre‑State correspondence, and the current ESA proposal.
Important Facts
• Over 30 villages, >1,500 sq km, are slated for exclusion.
• ESA now affects 36 out of 140 Assembly seats and 15 out of 20 Lok Sabha seats in Kerala.
• The 2014 committee identified forest areas at the village level; the 2026 submission shows a higher total area, especially in agricultural zones.
Exam Relevance
This episode illustrates several core UPSC themes: (i) environmental governance – how ESA designations balance ecological protection with development; (ii) centre‑state relations – the need for coordinated policy and transparent data sharing; (iii) the role of expert committees (Gadgil, Kasturirangan, Oommen) in shaping policy; and (iv) political accountability – opposition parties using legislative tools to demand clarity.
Way Forward
- Conduct a joint Centre‑State review of ESA boundaries, ensuring agricultural lands are excluded unless they fall within critical habitats.
- Publish the village‑wise forest data in a publicly accessible format to enable scrutiny.
- Issue a comprehensive White Paper that summarises past committee recommendations, current proposals, and the rationale for any changes.
- Consider a special Assembly session to adopt a resolution that clearly demarcates protected versus non‑protected zones, mirroring Karnataka’s approach on 21 September 2026.