Important for GS Prelims: Environment
About the Committee
- Official Name: Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel (WGEEP)
- Chairman: Madhav Gadgil
- Constituted by: Ministry of Environment & Forests (MoEF), Government of India
- Year of Constitution: 2010
- Report Submitted: 31 August 2011
Key Recommendations
- Declared the entire Western Ghats as an Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA).
- Classified the region into:
- ESZ-1: Highest ecological sensitivity; strictest protection.
- ESZ-2: Moderate restrictions on development.
- ESZ-3: Sustainable development permitted with regulations.
- Recommended:
- Ban on new mining in highly sensitive areas.
- Restriction on polluting industries.
- No new large dams in ESZ-1.
- Greater role for Gram Sabhas and local communities in environmental governance.
Why Was It Opposed?
- Concerns over restrictions on:
- Agriculture and plantations.
- Mining and quarrying.
- Infrastructure and real estate projects.
- Several state governments feared adverse impacts on livelihoods and development.
Conclusion:
The Madhav Gadgil Committee laid the foundation for science-based conservation of the Western Ghats by advocating ecological protection alongside sustainable development through decentralized governance.
| This concept has been elaborately discussed in the following article: Centre Reissues Draft Notification on Western Ghats Eco-Sensitive Area (ESA) |