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Madikeri: An online petition titled "Save Western Ghats: Demand ESA" has attracted over 1,35,000 signatures, urging the Indian government to act swiftly in designating the Western Ghats as an Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA).
The petition, initiated by the United Conservation Movement (UCM) and hosted on Change.org, highlights the critical importance of protecting this biodiversity hotspot from unchecked development and ecological degradation.
The UCM, a collective of environmental activists, expresses serious concerns in the petition regarding delays in implementing the ESA recommendations proposed by the Kasturirangan Committee. This report had identified 37% of the Western Ghats as ecologically sensitive, recommending stringent regulations on activities like mining and large-scale infrastructure projects in the region.
“The Western Ghats is one of the world’s eight ‘hottest hotspots’ of biodiversity. It must be preserved for future generations. The ESA status will prevent large-scale destructive activities like mining and deforestation, which are rampant in the region,” the petition stated.
In addition to ecological concerns, the petition highlights how protecting the Western Ghats is crucial for millions of people who rely on its ecosystems. “We demand that the government prioritizes the designation of ESA for the Western Ghats without further delay. Ignoring this issue will lead to irreversible damage to the environment and affect millions of people who rely on the Western Ghats for their livelihoods,” it reads.
The Western Ghats stretch across six Indian states, including Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. They play a vital role in maintaining the region’s water supply, as they are the origin of major rivers such as the Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri. The region is also home to several endangered species, making it a crucial area for conservation.
As public support continues to grow, with over 1.3 lakh signatures backing the movement, the UCM and other environmental groups hope this collective voice will push the government to take immediate and decisive action. “The future of the Western Ghats is in our hands. We must act now to save this irreplaceable natural heritage,” the petition concludes.
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All over the world, the conservation movement is driven by the government. Here in India it is citizen driven