Report filed by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change on Western Ghats eco-sensitive area, 14/10/2022
Compliance report on behalf of Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in the matter of Goa Foundation Vs Union of India & Others dated 14/10/2022.
The matter related to taking remedial steps for protection of ecology of Western Ghats and delineate it as an eco-sensitive area. The Ministry vide Office Memorandum dated April 18, 2022 had constituted a dedicated committee, headed by Ex-Director General of Forest and Special Secretary. The task of this committee was primarily to re-examine the suggestions of the six state governments (Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu) "in a holistic manner, keeping in view the conservation of pristine environment and the rights, needs and developmental aspirations of the area and to submit its recommendations accordingly".
The committee was required to submit its report by May 30, 2022. The committee requested for more time for submission of its report and the Ministry extended the tenure of the committee till June 30, 2023.
The committee conducted site visits in Western Ghats areas of Karnataka and Goa during May 2022 to gather first hand information. The committee also had discussions with the Chief Secretaries and the concerned Principal Secretaries, other departmental heads of the state governments of Kerala and Maharashtra.
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change have made all efforts to bring on board the concerned state government of the Western Ghats region for early finalisation of the Western Ghats Eco-sensitive area and the committee headed by Ex-DGF&SS constituted on April 18, 2022 is expected to submit its final recommendations at an early date.