- proposed declaring 37% of Western Ghats as ESA to balance biodiversity conservation with development
- in backdrop of need to review Gadgil Report
- 1/3 proposed ESA falls in Karnataka
- proposed complete ban on mining, quarrying, thermal power, red category industries in ESA
Criticism
- opposition of Karnataka - livelihood issues
- satellite based demarcation ignored on ground realities
- impact on farming, industry
- anti environment: diluted protection - ESA coverage from 64% to 37%
- inclusion / exclusion errors
- villages w/ plantations / non forest included under ESA