The Kerala government has requested that the Centre exclude 131 villages and nearly 10,000 square kilometers from the draft notification on ecologically sensitive areas in the Western Ghats. The move aims to protect agricultural and residential land ahead of the September 24 deadline. This regulatory push could significantly influence future land-use permissions, infrastructure projects, and industrial activity in the region.
The Kerala government is currently in discussions with the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests to revise the latest draft notification regarding ecologically sensitive areas (ESA) within the Western Ghats. The state administration has requested the exclusion of 131 villages and approximately 9,993 square kilometers from these designations. State officials argue that the current draft, if implemented without changes, could negatively impact the livelihoods of local farmers and the rights of residents living in these zones.
The Union Ministry issued this draft notification on July 25, 2026, providing a 60-day window for state governments to submit formal objections or suggestions. With the deadline approaching on September 24, the state government is prioritizing evidence-based arguments to challenge the blanket application of environmental restrictions. The administration intends to use scientific studies to justify the removal of these specific areas, aiming to carve out agricultural and residential enclaves from the restricted list.
For investors and businesses, these policy discussions are important because the Western Ghats ESA notification traditionally proposes strict limitations on land use. Historically, such classifications can place significant constraints on economic activities, including large-scale construction, mining, quarrying, and certain types of infrastructure development. If the current zones remain in the final notification without the requested modifications, projects in these regions may face increased regulatory hurdles, higher compliance costs, or potential delays in obtaining necessary approvals.
Sectors that typically track these developments closely include mining, real estate, tourism, and infrastructure. Companies with land banks or ongoing project proposals in the affected districts of Kerala often face uncertainty during these notification periods, as the final environmental clearance process is directly linked to the ESA status of the land. The outcome of the dialogue between the state and the Centre will determine the final boundaries of the restricted zones.
The next critical update for stakeholders will be the Central government's response to the state’s submission. Investors and industry participants should monitor the final notification issued by the Union Ministry, as it will clarify which specific villages and land parcels remain under environmental restrictions and which are exempted. This decision will define the operational landscape for land-dependent industries in the region for the coming years.