Javadekar convenes MPs' meet on Kasturirangan report

In an effort to build political consensus on declaring certain areas in Western Ghats as ecologically sensitive area, Union Minister for Environment Prakash Javadekar has convened a meeting of MPs from stake holder states here on August 3.

Request has been sent to around 70 MPs from six states of Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Goa, Maharashtra and Gujarat to take part in the meeting, a senior official in the Ministry told Deccan Herald.

As the government has to take final decision on declaring some areas in Western Ghats as Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA) by August end, the Minister convened the meeting to take final round of feedback before deciding on the exact contours of the region.

With some of the states taking strong objection to declare ecologically sensitive areas based on Kasturirangan Committee report, the Centre decided to take views of elected representatives of that region. While notifying ESA the government may also permit some developmental activities in Western Ghats while banning commercial mining and polluting industries.

While allowing for sustainable and inclusive development of the region, there is a need to conserve and protect Western Ghats, which is a treasure trove of biodiversity, Javadekar said in his letter to MPs.