By The Hindu Bureau
The National Green Tribunal has asked the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) to expedite the process and publish the final notifications of the Ecologically Sensitive Areas and Zones, particularly in States where urgent action is warranted.
The Southern Bench of the tribunal issued the directive while considering the suo motu case on the massive Wayanad landslides on July 30, 2024. The tribunal has asked the Ministry to rely upon the comprehensive studies on Western Ghats conservation undertaken by ecologist Madhav Gadgil, and the late space scientist K. Kasturirangan.
鈥淭he learned counsel appearing for the MoEF&CC states that the final notification regarding Ecologically Sensitive Zones (ESZs) will be filed before August. It is noted with concern that nearly a year has passed since the Wayanad disaster in Kerala,鈥 pointed out an order dated June 20 issued by Justice Pushpa Sathyanarayana, Judicial Member, and Dr. Satyagopal Korlapati, Expert Member.
Stating that comprehensive studies have already been undertaken by Dr. Madhav Gadgil and Dr. K. Kasturirangan, the Bench asked the Ministry to prioritise the States where urgent action is required with regard to the ESZs and ensure early publication of the final notifications of Ecologically Sensitive Areas and Zones.
The Bench had earlier expressed its displeasure over the failure of the authorities to file the reports giving the correct picture on the reasons for the devastating Wayanad landslides. In an order issued on March 28, 2025, the tribunal had warned that it may summon the Chief Secretary of Kerala over the poor response of the authorities.
鈥淲e only express our displeasure in the way in which the government authorities are responding to this issue, where hundreds of people have lost their lives, either being killed or missed, in the Wayanad hill station,鈥 it said.