The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has officially reissued the draft notification under Section 3 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, declaring 56,825.7 square kilometers across six states as the Western Ghats Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA).
Published in The Gazette of India on July 27, 2026, this latest draft gives the public, local communities, and administrative bodies a 60-day window to submit objections and suggestions before a final notification is passed.
Impact on Belagavi District
The state of Karnataka accounts for the largest share of the proposed Eco-Sensitive Area, covering 20,668 sq. km. Within Belagavi district, a total of 63 villages across two talukas have been formally listed in the notification for inclusion in the protected zone:
- Belagavi Taluka (1 Village):
- Dhamane
- Khanapur Taluka (62 Villages):
- Prominent villages listed include: Jamboti, Kankumbi, Chorla, Kusamali, Amagaon, Bailur, Manturge, Chapoli, Parwad, Kundai, Degao, and 52 other rural settlements across the densely forested Khanapur region.
Key Restrictions Imposed in the Proposed ESZ
Once finalized, the notification strictly bans high-impact activities within the designated villages to protect the fragile ecology, water streams, and endemic wildlife:
- Mining & Sand Extraction: Complete ban on fresh mining leases and quarrying. Existing mining operations will be phased out within 5 years or upon lease expiry.
- Polluting Industries: Strict ban on setting up new “Red Category” industries as well as the expansion of existing ones.
- Thermal Power: Prohibitions on setting up new thermal power plants.
- Large Construction Projects: Ban on new building construction exceeding 20,000 sq. meters built-up area and large township/area development projects exceeding 50 hectares.
Permitted & Regulated Activities
To address public concerns regarding displacement and rural livelihoods, the notification explicitly clarifies:
- No Local Displacement: Residents living within the demarcated ESZ will not be displaced.
- Agriculture & Farming: Ongoing agricultural and plantation practices will remain completely unaffected.
- Infra & Housing: Repairs, renovations, and extensions of existing residential structures are fully permitted.
- Healthcare & Public Services: Existing healthcare facilities can continue operating, and primary health centers can be built freely.
