Kerala to seek exclusion of inhabited areas and farmland from ESA: Minister

The government of Kerala has officially announced its intention to demand the exclusion of inhabited areas, agricultural lands, and plantations from the proposed Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA). State Minister Sunny Joseph stated that the government is finalizing its response to the draft notification issued by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change on July 27, 2026, and intends to submit its recommendations within the specified timeframe.

During recent discussions with a high-level team of scientists appointed by the Union Ministry, the state leadership, headed by Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan, presented the state's case. Ministers of Forest, Revenue, and Agriculture were also present to represent the local interests. Minister Joseph noted that the dialogue with the central representatives was extensive and that the state has received a favorable response to a certain extent regarding its concerns.

The state's plea is driven by its unique geographical constraints and high population density, which averages 1,000 people per square kilometer—double that of neighboring states like Tamil Nadu or Karnataka. Officials argue that such density makes strict land-use restrictions detrimental to the state's development. Historically, the proposed ESA was reduced from 13,108 sq km under the Kasturirangan report to 9,993.7 sq km in 2014, following significant public protests and an investigation by the Oommen V. Oommen Committee.

Kerala's current proposal aims to further refine the ESA to cover 8,590 sq km across 98 villages, specifically by carving out human settlements and agricultural zones. Of the 9,993.7 sq km currently notified, 9,107 sq km consists of forest areas, while 886.7 sq km constitutes non-forest areas. The state government firmly believes that these non-forest areas, which include vital farming land and plantations, should be excluded from the regulatory framework.

Minister Joseph emphasized that Kerala already enforces robust environmental protection laws, including the Paddy Land and Wetland Act and coastal regulation norms. The state remains committed to preserving its ecological significance, but argues that these existing regulations are sufficient. Consequently, the government maintains that further restrictions on inhabited and agricultural areas are unnecessary and would negatively impact the livelihoods of its citizens.