Treat Western Ghats to coast as one ecosystem, says policy document
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Context
A people's policy document, “From Forest to Coast,” has been released by environmental groups and in Kerala. It urges governance systems to treat the region from the to the coast as a single, interconnected ecosystem. This proposal advocates for a shift from a reactive disaster-response approach to a proactive one focused on building long-term climate resilience, citing recent disasters like the 2018 floods as evidence for the need for integrated planning.
UPSC Perspectives
Environmental & Geographical
The document's core argument is for an integrated ecosystem management approach, recognizing the geographical and ecological continuum from the Western Ghats to the coast. This 'source-to-sea' framework views rivers, originating in the Ghats, as lifelines connecting hills, midlands, and coastal areas, making them a single unit for planning. Such an approach is crucial for a state like Kerala, where the high-altitude forests of the directly influence the hydrology, climate, and agricultural sustainability of the entire state. This concept echoes the recommendations of the Madhav Gadgil Committee Report, which advocated for a holistic, graded approach to protecting the Ghats by designating Ecologically Sensitive Zones (ESZs). In contrast, the Kasturirangan Committee Report proposed a less stringent approach, focusing on a smaller percentage of the area as Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESAs). The people's policy brings this debate back into focus, arguing that fragmented governance has exacerbated the impacts of climate-related disasters like floods and landslides.
Governance & Policy
This policy document represents a call for a paradigm shift in environmental governance from a top-down, sectoral model to a decentralized and integrated one. It advocates for climate resilience to be the central pillar of development strategy, moving beyond the current model of post-disaster response and compensation. Key legislative tools like the and the provide the framework for notifying sensitive zones and sanctuaries, but the document implies their implementation has been inadequate. The document implies that specific administrative actions would be required under these acts to implement its recommendations for environmental protection. The call to reclaim forest lands from corporations and restore plantations critiques past policies and aligns with the spirit of the , which restricts the diversion of forest land for non-forest purposes.
Socio-Economic
The document connects ecological degradation directly to socio-economic consequences and livelihoods. It highlights the problem of Human-Wildlife Conflict (HWC) as a critical issue stemming from habitat degradation and calls for a coexistence-based policy. Recommendations include a fourfold increase in compensation for loss of life and timely payments for crop damage, addressing the immediate financial distress of affected communities. This acknowledges the economic risks farmers face and addresses immediate financial distress through timely compensation. The critique of unsustainable tourism in wildlife and indigenous habitats points to the need for a more equitable model, such as community-based ecotourism, which balances conservation with local economic benefits and respects community rights.