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*The Kasturirangan Committee*, officially known as the High-Level Working Group on Western Ghats, was formed in 2012 by the Union Ministry of Environment to review the recommendations of the Gadgil Committee regarding the ecological conservation of the Western Ghats. Here's a summary of the key recommendations of the Kasturirangan Committee: Eco-Sensitive Area (ESA): The committee recommended classifying only 37% (about 60,000 sq. km) of the Western Ghats as an Eco-Sensitive Area (ESA), which is less than the 64% proposed by the Gadgil Committee. It suggested designating areas with high biodiversity as "Natural Landscape" and ESA, while areas with human settlements and agriculture would be "Cultural Landscape". Prohibited Activities within ESA: The committee proposed a complete ban on mining, quarrying, sand mining, thermal power projects, and highly polluting (red category) industries in ESA. Regulated Activities within ESA: Hydroelectric power projects and transport infrastructure projects would require detailed studies and Cumulative Impact Assessments. Existing mining operations in ESA would need to cease within five years or upon lease expiry. Industries in the 'orange category' should adopt techniques to minimize environmental damage. Other Recommendations: The committee also suggested promoting community-based eco-tourism, organic farming, and renewable energy outside sensitive areas. It recommended excluding inhabited areas and plantations from ESA, emphasized the importance of the UNESCO Heritage tag, and called for biodiversity conservation, ecosystem restoration, and the creation of biological corridors. The formation of a Western Ghats Ecology Authority (WGEA) was proposed to oversee implementation. The Kasturirangan Committee aimed to balance conservation and development in the Western Ghats. Its recommendations were considered more moderate and politically feasible than the Gadgil Committee's, though some critics felt they weakened protection measures.

Gadgil Committee and its recommendations for the Western Ghats The Gadgil Committee, formally known as the Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel (WGEEP), was appointed in 2010 by the Indian Ministry of Environment and Forests under the chairmanship of ecologist Madhav Gadgil. Its main objective was to assess the environmental condition of the ecologically fragile Western Ghats region and to recommend measures for its conservation and sustainable development. Key recommendations of the Gadgil Committee Designation of Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESAs): The report proposed designating the entire Western Ghats region as an Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA). Classification into Ecologically Sensitive Zones (ESZs): The committee classified 142 taluks (sub-districts) bordering the Western Ghats into three Ecologically Sensitive Zones (ESZs): ESZ 1, ESZ 2, and ESZ 3, based on their ecological sensitivity. ESZ 1 was given the highest priority, with almost all developmental activities restricted in these areas. Restrictions on developmental activities: The report recommended a ban on new dams based on large-scale storage in ESZ 1. It also suggested that projects like Athirappilly and Gundia hydel projects, located in ESZ 1, should not be granted environmental clearance. New industries categorized as "red" or "orange" based on their pollution levels (such as thermal power plants) were recommended to be banned in ESZ 1 and 2. Bottom-up governance approach: The Gadgil Committee emphasized a bottom-up approach to environmental governance, starting from the Gram Panchayat level and involving local communities in decision-making processes, according to ScienceIndiamag. Western Ghats Ecology Authority (WGEA): The committee recommended the establishment of a statutory body, the WGEA, under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, to manage the ecology and ensure sustainable development of the region. Regulation of tourism: The report suggested implementing measures to regulate tourism in the Western Ghats region. Criticisms The Gadgil report faced substantial criticism for its stringent recommendations and was perceived by some as being overly environment-centric and impractical for implementation. Concerns were raised regarding the potential impact on development and the livelihoods of communities residing in the Western Ghats region. The recommendations were seen as a threat to the power sector due to the proposed ban on dams. Additionally, the recommendation for establishing a new authority (WGEA) was criticized as unnecessary, with some arguing that existing laws and agencies were sufficient. Further developments Following the widespread resistance, a new committee, the Kasturirangan Committee, was formed in 2012 to review the Gadgil report and to provide a more balanced approach to conservation and development in the Western Ghats. The Kasturirangan report took a less stringent stance, proposing that only 37% of the Western Ghats should be designated as an ESA, compared to the 75% suggested by the Gadgil report. Despite these efforts, the implementation of both reports has remained a complex and contentious issue.

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Judges Inquiry Act, 1968

A1968-51.pdf https://share.google/uL6ePVeDgpu5UXgsb