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Ecological Equity: Need for Differentiated Federalism Context: Forest-rich Himalayan, Northeastern and Western Ghats States conserve forests and watersheds for the entire country, but simultaneously bear higher conservation costs, disaster risks and restrictions on industrial development. Problem: Uniform environmental rules impose unequal burdens--> forest-rich States sacrifice land, industries, jobs and revenue while ecological benefits such as carbon sinks, biodiversity and water security accrue nationally. Constitutional case: Article 14 allows different treatment for unequal situations, while Article 38(2) mandates reduction of regional inequalities; Article 21 further links environmental justice with the right to life. Governance gap: Existing mechanisms such as CAMPA and forest-rights framework recognise conservation responsibilities but inadequately compensate States/communities for maintaining ecosystem services. Way Forward: Develop “ecological federalism” through need-based fiscal transfers, differentiated regulations, region-specific forest policies and Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES). Mains takeaway: Ecological equality means not identical treatment, but equitable sharing of the costs and benefits of conservation.