The Orthodox Church seeks to exclude populated areas from the Western Ghats ESA

The Malankara Orthodox Church on Monday urged the state government to address the concerns of highlanders of Pathanamthitta district over the seventh draft of the Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESA) notification in the Western Ghats.

Malankara Association secretary Biju Oommen said in a statement that the government should step in to ensure that populated areas and agricultural land are excluded from the ESA and that its limits are limited to forest areas. He also called for a balanced approach that would protect the environment without jeopardizing the livelihood security of high-impact communities.

He also sought to exclude farms, plantations, places of worship, educational institutions, hospitals and commercial establishments from the final notification. Public hearings should be held in the affected areas and panchayat-level maps showing ESA boundaries and survey details should be released, he said.

Consultations should also take place with elected representatives, farmers’ organisations, local authorities and environmental and legal experts. If the proper review and public consultation could not be completed within the stipulated time, the center should be asked to extend the deadline for submission of objections and suggestions, he said.

Published – 07 Sep 2026 19:57 IST