Hartal in ESA affected areas of Palakkad on November 6

The Samyukta Kisan Morcha has called for a hartal in ecologically sensitive areas of Palakkad district on November 6, demanding revisions to the draft notification declaring part of the Western Ghats as an ecologically sensitive area (ESA). The hartal will be observed from 6 am to 6 pm

The organization alleged that the seventh draft of the notification, issued on July 27, again ignored Kerala’s concerns, especially regarding the inclusion of residential areas and agricultural land in the proposed eco-sensitive zone.

The Joint Kisan Morcha demanded a scientific assessment of the affected areas and appropriate modifications to the notification to ensure that only forest areas are included in the conservation regime, while residential areas and agricultural land are excluded.

According to the latest draft notification, 13 villages in Palakkad district have been designated as ecologically sensitive areas. These include Agali, Kallamala, Kottathara, Padavayal, Pudur, Sholayur, Muthalamada, Nelliyampathy, Palakkayam, Malampuzha, Pudussery East, Puduppariyaram and Kizhakkenchery. The proposed areas cover parts of Attappady and Nelliyampathy.

Residents fear that the notification, if finalized in its current form, could adversely affect agriculture, small businesses and construction activities, besides making daily life difficult for people living in the affected villages.

Samyukta Kisan Morcha state vice-president CK Rajendran, district president K Ramachandran, president MR Murali and convener Manikandan Pottassery announced the agitation plan at a press meet here on Tuesday.

Published – 03 Nov 2026 20:59 IST