Save the
Western Ghats:
Protect Our Rivers, Forests and Future.
The Western Ghats are one of India's most important ecological landscapes — a connected system of forests, rivers, streams, wetlands and grasslands that supports biodiversity, agriculture, water security and millions of livelihoods.
SIGN THE PETITION →Why the Western Ghats Matter
The Western Ghats are not a collection of isolated forests and rivers. They are an interconnected ecological system.
Forests capture and regulate water. Mountains feed rivers and streams. Wetlands support ecosystems. Grasslands and forests provide habitat for wildlife and contribute to the health of watersheds.
Damage to one part of this system can have consequences far beyond the immediate location.
and rivers
biodiversity
sustainable livelihoods
natural habitats
depend on the landscape
future of Karnataka
What Is the Western Ghats ESA?
The Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA) framework is intended to provide additional environmental safeguards for ecologically important parts of the Western Ghats.
The 7th Draft ESA Notification seeks to identify areas where greater environmental protection and regulation are needed.
For a landscape as ecologically interconnected as the Western Ghats, a minimum protection framework can help ensure that development decisions take environmental sensitivity into account.
At the same time, conservation policies must recognise the people who live and work in these landscapes.
Protect Nature —
Listen to Communities
Protecting the Western Ghats should not mean ignoring the concerns of people who call the region home.
Farmers, residents and local communities deserve meaningful consultation and clear answers.
Concerns about livelihoods, land use, development, agriculture and implementation should be examined fairly and transparently.
Where legitimate concerns are identified, they should be addressed through:
Why We Support Finalising the 7th Draft ESA
The choice should not be between environmental protection and people.
A responsible approach is to establish a minimum protection framework and improve it through consultation and appropriate safeguards.
The 7th Draft ESA should therefore be finalised rather than indefinitely delayed, while genuine concerns are addressed through a transparent process.
We are calling for:
What Happens If We Delay?
The Western Ghats are a living, interconnected landscape.
Environmental damage can sometimes be irreversible.
Forest fragmentation, degradation of watersheds, loss of habitats and impacts on rivers can accumulate over time.
That is why a balanced protection framework is needed now — one that protects ecological systems while engaging seriously with the communities that depend on them.
Our Message to the Government of Karnataka
Do not reject the 7th Draft Western Ghats ESA Notification.
Instead:
Finalise the ESA framework as a necessary minimum protection measure.
At the same time, address genuine concerns raised by farmers, residents and local communities through consultation, safeguards, clarification and appropriate amendments.
The Western Ghats need protection.
The people of the Western Ghats need to be heard.
Protect the Western Ghats.
Protect Our Future.
Add your voice.
Sign the petition and call for the 7th Draft Western Ghats ESA Notification to be finalised — with genuine community concerns addressed fairly.
SIGN THE PETITION → SHARE THIS CAMPAIGNFrequently Asked Questions
What is the Western Ghats ESA?
The Ecologically Sensitive Area framework is intended to provide environmental safeguards for ecologically important areas of the Western Ghats.
Why should the ESA not be rejected or indefinitely delayed?
Supporters of the framework argue that minimum environmental safeguards are needed while legitimate concerns can be addressed through consultation and appropriate amendments.
What is the 7th Draft Western Ghats ESA Notification?
It is a draft framework identifying ecologically sensitive areas and proposing environmental safeguards for parts of the Western Ghats.
Can the ESA framework be improved?
The framework can be discussed and refined through consultation, implementation guidelines, safeguards and appropriate amendments.
Why are the Western Ghats important?
The Western Ghats support forests, rivers, biodiversity, agriculture, wildlife and communities across the region.
What can I do to help protect the Western Ghats?
Learn about the issue, participate in public discussions, share accurate information and support civic initiatives concerning the Western Ghats.
Does protecting the Western Ghats mean ignoring local communities?
Conservation and local livelihoods can be addressed together through meaningful consultation, safeguards and transparent implementation.