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Which state has the largest share of the proposed Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA) in the Western Ghats?
Maharashtra
Karnataka
Kerala
Tamil Nadu
Karnataka
Karnataka holds the largest share of the proposed 56,825.7 sq. km Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA) in the Western Ghats.
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has issued the seventh draft notification to finalize the demarcation of the Western Ghats as an Ecologically Sensitive Area. This initiative aims to protect the biodiversity-rich region from detrimental anthropogenic activities like mining and large-scale infrastructure projects. The proposal has faced long-standing resistance from state governments and local communities who express concerns over potential restrictions on livelihoods and development. The demarcation process has been ongoing for 13 years, reflecting the complexity of balancing ecological preservation with regional economic growth.
Total proposed ESA area covers 56,825.7 sq. km across six states.
Karnataka accounts for the largest share with 20,668 sq. km.
Maharashtra ranks second with 17,340 sq. km.
The ESA spans six states: Karnataka, Maharashtra, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Goa, and Gujarat.
B is correct тАФ Karnataka is designated for the largest portion of the proposed ESA at 20,668 sq. km as per the seventh draft notification.
Remember the 'K-M-K-T' sequence for the top four states: Karnataka, Maharashtra, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu, as these states collectively hold the vast majority of the identified Western Ghats sensitive zone.