• The recent landslide in Wayanad highlights the need for effective environmental regulations in the Western Ghats.
• Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESA) have been proposed to balance economic growth and environmental protection in this fragile ecosystem.
• This response evaluates the effectiveness of current regulations and suggests improvements for better protection of the Western Ghats.

Effectiveness of Existing Regulations

• Biodiversity hotspot: The Western Ghats is home to many endemic species and plays a crucial role in regulating the climate and providing water resources.
• Human activities: Deforestation, mining, and construction have caused significant damage, leading to disasters like the Wayanad landslide.
• Weak enforcement: Current environmental laws, though present, often suffer from poor enforcement and monitoring, limiting their effectiveness in controlling harmful activities.

Improvements for Environmental Protection

1. Stronger enforcement mechanisms:
   • Enhance monitoring systems for real-time tracking of activities like mining and deforestation.
   • Improve compliance by increasing penalties for environmental violations.
2. Stricter ESA regulations:
   • Regulate large-scale industrial projects more rigorously in ESA regions to prevent further degradation.
   • Conduct cumulative impact assessments to understand the broader ecological effects of development activities.
3. Local community involvement:
   • Empower local institutions like gram sabhas and biodiversity committees to participate in decision-making.
   • Offer alternative livelihoods for communities dependent on industries restricted by ESA policies, promoting sustainable development.
4. Incentives for sustainable practices:
   • Introduce financial incentives for eco-friendly businesses and sustainable agricultural practices.

Conclusion

• Existing regulations in the Western Ghats are often ineffective due to weak enforcement and lack of local involvement.
• Stricter oversight, enhanced local engagement, and incentives for sustainability are essential to balance ecological preservation and economic development.
• Empowering local communities and improving compliance mechanisms will be key to ensuring a sustainable future for the Western Ghats.