GCCI Wants 21 Villages Cut From Western Ghats

Times of India · environment

The Goa Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GCCI) has urged the Union environment ministry to remove 21 villages from the proposed Western Ghats Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA). GCCI argues that satellite mapping has incorrectly included homes, farms, and afforested mining leases, proposing parcel-level demarcation instead of whole revenue villages. The industry body also seeks a phased approach for mining operations, allowing existing leases with valid clearances to conclude. GCCI believes the current proposal risks paralyzing industrial operations without significant ecological benefit.