The Centre gave up on convincing the remaining states about demarcating the ecologically sensitive area (ESA) in Western Ghats by issuing the seventh draft notification proposing the designation of approximately 56,825 sq km land as sensitive zone.
The Western Ghats encompass six states - Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu - and is a significant geological feature lying next to the western coast of India and stretching over about 1,500 km.