The Supreme Court's direction that wildlife sanctuaries and national parks should have an eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) of a minimum of one km adjacent to them and not to allow human habitation here has caused great concern in the hilly districts of Kerala. The CM, who said that there would be no eviction of people, added that the state would abide by the directive of the apex court. Uncertainty remains over how the state will follow the directive without evicting the people. If the restrictions come into force as per the Supreme Court order, it will adversely affect tens of thousands of people living and cultivating near the forests. There are 24 protected areas in Kerala with wildlife sanctuaries and national parks. The final notification regarding the eco-sensitive zones of ​​the majority of these protected areas has not been issued.

Although the Union Agriculture Ministry had said last year that regulation in ESZ would not hamper farming, farmers are concerned that cultivation would be naturally restricted if the apex court's directive is to be followed. It is not right to equate Kerala, with its increased population and population density, with other states in order to implement this law. Attempting to demarcate ecologically sensitive areas by evicting people can lead to major law and order problems. At the same time, if the Western Ghats is not protected, nature itself may repeat the calamities that have displaced people. According to environmentalists, widespread deforestation, illegal mining and other construction activities in the mountainous areas are the reason behind the series of landslides and repeated floods. It would be desirable to redefine the ecologically sensitive zone while maintaining the status quo in the populated areas. The government should take care to ensure that there are no further violations for any reason once the boundaries have been demarcated in the final notification. The government should formulate a policy and action plan that neither abandon human beings nor harm the environment.

Union Minister for Environment and Forests Bhupender Yadav's statement that the apex court's verdict regarding eco-sensitive areas was impractical and that a review petition will be filed against the verdict provides temporary relief for anxiety in hilly areas.

Kerala should inform the Supreme Court of what all can be done to comply with the court order on the basis of accurate information and figures. At the same time, it should point out the exemption areas along with the reasons. The protection of the Western Ghats is not the only need of the Center. It is essential for the survival of Kerala. Kerala should give priority to this point of view. At the same time, the government must take on the responsibility and obligation to allay the fears of the people in the hilly areas.