NGT Halts Mining Projects in Western Ghats Buffer Zones

In a major verdict favoring environmental conservation, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has ordered an immediate halt to all mining and construction activities within the buffer zones of the Western Ghats, citing clear violations of Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) norms and guidelines.

The decision follows a petition filed by a coalition of environmental groups and local community organizations, who raised alarms over the growing ecological damage caused by mining operations, quarrying, and large-scale construction projects in the region. The petitioners presented evidence of habitat destruction, soil erosion, water contamination, and displacement of wildlife, urging the NGT to intervene.

In its order, the tribunal stated that the Western Ghats, being a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s eight “hottest hotspots” of biodiversity, warrant the highest level of environmental protection. “Commercial interests cannot override ecological imperatives,” the tribunal observed. “Preservation of biodiversity is not just a legal obligation but a necessity for climate resilience and intergenerational equity.”

The NGT also directed state governments in the affected regions—including Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Goa—to submit compliance reports and ensure that no new clearances are granted within ESZ areas pending a comprehensive environmental review.

Experts have hailed the move as a crucial step toward sustainable development in one of India's most ecologically fragile and valuable regions. The Western Ghats are home to over 7,400 species of plants and animals, many of which are endemic and critically endangered. The region also plays a vital role in regulating monsoons, recharging groundwater, and supporting the livelihoods of millions of people dependent on forest and agricultural resources.

The verdict has also reignited debate over the implementation of recommendations made by the Gadgil Committee and Kasturirangan Committee, both of which had earlier warned against unregulated development in the Ghats. Environmental activists argue that successive governments have ignored or diluted these recommendations under pressure from industrial and political lobbies.

Meanwhile, mining companies and some local business associations have expressed concern over potential economic losses, urging the government to explore compensation and alternative livelihood strategies for affected workers.

However, the NGT stressed that long-term ecological security outweighs short-term commercial gains. It urged both the Centre and the states to prioritize community-based conservation, sustainable tourism, and green development models that align with ecological realities.

As India grapples with climate change, deforestation, and biodiversity loss, the NGT’s ruling may set a precedent for stronger environmental governance and accountability across the country.