Key insights
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1
High-Level Concerns: The central government's decision comes in response to increasing environmental concerns and disasters, highlighting the need for stringent measures to protect vulnerable ecosystems.
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Scope of the Proposal: The draft notification covers a vast area of 57,000 square kilometers, underscoring the significance of the Western Ghats as one of the world's biodiversity hotspots.
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Impact on Local Communities: While the proposal aims to mitigate environmental risks, it may also affect local communities who depend on the region's natural resources for their livelihoods.
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Previous Efforts: This isn't the first time the government has attempted to protect the Western Ghats. Previous efforts have faced resistance from various stakeholders, including local residents and state governments.
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Scientific Backing: Environmental experts and scientists have long advocated for such measures, citing the need to preserve the unique flora and fauna of the Western Ghats.