Bengaluru, October 12, 2026: Policy uncertainty, agricultural production and the proposed protection of ecologically sensitive areas in the Western Ghats featured prominently at the Karnataka Planters’ Association’s (KPA) annual media briefing.
The association renewed its objections to the Centre’s draft Western Ghats Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA) notification, urging the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change to consider submissions it says it has made since 2012.
KPA President Salman Baseer highlighted concerns about how the proposed restrictions could affect plantation agriculture, land ownership and livelihoods in the region. The association called for clearer provisions protecting legitimate agricultural activities within areas covered by the draft.
Planters Seek Clear Protection for Agricultural Activities
One of the principal concerns raised by the United Planters’ Association of Southern India (UPASI), as reported by The Hindu, relates to the wording of the draft notification.
UPASI has argued that although the preamble refers to the use of land for agricultural purposes, this permission should also be explicitly included in the operative provisions of the notification.
The distinction matters because the operative provisions set out the rules and restrictions that would apply in practice. Plantation representatives want greater legal clarity so that existing agricultural activities are not left vulnerable to differing interpretations.
For growers, uncertainty over land-use rules can influence long-term decisions involving plantation maintenance, investment, infrastructure and production planning.
What Does the Western Ghats ESA Proposal Cover?
The draft proposal seeks to designate approximately 56,825.7 square kilometres of the Western Ghats across six states as ecologically sensitive areas.
The mountain range is an important ecological region, known for its biodiversity, forests, watersheds and role in supporting regional ecosystems. Environmental protection measures are intended to safeguard sensitive habitats and limit activities that could cause ecological damage.
At the same time, communities across the Western Ghats depend on agriculture, plantations, settlements and local businesses for their livelihoods. The challenge for policymakers is to frame regulations that protect ecologically vulnerable areas while providing clear rules for residents and landholders.
Karnataka, Kerala and Goa Have Raised Concerns
The report notes that Karnataka, Kerala and Goa have opposed aspects of the proposed notification.
One concern is that mapping exercises may include inhabited villages, infrastructure and privately owned patta land within proposed sensitive zones. Critics argue that inaccurate or insufficiently detailed mapping could create uncertainty for residents, farmers and plantation operators.
Such concerns make the accuracy of geographical boundaries and the treatment of existing land rights important issues in the notification process.
Any assessment of the final impact will depend on the boundaries ultimately notified, the restrictions specified in the operative provisions and the treatment of existing lawful activities.
Plantation Sector Seeks Greater Policy Certainty
Coffee and other plantation businesses often require long-term planning, including investment in soil management, water conservation, crop maintenance, labour and processing infrastructure.
Industry representatives argue that unclear land-use provisions could complicate these decisions, particularly where plantations fall within or near areas proposed for environmental regulation.
The KPA, which the report says represents more than 70% of India’s coffee growers, has urged the Centre to consider the concerns raised by plantation stakeholders through earlier submissions.
For the sector, clear and consistently applied regulations would help businesses understand which activities are permitted and what approvals may be required.
Balancing Biodiversity Protection With Livelihoods
The Western Ghats ESA debate reflects a broader policy challenge: protecting a fragile ecological region while addressing the needs of communities that live and work there.
Environmental safeguards can play an important role in conserving forests, biodiversity and water resources. At the same time, uncertainty about boundaries and permitted activities can create difficulties for households and businesses dependent on land.
Clear drafting, accurate mapping, consultation with affected communities and transparent implementation could help reduce disputes over the scope of the proposed restrictions.
What Happens Next?
The plantation sector is seeking greater clarity from the Environment Ministry on the draft notification, particularly regarding agricultural use and the treatment of existing landholdings.
The final implications for coffee growers and other communities will depend on the notification’s eventual wording, geographical coverage and applicable rules.
For now, the KPA’s position underscores the need to address both environmental conservation and the practical concerns of people whose livelihoods depend on the Western Ghats.