Kerala Government Asks Centre to Exclude Sabarimala from Ecologically Sensitive Area
Pathanamthitta: The Keralam government has recommended to the Central government that Sabarimala be excluded from the Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA). However, buffer zone restrictions will continue in the region.
The revised map prepared by the state government excludes Sannidhanam, Pamba, the Nilakkal parking ground and the Neelimala route connecting Pamba to Sannidhanam from the proposed Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA).
However, the Swami Ayyappan Path and the road from Pamba to Perunad remain within the ESA. This road is important for transporting goods and essential supplies to Sannidhanam.
As Sabarimala is located near the Periyar Tiger Reserve, buffer zone restrictions will remain in place. A one-kilometre buffer zone from the forest boundary also covers Sabarimala and Pamba.
As a result, new buildings and other construction activities in these areas will still require permission from the Central Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and other authorities.
The proposed ESA exclusion will not affect the existing buffer zone restrictions and other environmental regulations at Sabarimala.