NEW DELHI, June 23 -- The Centre is expected to notify portions of the Western Ghats in Goa, Maharashtra and Gujarat as Eco-Sensitive Areas (ESA), advancing a long-pending conservation initiative aimed at protecting one of the world's most ecologically significant regions.

The proposed notification is based on the recommendations of a committee headed by former ISRO chairman K. Kasturirangan. The plan covers nearly 56,000 square kilometres across six states and seeks to balance environmental protection with sustainable development.

However, the process has faced delays due to objections from Kerala and Karnataka. According to reports, the Centre has decided to move ahead initially with Goa, Maharashtra and Gujarat, which have agreed to ...