On 27 July 2026 the Union government issued its seventh draft notification to declare 56,825.7 sq km of the Western Ghats as an Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA) across Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, it would bar new mining, quarrying, sand mining, thermal plants and red-category industries, and curb some large constructions. Farming is not banned outright, residents need not move, and existing homes may be repaired. Karnataka has rejected the draft, Kerala wants its share cut from 9,993.7 to 8,590.69 sq km, and others sought changes. The expert committee's term is extended to July 2027 to study objections and mapping issues.