No need for concern over ESAs, says Keralam Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan

There is no need for concern over Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESAs), Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan has said. Interacting with representatives of various organisations in Kattappana in Idukki on Friday (September 25, 2026), Mr. Satheesan stated that no village has been entirely included in the ESA list.

“The government has already made its stand clear: if there is forestland in any village, only that forest area will be included in the ESA list. Farmlands and human habitations will not be part of it. The government has already made arrangements to publish maps demarcating ESA-notified areas. Once the maps are published, the public can verify whether their locality is included,” the Chief Minister said.

He reiterated that a map will be published soon to clearly delineate human settlements from ESAs across villages. “The government will ensure that no residential areas are brought under the ESA tag. Furthermore, the government has not converted any farmers’ land into Ecologically Fragile Land (EFL),” Mr. Satheesan added.

Assembly elections

Later, addressing a public meeting in Kattappana, Mr. Satheesan touched upon the recent Assembly elections. He noted that five television news channels had conducted pre-poll surveys predicting the Left Democratic Front (LDF) would retain power, while he maintained that the United Democratic Front (UDF) would secure over 100 seats.

“When the results came, the UDF crossed the 100-seat mark. I had also stated that a dozen Ministers in the previous LDF Cabinet would be defeated, and ultimately, 13 Ministers lost their seats,” Mr. Satheesan remarked.