science π³ Keralam Orthodox Church pushes back on ESA rules
The Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church has demanded that the Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA) be limited only to forest zones. The Church stated that the proposed restrictions could worsen issues for people in hilly regions facing human-wildlife conflict. They requested an extension for submitting objections to the seventh draft notification. The Church argued that conservation should involve informing the public, not just issuing notifications. An expert committee should assess the ground reality before any final decisions are made.