Disposing of the plea filed by two NGOs, a bench headed by NGT chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar, however, said it will be open to the MoEF to declare the ESAs, state-wise or collectively, for the entire Western Ghats.
"In view of the affidavit filed by the Secretary, MoEF, we are of the considered view that there is no occasion for the Tribunal to keep this main and other applications pending any longer. MoEF is expected to discharge and perform its statutory obligations expeditiously and in accordance with law," it said.
The bench, its 15-page-judgement, said it will be in the interest of all the stakeholders, including MoEF, that the matters are not further complicated and no fresh Environmental Clearance or permissions are issued by the MoEF till it issues the final notification.
"The only pious hope that we express in the order is that the Ministry should act with utmost expeditiousness and ensure that the interests of the States, individuals, and all concerned stakeholders are not jeopardised any longer," the bench said.
MoEF had, earlier, informed the Tribunal that state governments of the Western Ghats region may propose exclusion or inclusion of certain areas in Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA) after undertaking demarcation by physical verification.