Kollam Farmers Call 12-Hour Hartal Over ESA Exemption Snub

Farmers in the hill region of Kollam district, Kerala, have announced a 12-hour hartal from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on October 27, condemning the State government for allegedly sidelining eight villages in Kollam while recommending the exclusion of 33 other villages across Kerala from the contentious draft Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA) notification. The protest highlights growing discontent over the state's handling of environmental regulations that directly affect local livelihoods.

The draft ESA notification, part of a broader conservation effort in the Western Ghats, has been a flashpoint between environmental protection and development needs. The Kerala government recently recommended exempting 33 villages from the ESA list, but the exclusion of eight villages in Kollam has sparked accusations of bias and neglect. Farmers argue that the omission leaves them vulnerable to stringent land-use restrictions without adequate consultation or compensation. Official responses from the State government are awaited, but local leaders have vowed to escalate protests if their demands are not met.

The hartal is expected to disrupt normal life in the hill region, with schools, businesses, and transport services likely to be affected. It also underscores the broader national debate over balancing ecological conservation with the rights of hill communities. As the October 27 shutdown approaches, all eyes are on whether the Kerala government will reconsider its stance or face widening protests that could impact other parts of the state.