The Kasturirangan Committee, officially known as the High-Level Working Group (HLWG), was appointed in 2013 by the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) of the Indian government to review the Madhav Gadgil Committee report on the Western Ghats Ecology and suggest a more balanced approach to conservation and development. The committee submitted its report in 2013 and made several recommendations, including:

Identification of ecologically sensitive areas: The committee recommended the identification of ecologically sensitive areas in the Western Ghats based on scientific criteria, such as the presence of endemic species, ecological fragility, and importance to local communities.

Categorization of ecologically sensitive areas: The committee recommended that the ecologically sensitive areas be categorized into three zones – ecologically sensitive zone 1 (ESZ-1), ecologically sensitive zone 2 (ESZ-2), and ecologically sensitive zone 3 (ESZ-3) – based on the level of ecological significance and the intensity of regulatory measures required.

Restrictions on developmental activities: The committee recommended that developmental activities, such as mining, quarrying, and construction, be restricted in ESZ-1, which constitutes the most ecologically significant areas. In ESZ-2 and ESZ-3, developmental activities may be allowed subject to the implementation of strict environmental safeguards and regulatory mechanisms.

Recognition of community rights: The committee recommended that the rights of local communities, including tribal communities, be recognized and their participation be ensured in decision-making processes related to the conservation and management of natural resources.

Promotion of eco-friendly activities: The committee recommended the promotion of eco-friendly activities, such as ecotourism, organic farming, and sustainable forestry, to generate livelihood opportunities for local communities and promote conservation.

Strengthening of regulatory mechanisms: The committee recommended the strengthening of regulatory mechanisms, such as the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process, to ensure that developmental activities are carried out in an environmentally sustainable manner.

The Kasturirangan Committee report was aimed at balancing the objectives of conservation and development in the Western Ghats region, while ensuring the participation and rights of local communities. However, the report faced significant opposition from some states and interest groups, and the implementation of its recommendations has been controversial and subject to legal challenges.