Karwar: : The notification issued by the environment ministry of the central government outlining Eco Sensitive Zones (ESZ) in six states - Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala - falling under the Western Ghats has stunned the people of Uttara Kannada district.

The notification issued on Thursday covers 602 villages of Uttara Kannada district. The affected villages are in Karwar (43), Ankola (43), Bhatkal (26), Kumta (36), Honnavar (44), Joida (96), Sirsi (123), Siddapur (103) and Yellapur (83).

Almost half the population of the district will be affected by the notification which becomes law after 60 days if no objections are filed by the affected states. The notification has attracted the wrath of the common people here, but the environmentalists have welcomed it. In Karnataka, the ESZ covers 20,668 sqkm in 33 taluks of 10 districts and in all, 1,553 villages.

The Centre has taken this step after UNESCO declared the Western Ghats as a heritage area. If the notification goes unchallenged, the areas under the ESZ will be put under restrictions and developmental work will be affected. No new industries, developmental works, bridges, cement and tar roads and even construction of new houses with bricks and cement will not be allowed.