The Gadgil Committee Report, submitted in 2011, emphasized the ecological significance of the Western Ghats and proposed a framework for its conservation, classifying regions into different vulnerability zones to manage development while preserving biodiversity. In contrast, the Kasturirangan Committee Report (2013) sought to balance ecological protection with local livelihoods, recommending a more development-oriented approach while still identifying critical ecological areas for conservation. Both reports highlight the ongoing debate between environmental sustainability and economic development in protecting the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage site, crucial for biodiversity and climate regulation in India.