An expert panel set up by the Centre to examine the impact of developmental projects in the Western Ghats has recommended a blanket ban on the introduction of controversial genetically modified crops in the eco-sensitive region in a yet-to-be released report. VS Vijayan, member of the Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel (WGEEP), which was set up last year by the Union environment ministry, told HT, “The committee has strongly objected to the use of GM crops in Western Ghats. It will not only be economically harmful for farmers across the country but, it could also contaminate the natural, organic species.”