Power, mining projects may impact Western Ghats

It is very important to create awareness within our community on the environmental issues developing in Kokan region. The below is an article published in Times of India on the ecological effect that may impact due to current economical development happening in the region.

-- Source of News : Times of India --

The Western Ghats Ecology Expert Committee chairman, Madhav Gadgil, on Wednesday said the granting of 49 mining leases in Sindhudurg district and the proposed power and mining projects in Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg districts may have an impact on environment in the Western Ghat region.

The committee having 14 members was constituted by the ministry of environment and forests to recommend measures and assist the government in conservation and protection of the ecologically-sensitive Western Ghat region.

Addressing a news conference to announce an essay competition on environmental issues in Konkan region for school and college students, Gadgil said, "We need to get a better understanding of the environment issues and the history of these places. The people sitting in Delhi have been giving environmental clearances for projects with limited understanding of the topography or the importance of these eco-sensitive places.''

Gadgil pointed out that the `sadas' or the rock outcrops in Western Ghats that are rich in biodiversity were mistaken as barren land and thus were being converted for developmental purposes. These `sadas' may look barren, but in monsoon one can see rich vegetation.

In view of large-scale developments like mining and power projects taking place in Raigad, Sindhudurg and Ratnagiri districts, an essay competition for school and college students is being organised to find out how residents of the respective areas were perceiving the environmental issues and changes.

Initiated by Kale Trust, along with the biodiversity department of Abasaheb Garware College, the topics include environmental issues in Konkan region like biodiversity, ground water, land use change, forest, aquatic life, lifestyle, and transportation. The last date for submitting essays is June 30.

Gadgil, who is also the managing trustee of Kale Trust, said as rapid developments were taking place in the districts, students who are familiar with local issues, can give some important inputs.

The local students have closely observed the developments taking place in the past few years. Unlike other school essays, the students writing the essays can talk to local people and take necessary help from others to gather information so that they can give their views on the desirable and undesirable changes. This will also help us understand various issues, he said.

Read more at : http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/pune/Power-mining-projects-may-impact-W-Ghats/articleshow/7666911.cms