Opposition to draft notification of eco-sensitive zones is overshadowed by vested interests
Opposition to draft notification of eco-sensitive zones is overshadowed by vested interests
Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai was swift in his action on the draft notification of Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESA) in the Western Ghats region. With assembly elections nine months away, ESA’s potential impact on electoral prospects prompted his cabinet to take a stand in protesting the notification issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. There was immense pressure from his cabinet colleagues and legislators representing the regions that make up the proposed ESA, cutting across parties.
Mr Bommai took a delegation to MoEF Minister Bhupendra Yadav, in New Delhi and later announced that there was no question of implementing it. For the past 10 years, successive governments have discussed ESAs with Dr. K. Kasturirangan has opposed the recommendations of the High Level Working Group. This is the fifth notification issued by MoEF.
The Western Ghats are spread over six states – Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra and Gujarat. Karnataka has the largest ESA of 20,668 sq km, as proposed in the draft notification. The region is spread over 1,572 villages in 10 districts. The notification proposes a complete ban on mining activities and red category industries in the area. New townships with 50 hectares of land or 1.5 lakh square meters built-up area are prohibited. Hydropower projects and industries are allowed under the orange category after ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. There are no restrictions on the repair, extension or renovation of houses. All existing health establishments can continue. MoEF has made it clear that no one will be evicted or transferred.
Every time a notification is issued, it is opposed by a large section of farmers, gardeners and elected representatives. Their apprehension is there for different reasons. Many villages in the hilly Malnad region have not got proper roads and electricity due to the existing restrictions on cutting trees and laying roads in the forest area. Since getting basic facilities was an uphill task under the existing rules, they are worried that the new notifications may make their situation worse.
Although elected representatives echo these sentiments, the real reason for their opposition is believed to be the ban on sand mining and quarrying, which the notification proposes, given that many politicians are in these professions. Environmentalists who are in favor of implementing the notification allege that politicians are misleading the public by spreading false information only to serve their vested interests. They also say that since the notification will not allow mega development projects in the ESA, politicians are concerned about “losing their income” through bribery.
During the heavy rains in recent years, there have been massive landslides in many parts of the Malnad region. Environmentalists want the state to take appropriate steps to protect the Western Ghats and argue that the implementation of the notification is crucial.
The apprehension about the ESA also stems from ignorance, as most of the people in the villages listed in the notification are unaware of its modalities. Many people could not study these documents as they were not available in the local language. There is hardly any meeting by the elected representatives or the government to spread awareness on this issue. There has been no attempt to consult people at the grassroots level before taking a stand on the issue, which makes the fierce opposition of politicians to the ESA even more suspicious.
satish.gt@thehindu.co.in