The Karnataka government has proposed a master plan to protect the eco-sensitive Western Ghats. As part of this plan, the government has temporarily banned any changes in land use patterns within the region. Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre leads this effort and aims to protect the environment while protecting local communities' livelihoods. This temporary ban will stay in effect until new zonal regulations and a comprehensive plan are made. This decision was made after the recent natural disasters. It aims to prevent further damage caused by human activities in this sensitive area.
The Karnataka government has taken a major step to protect the ecologically sensitive areas (ESAs). To preserve the region's rich biodiversity, the state has temporarily banned any changes in land usage within the Western Ghats. This ban will remain until new Zonal regulations and a master plan for land use are finalised. The affected areas include districts like Kodagu, Chikkamagaluru, Udupi, and Dakshina Kannada. These regions are part of the Western Ghats in Karnataka.
The state government's master plan represents a balanced approach, aiming to protect the biodiversity of the Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA) without disrupting the lives and livelihoods of the populations residing there. In a departmental note signed by Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre, the government cited natural disasters, such as the recent Wayanad landslides, the melting of Himalayan glaciers, and flooding in Himachal Pradesh, to emphasise the urgency of safeguarding the environment from the adverse impacts of human development activities.
In the departmental note, Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre highlighted the landslides in Kodagu and Himachal Pradesh as examples, stating that allowing changes in land usage has led to the proliferation of habitats in the hills and forests, resulting in disastrous consequences.
Khandre further emphasised that, in light of the natural crises and the presence of urban and rural areas within the Western Ghats region in Karnataka, it is proposed to have a consensus among the forest department, revenue department, urban development department (including municipal administration), and the panchayati raj department, to implement a master plan based on new zonal regulations on land use patterns.
In the interim period, until the new zonal regulations are implemented, the forest department has "temporarily" halted any changes in land usage within the Western Ghats. The creation and implementation of the master plan do not require amendments to existing laws and can be carried out expeditiously, once all the relevant departments are on board. Officials have stated that once the boundaries for each town and village in the region are defined, the remaining area will be officially declared as a Green Zone. Within this Green Zone, apart from farming, any other activity will be considered a violation.
The underlying intent behind this master plan is to strike a balanced approach, where the habitats are protected, while allowing residents to continue with their day-to-day activities. Additionally, the plan aims to prevent further encroachments, such as illegal homestays and resorts, in the region. An official from the forest department has stated that the master plan will serve to protect the environment while also helping to avoid evictions of the populations residing within the proposed Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESAs).
In summary, the Karnataka government's decision to temporarily ban changes in land usage within the Western Ghats represents a proactive step to protect the region's ecologically sensitive areas (ESAs) and rich biodiversity. The proposed master plan aims to strike a balanced approach, safeguarding the environment while ensuring the continued livelihood and well-being of the local populations. By involving multiple departments and seeking consensus, the government is working to implement effective zonal regulations and land use patterns that will preserve the Western Ghats' natural resources and prevent further encroachments, without disrupting the lives of the residents. This comprehensive approach highlights the state's commitment to sustainable development and environmental conservation.
Advertisement
Facebook
Whatsapp
