Environmentalists demand to implement Madhav Gadgil Committee report on Western ghats

Shivamogga
In response to the recent disaster in Wayanad, Kerala, which resulted in significant loss of life and property, the group We for the Environment submitted a request to the Chief Minister through the Deputy Commissioner on Wednesday. The request called for the implementation of the Madhav Gadgil Committee’s report from 2011.
The recent disaster in Kerala involved the collapse of hills, similar to landslides that have occurred in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand in North India. These incidents have been attributed to excessive human activity, including encroachment on forest areas, illegal mining, unauthorized construction of resorts and hotels, and extensive use of bulldozers for various projects. Activities such as road widening, railways, power lines, and monoculture plantations in biodiverse forest areas have contributed to land subsidence and soil erosion in both coastal and upland regions.
The group suggested several steps to address these issues, including the creation of a Western Ghats Authority, declaration of micro-ecological zones, strengthening of environmental impact studies, promotion of sustainable agriculture and forestry, and preparation of guidelines for eco-friendly tourism. They also proposed the formation of a Biodiversity Conservation Force at various administrative levels, with a recommendation for non-political experts to lead these efforts.