Intro
Maleshankar local office announced by Tabrez Alam Sharif to address Western Ghats issues, easing residents’ grievances access
Shivamogga
Decision to set up a local office in Maleshankar has been announced by Mohammad Tabrez Alam Sharif, chairman of the Western Ghats Conservation Task Force Committee.
He spoke to reporters after a preliminary meeting held at the District Administration Office on Tuesday regarding a program planned for May. Sharif said he will personally visit the area to hear problems faced by local people including drinking water shortages and issues of tribal communities.
He explained that many residents find it difficult to travel to Bengaluru to submit complaints, so a local office will make communication easier. He added that Karnataka leads in conserving the Western Ghats and was the first state to form such a committee in 2008.
Efforts include strict rules on plastic use, plans for green check posts, and a proposal for a museum on the Ghats. Awareness programs for youth and steps to protect dense forests are also being promoted. A request has been sent to declare key forest areas as heritage sites.
Officials are also studying the rise of homestays and resorts and preparing rules to manage them responsibly. Sharif noted that the High Court has stayed the Sharavati pumped storage project and said any harmful project will be reviewed.
District forest officials shared that the region has several forest divisions and wildlife sanctuaries, including Shettyhalli, Sharavathi and Gudavi. The meeting was attended by senior district officers and forest staff.
Further discussions will be held with departments like tourism, mining and geology to ensure balanced development and environmental protection in the sensitive Western Ghats region going forward with proper planning and community support always.
