The Karnataka government has announced a temporary ban on any changes in land use patterns within the Western Ghats, an ecologically sensitive area (ESA), as part of a broader initiative to protect the region’s biodiversity. This decision comes in the wake of recent natural calamities and is aimed at preventing further environmental degradation while maintaining the livelihoods of the local populations that inhabit the area.
The Master Plan Proposal
The state government has proposed the creation of a master plan to ensure the sustainable development of the Western Ghats, a region known for its rich biodiversity and environmental significance. The master plan represents a balanced approach, aiming to adhere to the recommendations of the Kasturirangan report, which advocates for the protection of the ESA, while avoiding the displacement of local communities and curbing livelihood-related activities.
In a departmental note signed by Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre, the government emphasized the need to safeguard the Western Ghats from further human development activities that could exacerbate environmental issues. The note referenced recent natural disasters, such as the Wayanad landslides, the melting of Himalayan glaciers, and flooding in Himachal Pradesh, to underscore the urgency of protecting the region.
Rationale Behind the Ban
The temporary ban on land use changes in the Western Ghats is primarily a response to the increasing frequency of natural disasters in ecologically fragile areas. Minister Khandre highlighted the landslides in Kodagu and Himachal Pradesh as examples of the disastrous consequences that can result from unchecked changes in land usage. He pointed out that allowing such changes has led to the unchecked proliferation of human habitats in hills and forests, with severe environmental repercussions.
Khandre proposed that a consensus be reached among various government departments, including the forest, revenue, urban development, and panchayati raj departments, to implement the master plan. This plan would be based on new zonal regulations governing land use patterns, which would be designed to protect the Western Ghats while accommodating the needs of local residents.
Implementation of the Master Plan
The creation and implementation of the master plan do not require amendments to existing laws, according to officials, making it a feasible and swift initiative once all relevant departments are in agreement. The plan involves clearly marking the boundaries of every town and village within the Western Ghats region. Once these boundaries are established, all areas outside these demarcated zones will be officially declared as part of a Green Zone.
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Within this Green Zone, activities will be strictly regulated to ensure environmental protection. Farming will be permitted, but any other activities that could harm the environment, such as the construction of illegal homestays and resorts, will be considered violations of the new regulations.
Balancing Conservation and Livelihoods
The intent behind the master plan is to strike a balance between conservation efforts and the needs of the local population. By protecting the environment and preventing further encroachments, the government hopes to avoid the need for evictions within the proposed ESAs. At the same time, the plan aims to allow residents to continue their day-to-day activities without disruption, ensuring that their livelihoods are not adversely affected by the new regulations.
An official from the forest department emphasized that the master plan is designed to protect the environment while respecting the rights and needs of the local communities. “The goal is to create a framework that allows for sustainable development without compromising the ecological integrity of the Western Ghats,” the official said.
Karnataka’s temporary ban on land use changes in the Western Ghats is a significant step towards protecting one of India’s most vital ecological regions. By proposing a master plan that balances conservation with the needs of local communities, the state government is taking a proactive approach to ensure that the Western Ghats remain a thriving and sustainable environment for future generations.
