PANAJI
In a major setback to Karnataka’s ambitious Kalsa-Bhandura drinking water project, the Regional Empowered Committee (REC) of the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has raised serious ecological red flags, warning that the project would “negatively impact” the riverine ecology of the Mhadei river and lead to “reduced water flows” into the ecologically sensitive Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary.
At its meeting held on December 11, the REC deferred a decision on Karnataka’s proposal to divert 28.44 hectares of forest land in Nerase village of Khanapur taluka, despite pressure from farmers’ groups. The committee categorically observed that the forest area sought for diversion is “inviolate” and fragile from a biodiversity perspective, even though it technically falls outside the notified eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) of the Bhimgad sanctuary.
The REC in its meeting noted that the farmers, under ‘Ryatha Sena Karnataka’ banner had threatened to protest if the committee fails to grant the permission during the meeting.
The Karnataka government is also directed to provide the present status of various special leave petitions and interlocutory applications filed before the Supreme Court pertaining to the Mhadei river diversion project.
“Implementation of the proposed project would result in reduced water flow to the sanctuary which could have negative impact on the riverine ecology and the surrounding areas,” the REC said while directing the Karnataka government to furnish specific comments on the impact of proposed project on the riverine ecology of the area and suggest suitable mitigation measures to protected the fragile ecosystem of Bhimgad Sanctuary.
Karnataka, through Neeravari Nigam Limited (KNNL) had approached REC for diversion of 28.44 ha of forest land in Nerase village of Khanapur taluka for construction of diversion weir, jackwell cum pump house, electric substation, pipeline and powerline for utilisation of Bandura Nala drinking water to Hubli-Dharwad twin cities and other surrounding areas for Kalsa project diversion.
The REC during its meeting held in May had kept the proposal on hold considering that the proposed area falls close to the protected Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary.
During its deliberations, the REC noted that the proposed forest land for diversion lies merely 29 metres from the notified ESZ of the Bhimgad Sanctuary. Based on Decision Support System (DSS) analysis, the committee opined that the area falls under ‘Inviolate I’ category, indicating high ecological value and sensitivity. The REC reiterated that the ecological fragility of the region cannot be overlooked merely because the site lies marginally outside the ESZ boundary.
Taking a serious note of rehabilitation of 161 families, located in the WLS, REC mandated the consent of the villagers for relocation. It also observed that there is no comprehensive rehabilitation plan in place.
“Neither any detailed relocation plan nor documents regarding willingness of the villagers to relocate was submitted by the State government. Keeping in view the above-mentioned facts, REC was of the view that the proposed rehabilitation plan included in the Biodiversity and Wildlife Conservation Plan is incomplete,” it said.
Directing the State to prepare a comprehensive rehabilitation plan, which can be implemented in a time bound manner, REC asked Karnataka to provide a detailed timeline for the implementation of the project.
