MoEF panel flags wildlife risks near Bhimgad Sanctuary, demands conservation plan; site inspection planned
PANAJI
The Regional Empowered Committee (REC) of the Union Ministry for Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has kept on hold Karnataka’s proposal for diversion of 28.44 ha of forest land in Nerase village of Khanapur taluka for the Kalsa-Bhandura drinking water project, considering that the proposed area falls close to the protected Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary.
The REC, which has decided to undertake a site inspection of the proposed forest diversion area, has directed the Karnataka State to prepare a bio-diversity conservation plan considering the fact that in and around the proposed forest area for diversion is a habitat for endangered animals such as tiger, leopard and other flora and fauna. REC noted that the proposed project area is a part of the Biodiversity Conservation Working Circle.
“The said plan has to be vetted by the competent authority and submitted,” REC said while seeking Chief Wildlife Warden to comment on the possible impact of diversion of forest land on wildlife.
Karnataka, through Neeravari Nigam Limited (KNNL) 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 State contended that the project site is located approximately 0.029 kms of Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary and also outside the notified Eco-Sensitive Zone.
KNNL informed REC that the proposed water pumping will be done during the rainy season that is June to October, when the water availability is surplus. It said that when the water is impounded after November, the stored water will be available for wildlife and additionally, the impoundment may enhance groundwater recharge, potentially leading to increased seepage downstream indirectly benefiting wildlife during the dry season.
“The project is expected to have minimal impact on biodiversity including wildlife. Any residual impacts can be mitigated through appropriate wildlife conservation measures. The user agency has voluntarily agreed to utilise 5 per cent of the project cost for wildlife mitigation and conservation efforts,” Karnataka said.
The Goan had reported in the past that KNNL had started work for the Bhandura project in the Nerase village, without any mandatory permission including that of the National Board of Wildlife (NBWL).
