'Destruction of Western Ghats will pose danger in future'

"Western Ghats is one of the wonders of the world. It has all the formula for India to become a superpower," said environmentalist Praveen Bhargav.

In an interaction with reporters on Tuesday, he said, "We are not dependent on the Western Ghats for water alone. It is a hotspot of biodiversity. With its medicinal plants, unique trees, Shola forest and grassland, the Western Ghats is unique. The laying of highways, railway lines and canals by destroying the Western Ghats will lead to danger in future."

"Owing to the movement to stop mining in Kudremukh, three rivers in Kudremukh are still flowing. When we started our movement against mining, many had raised questions about the future of the labour class," said Bhargav.

"An equilibrium is possible only when the forest grows naturally. It is our responsibility to conserve the forest for the future generation. Any danger posed to the Western Ghats will have an impact on its biodiversity. No country can develop without water. Hence, it is our duty to conserve water," he said.

"I am not against development. I do not wish to call myself an environmentalist. I have been fighting to safeguard rich flora and fauna. Development and environment should complement each other. There are several models on how development is possible by conserving nature," said Praveen Bhargav.

Elephant corridors

He said there has been an increase in human-elephant conflict due to the lack of elephant corridors. There is a need to relay elephant corridors.

"If a person is killed in a wild animal attack the family members should be compensated immediately. There has been an increase in wild animal menace on the periphery of the forest. Instead of cultivating crops on the available land on the periphery of forests, there is a need to declare the land as community reserve forest wherein homestay and tourism-related activities can be taken up," he suggested.