Karnataka: Biodiversity board mute spectator to violations, says former chairman

Bengaluru: Karnataka has been lagging behind in implementation of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 due to lack of initiatives by the forest officers at the local and regional level, activist and former chairman of the state Biodiversity Board Anant Hegde Ashisara has said in a representation to Forest, Ecology and Environment Minister Eshwar B Khandre.

During a meeting with Khandre, the de facto chairman of the Board, the activist submitted a representation. He stated that despite the powers and knowledge, the biodiversity board has not taken action against those plundering the bio resources without accountability.  

Ashisar conveyed his concerns over the delay in implementing many of the
works decided by the Board years ago.

“For instance, 15 fish sanctuaries were identified 5 years ago. However, no progress has been made. There is a need to coordinate with the Fisheries Department to take it forward,” he said.

He said 12 biodiversity hotspots identified across Karnataka between 2020 and 22 have not been announced officially. Adinarayanaswamy Hill, Antaragange, Ashokavana, Kattalekan and other biodiversity-rich areas need recognition and conservation efforts.

Ashisar also stated that the 6,000 biodiversity management committees set up at the panchayat-level have remained non-functional and no efforts have been made to activate them.

“During 2021-2023, six taluks in the Western Ghats had model BMCs. I request you to visit them and take their model to other BMCs,”
he added.