Prepare carrying capacity study of Western Ghats in Karnataka: Eshwar Khandre

Bengaluru: Reports of landslides have prompted the forest department to carry out a study of the Western Ghats in Karnataka to assess the carrying capacity of the hills.

In a direction issued to the Additional Chief Secretary, Forest, Ecology and Environment Minister Eshwar B Khandre expressed concern over the landslides being reported even during the pre-monsoon rains.

Cut by roads and bearing the burden of development activities, the Western Ghats in Karnataka have come under immense pressure over the last two decades. This has in turn led to repeated instances of landslides and floods.

The minister set a three month deadline for the submission of the report.

"Experts have warned that the Ghats are in danger and pose a threat to the properties, crop, life and livelihood of the people besides affecting the wildlife. Experts have also opined that the damage to Western Ghats will lead to an acute water crisis. In this regard, a carrying capacity study shall be taken up," he said.

A copy of the letter was marked to senior officials from the forest department and the member secretary of the Biodiversity Board. The minister noted that the Ghats have about 60 per cent of the state's forests as well as the state's rich biodiversity.

Karnataka has the highest extent of sensitive area (20668 sq km) of the Ghats, as per the report submitted by the late Dr K Kasturirangan. However, the opposition to the eco-sensitive area notification has left the area vulnerable.