The Centre should implement at least some of the Kasturirangan Committee recommendations to protect the Western Ghats, one of the world’s biggest biodiversity hotspots, as Kerala, once a water surplus State, has become water deficit and Tamil Nadu is already a water starved State. All States along the Western Ghats should take concerted efforts to implement the recommendations. Formation of Forum for Western Ghats with an agenda for all who depend on its water and pure air is need of the hour.
These appeals were made by environmentalists, ecologists and NGOs at a workshop on Save Western Ghats Movement held here on Wednesday.
In his address, Kumar Kalanand Mani, executive secretary of Peaceful Society, an NGO in Goa, said saving Western Ghats was imperative but Parliament did not discuss the recommendations. The irony was that the Centre had passed on the responsibility of protecting the Western Ghats to States, but they were in denial mood. Already, Maharashtra, Goa and Kerala had rejected the proposals. If Tamil Nadu failed to protect the Western Ghats, it would face an acute water crisis, as it did not have glaciers to provide water.
The Western Ghats was crucial for the State as it was the only source for all rivers, he said. Since the Western Ghats needed 60 % forest cover, its destruction would kill rivers and ultimately intensify fight between neighbouring States, he also warned.
K. Raj Mohan of Kodaikanal said that Kodaikanal was prime water source for 16 dams in Dindigul, Theni and Karur districts. Rapid destruction of green cover in upper Kodaikanal had already created acute water crisis in lower Kodaikanal.
A. Michel said converting reserve forests in Kodaikanal into a sanctuary without ensuring adequate protection to wild animals and their habitats would be of no use. If there was no Western Ghats, the entire State would become a desert, cautioned SWGM State convener Kalidas. Peace Trust chairman J. Paul Baskar also spoke.
Tamil Nadu Green Movement secretary V. Jeevanandham said wild animals migrated to Kodaikanal town because reserve forests sprawling over 900 sq. km had turned unfit for them to live.
Proliferation of exotic species, vanishing shola forests and wet lands wiped out feed, water and habitat.
