Panel proposes indefinite moratorium on new clearances for mining in the region
The Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel (WGEEP) has designated the entire hill range as an Ecologically Sensitive Area.
The panel, in its report, has classified the 142 taluks in the Western Ghats boundary into Ecologically Sensitive Zones (ESZ) 1, 2 and 3. It recommended that “no new dams based on large-scale storage be permitted in Ecologically Sensitive Zone 1. Since both the Athirappilly of Kerala and Gundia of Karnataka hydel project sites fall in Ecologically Sensitive Zone 1, these projects should not be accorded environmental clearance,” it said.
For Goa, the committee headed by eminent ecologist Madhav Gadgil, suggested an “indefinite moratorium on new environmental clearances for mining in ESZ 1 and 2, phasing out of mining in ESZ 1 by 2016 and continuation of existing mining in ESZ 2 under strict regulation with an effective system of social audit.”
“The moratorium on new clearances in ESZ 2 can be revisited when the situation improves and a comprehensive study on the impact of mining on the ecology, environment, human health, and biodiversity by a competent multidisciplinary team, working along with people's institutions, has been concluded,” it said.
No new polluting industries, including coal-based power plants, should be allowed in ESZ 1 and 2. The existing red and orange category industries should be asked to switch to zero pollution by 2016, with an effective system of social audit, the report said.
Regarding the mining and related activities in Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg districts, the panel said investigations in the plains and coastal tracts “suggested that these are under severe environmental and social stress.” It is essential that a “cumulative impact analysis of various development activities in these tracts, ideally in conjunction with Raigad district of Maharashtra and Goa, must be undertaken,” preferably by the National Institute of Oceanography, Goa.
The panel recommended that “the current moratorium on new environmental clearances for mining, and red and orange category polluting industries and power plants in the plains and coastal tracts of Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg districts should be extended till satisfactory completion of a carrying capacity analysis. The moratorium may then be reviewed in the light of the findings of the study,” it recommended.
It suggested the formation of a Western Ghats Ecology Authority (WGEA), a statutory authority which enjoys the powers under the Environment (Protection) Act. “As the Ghats is an extensive region spanning over six States, 44 districts, and 142 taluks, the WGEA should function in a networked fashion with six constituent State Western Ghats Ecology Authorities, appointed jointly by the State Governments and the Central Ministry of Environment and Forests,” it has proposed.
The panel was asked to assess the current status of ecology of the Ghats region, demarcate areas within the region that were to be notified as ecologically sensitive ones and make recommendations for the conservation, protection and rejuvenation of the entire area. The suggestions for the formation of the WGEA were also among its mandate.
It was subsequently asked to study the entire stretch of Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg districts, including the coastal region and to specifically examine the Gundia and Athirappilly hydroelectric projects. The views of the panel regarding the moratorium on new mining licences in Goa were also sought by the Ministry.
Keywords: Western Ghats, conservation, ecology, mining
Thanks Gadgil Team! Even blind fellow will tell Western Ghats are sensitive zone. Uneducated fellow like me also can tell how best forest it is. Who have recommanded this area for projects should be sent out of Government post, who can sell the nation for money. Even named as scientist, who says there is no harm for eco-system is also to be consider as traitor. A CBI enquiry should be made on their assets Of these corrupt people. pl understand our anger. There are plenty of founa and flora spicices ,.u can never find so much in any forest in INDIA.
the authority can inform the people in which ES zone Mullaperiar dam-present one as well as the proposed one are situated and this will help in coming to a decision/solution.
Good report. First media report about the content of Madhav Gadgil Committee report, on dams.
There should be cessation of creating new plantation estates too. Additionally every plantation estate that runs out of time limit of lease should be taken over and converted into natural forest habitat - with no access to anyone - and that should also include tribal people or adivasis or by whatever name human habitations initiate a strategic long duration plunder. Life should be allowed to evolve and lets hope more and more intelligent species evolve over a period of time - species that would consider neoliberal ways of defining freedom as violence !
Good news. Lets hope that MoEF will consider this opinion and act accordingly
It is sensitive. Yes it is sensitive news/information.Yes,we all should become sensitive to this as well for every thing around.
In karnataka, long stretch of the forest area is plundered. This was once known for Sandlwood and unique Teak. Now these native species are hardly seen. Forest department is colluding in denuding the once ever green forest. Thick jungle which existed close to Dharwad 4 decades ago has vanished. In Dharwad town, the jungle around Collector's bunglow, is replaced by government buildings and roads.
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