Ecological disaster waiting to happen? - GHEP

Jayashree Nandi and Nirmala M Nagaraj | TNN



Bangalore: Is Karnataka sitting mutely on an ecological disaster? The government is going ahead with the Gundia hydel power project despite green concerns. In fact, 456 hectares of forest land will be razed in phases, starting November to make way for the project. The pre-construction work has started.
The meteorological department has warned of major impact on climate due to the massive destruction.
According to Wildlife Conservation Society, the project area falls within 9.5 km radius from the boundary of the Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary. The project violates the order of ministry of environment and forests which restricts such activities 10 km from the protected area boundary as it is an eco-sensitive zone.
Gundia is one of the three important locations in Karnataka where the Travancore flying squirrel and the slender Loris are found.

Officials say something else

But the KPCL has its own take. “The proposed project and the catchment areas do not have any wildlife sanctuaries and animal corridors. It is in effect about 30 km away from Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, about 60 km from Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary and about 90 km from the Kudremukh Wildlife Sanctuary. Hence, no impacts on visible sanctuaries and animal corridors are expected. The minor ones, if any, are insignificant.”
Environment Impact Assessment by Institute for Catchment Studies & Environmental Management too says that since there are no migratory species in the zone, the project will not affect any animal corridors.
Interestingly, weather being a significant aspect, the State Meteorology Department has not been consulted either by the Karnataka Power Corporation or by the Environmental Clearance Board.

Met department not consulted

Met department director A Muthuchami said that though Indian Meteorological Department is a member of the ECB in all states, in Karnataka met department officials were not consulted by the board. “Ever since I took over, ECB has not consulted us for any project. So all projects that have been approved by the ECB in the last one and half year do not have the consent of the weather department in the state.”
He said: “Apart from anticipated landslide and inducing seismic events, there is possibility of the project having overall impact on the hydro cycle in the area, resulting in gradual decrease in rainfall.”
As the check dams will be constructed across the streams, downstream areas in the region are likely to be affected from water shortage due to decrease in stream and groundwater table, especially during summer.

Power company unmoved


But the KPCL is firm. “There are not enough employment opportunities, cardamom yields are low, coffee rates are fluctuating. The local people are not bothered about how many frogs or birds will die. A development project like this one is needed and will be taken forward,” KPCL chief engineer S Ramesh said.
“Proposals were submitted two months back and an informal clearance letter has been received. Work will start in November,” he added.
KPCL representatives may meet the environment ministry on June 15 and 16.

MASS DESTRUCTION


456 hectares of forest land will be razed

12 villages, 264 families or 980 persons will be displaced

Impact on microclimate will be severe, rainfall pattern will change, landslides also possible