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Bangalore: 'World Heritage Tag to Western Ghats will Hit Development, Boost Naxals'

  •   Wed, Jul 04 2012 09:54:45 PM

Bangalore: 'World Heritage Tag to Western Ghats will Hit Development, Boost Naxals'

From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Bangalore

Bangalore, Jul 4: World Heritage tag conferred on the famous Western Ghats by UNESCO against the wishes of Karnataka Government will not only hamper developmental activities in the region but also give a boost to Naxal activities, Forest Minister C P Yogeshwar said on Wednesday.

The minister, who held a review meeting with the State’s Forest Department officials to study the impact of the World Heritage tag to the Western Ghats, said the status will prevent the State Government in taking up construction of houses, roads, bridges, power plants and other developmental activities in the region.

Yogeshwar said Karnataka, Kerala and Maharashtra, which had the largest area under Western Ghats, would be severely affect by the UNESCO decision and the people residing in the region will be the sufferers.

He said Karnataka, Kerala and Maharashtra Governments had opposed the UNESCO move from the beginning.

Thousands of families would lose their source of livelihood following the heritage tag to the Western Ghats and would be subject to severe restrictions, he said.

Lack of development in the region would fuel anti-social activities, he said pointing out that naxal activities were ramphant in the region. If the Governments are prevented from taking up developmental activities or providing infrastructure facilities to the people, it would be a fertile ground for naxalities.

Opposing the Centre’s unilateral decision to support the World Heritage tag to Western Ghats, Yogeshwar said compensation amount of Rs 10 lakh per family was inadequate to rehabilitate people in the forest areas as land costs were prohibitively high in the region.

Yogeshwar felt it would be better and more appropriate if a Western Ghats Development Authority was constituted and provided with sufficient funds for its activities as recommended by the Madhav Gadgil panel.

The minister said a large number of families have planted arecanut, coffee and other crops to generate income for their livelihood.

Several Central and State Government laws pertaining to forest, biodiversity and conservation of tiger and bird sanctuaries in the State were overlapping with each other.

The World Heritage tag would at best promote eco-tourism in the region. The activities in these areas are regulated by these laws.

 
  

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Comment on this article

  • Joe Britto, Nakre/Bangalore

    Sat, Jul 07 2012

    The headline should be altered as follows: "World Heritage Tag to Western Ghats will hit development of mining lobbies, promoters of mini hydel projects, tourism resorts and realtors ."

    DisAgree Agree [6] Reply Report Abuse

  • Sreedevi, Kerala

    Fri, Jul 06 2012

    We have already started feeling the heat of all the our greediness - Weakest monsoon, Water shortage, Pollution........Development is essential but it should be sustainable development which benefits the entire natural diversity..

    We have already utilized our resources to a great extend for development. Being one among the eight hotspots of natural diversity in the world, Western deservers to be protected. Yes, agriculture should be encouraged but not at the cost of massive destruction of forests. I am not aware of the exact statistics but I am sure there is plently of agricultural land in Bangalore which can be utilized for the benefit of the farmers if at all they are affected by the proposal ( for which I see there are less chances are their rights will be protected. ). We cannot undo the damages already caused but can prevent further damages to our bio diversity.

    To all the ministers - Everybody is intelligent enough to understand that this move will ensure extra rules for conservation of our land and instead of protesting the move by saying that this will boost naxals, hit the agriculturists..etc, ensure that the measures which are currently in place for this continue.

    For those who thinks that we as an individual cannot do much on conservation, here is a wonderful opportunity for action. Lets stay together and vote for this proposal from UNESCO. Yes, we need to conserve our nature at any cost and this is for a common cause. Why would the state governments oppose this kind of a proposal saying they have their own Laws to protect the Western Ghats? Are these laws favouring the illegal activities and if not why are these illegal activities still happening. Lets give way to stronger laws...


    This is the time for action and lets all suppport and not protest.


    Thanks.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [4] Reply Report Abuse

  • ad, mangloor

    Thu, Jul 05 2012

    Right and desereved move by UNESCO. Preserve the western ghats without development.

    We need to develop the brains of politicians.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [10] Reply Report Abuse

  • Santhosh SJ, Hassan

    Thu, Jul 05 2012

    These big thieves (politicians) wanted to loot the Western Ghats. But its stopped by the UN's good move. So they cry 'foul'. "Dirty politicians, keep off Western Ghats. You are ignorant of the importance of Western Ghats to the people of South India".

    DisAgree [2] Agree [14] Reply Report Abuse

  • vnayak, mangalore/switzerland

    Thu, Jul 05 2012

    This is a ridiculous and ignorant statement. I have seen other UNESCO natural heritage sites in developed and in developing countries. They are all well maintained and controlled tourism is booming (controlled because of strict rules like no littering, no feeding of birds and fish, no plucking of flowers and fruits,no fishing etc which is all good practice even without being a heritage site.).

    DisAgree [3] Agree [9] Reply Report Abuse

  • Rahul, Mangalore

    Thu, Jul 05 2012

    These double-standard loot-kings have kept firm eye on resource rich areas such as western ghats, Mineral rich areas such as bellary, investment oriented capital bangalore and other main cities - all for one prime reason - To MAKE MONEY at any cost ( hook and crook). Exploitation and Loot of natural resources will have its own consequences. It will actually ruin their own future progeny.


    The fight and possession for resources continues at astronomical proportions and this is the main reason for all type of people and STATE fights. Many hidden interests n agenda's are at work which unfortunately will not be available for the general public to see and analyse. Questions such as - who own planet earth ? Who is privileged to enjoy nature ? - are complicated to answer. Every species - flora/fauna - has a right to live and occupy rightful place here. The real laws of existence are not man made laws, but it is natural laws governed by nature. Come one tsunami or earthquake, the entire human-made empire collapses in no time. Current trends we see day-to-day set dangerous precedent and one must guard against it. The message of many saints that the king must be a servant of powerless is too deep to understand and practice. Business and political forces must bring in some sort of harmony in society so that all can live a rightful place in this life and also they create space of competition/excellence for bring out the best from individuals. Nothing is perfect, but one can live in approximations. Hope virgin forests remain so for many more generations, and loot stops right away. Policy makers have a complex task - as always, and enlightened-powerless citizens just watch the proceedings. Hope this comment is not blocked by the media that lives on principle of freedom of opinion n responsibility.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [11] Reply Report Abuse

  • Arjun, Sullia/Mangalore

    Thu, Jul 05 2012

    Its very sad to see people thinking that heritage tag would really change anything in western ghats.Its only poor agriculturists who are affected.If the people are disposed from the fringes of W.Ghats, who will protect the forests(do u think our corrupt forest officials?). People are there since hundreds of years and protected the forest as their own land. We already have existing strict laws to prevent deforestation.UN doesn't have any authority on local laws.If there are no human habitation around western ghats then there is a chance of illegal poaching and cutting of trees. Its better to involve local people in protecting Western ghats. That sounds good and avoid unnecessary complications.Any how a minister should voice the problems of people and its easy for us to sit in Big cities and comment on saving Western ghats. What have u done to save trees? have u grown any near your home?.. I am not a business man or any other professional who earn lump some. I am just a damn agriculturist who is always bullied by govt and people around me.I have grown tree and plants and i think i have only rite to talk on how to protect my ecology.

    DisAgree [11] Agree [6] Reply Report Abuse

  • Ramesh, mangalore

    Thu, Jul 05 2012

    What happens when we elect uneducated people as our representitives ( includes all politicians).God protect us from these kind. People we have to pray every day to protect us from these, only God can protect us , if any human comes forward (whistle blowers) they remove them permanently. if needed all of us should get togetehr and protect Western Ghats at any costs especilaly from these goons.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [11] Reply Report Abuse

  • Rakesh Dsouza, Mangalore, Dubai

    Thu, Jul 05 2012

    These corrupt ministers are not bothered to develop the other areas in the state which are lacking basic infrastructures and now talking about the development of western ghats...

    Now they are hindered to spoil the beautiful western ghats and thereby to make money.

    All the times these ministers are busy in fighting for th eCM chair and now talking about the developments.

    DisAgree [6] Agree [27] Reply Report Abuse

  • Charles D'Mello, Pangala

    Thu, Jul 05 2012

    Mr. Minister although your concerns are correct partially....first stat developing the infrastructure in the developed area properly. You have roads whereby vehicles can not move....what is the reason for developing forest areas and neglecting the densely populated areas...!!!???? For your personal gains..!!!??

    DisAgree [3] Agree [21] Reply Report Abuse

  • Pramod Naik, Kundapura

    Thu, Jul 05 2012

    Yes we have to prevent these rogue ministers from cutting trees and selling forest land for making money! They want to remove complete Lagadi of the forests of Karnataka State! If we keep on losing the forests then we will have no rains and animals and the people in the forest areas are self sufficient and having greater health than the city people.. God has not left people in forest areas without any food or medicines.They have ayurvedic medicines too even if they have no allopathy medicine.So the rogue ministers are not interested in anything but only their own pockets.Thank you UNESCO,well done! Also strict vigilance is required in forest areas for illegal deforestation.Our forest officers also themselves sell timber illegally

    DisAgree [3] Agree [21] Reply Report Abuse

  • Iqbal Saeed, Udupi

    Thu, Jul 05 2012

    Now politicians cannot robe forest wealth. It is good move from UNESCO. All robbers and land grabers are under control.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [23] Reply Report Abuse

  • RAVIDAS KAPIKAD, Mangalore/AbuDhabi

    Thu, Jul 05 2012

    OH my god...Yogesh don't put your dirty mind here...Naxals already boosted,now what u want to talk about this.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [21] Reply Report Abuse

  • rahul, mangalore

    Thu, Jul 05 2012

    I WILL AGREE WITH THE MINISTER AS NO DEVELOPMENT OF THE REGION AND RESTRICTED ACCESS TO THE REGION WILL
    BAD NEWS TO ALL OF US,ITS LIKE OUR LAND RULED BY UN

    DisAgree [33] Agree [8] Reply Report Abuse

  • Kumar, Kuala Lumpur/Managlore

    Thu, Jul 05 2012

    Hi,
    Who the heck is Yogeswar to say all these. These people doesn't know what he is talking about. People cant more dumb than this guy. Maybe he wants to buidl some palace encroaching some forest land.
    Does he know how boilogically sensetive this place is. Whole of coastal place and above wont get rains if these forests are gone.
    Have some sesne minister, have some sense.

    Regards,
    Natesh

    DisAgree [3] Agree [29] Reply Report Abuse

  • Eric, Mangalore

    Thu, Jul 05 2012

    Political parties alredy allowed Industrial entrepreneurs to build hydro electric power plants in our ghats such as Shirady and Charmady and may be in other places too and trying to build dams across the river Badhra and as such they have such submered quite a lot of virgin forest land and the damage is done. And these people will still permit so. Almost all the entrepreneurs are from other states. The govt. buys the electricity produced by these companies at a higher price. The ecology is already damaged. If unwanted development is to be done still more deprivation of forest will happen.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [12] Reply Report Abuse

  • Ananth Prabhu, Mangalore

    Thu, Jul 05 2012

    Does this minister think all Kannadigas are dumb people? I dont understand what sin have we all committed to be ruled by such people. God bless us all.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [41] Reply Report Abuse

  • Dharmendra Kamath, Karkala / Bangalore

    Wed, Jul 04 2012

    This is rediculous statement by corrupt minister Yogeshwar. I bet, coffeee planters' lobby is working behind this. Tell me Yogeshwar how much CPs offered you for opposing this?? Let this be monumnet..its pride for us people of Malnad. Our ministers never work for development or pride of the state, but only for money. This is an ample example. Guys, pls oppose tis 'cheap' state minister YP Yogi

    DisAgree [5] Agree [44] Reply Report Abuse

  • ISMAIL K PERINJE, PERINJE-YANBU/KSA

    Wed, Jul 04 2012

    No.....not @ all...It is other way around!There is a break for investment and thereby politician's corruptions may stop!Politicians want to scuttle the move because they are the main looser.I am very much disappointed that instead of appreciation by the Govt, they are worried about their(politician's)vested interest!
    Awarding world heritage tag to WESTERN GHATS, we can see little damage on environmental issue and safety and security to forest and endangered animals.

    DisAgree [5] Agree [46] Reply Report Abuse

  • justice Smith, Dubai

    Wed, Jul 04 2012

    The SO called useless ministers comment of preserving westers ghats.If preserved public will not lose anything.The development tese ministers talk about is mining/selling the land /cutting the trees and making illegal mony is these ministers main aim.
    What is wrong in preserving western ghat.It will help in greenary / rain and so on
    To be hell with such thhird rated ministers

    DisAgree [4] Agree [49] Reply Report Abuse


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