Raviprasad Kamila/The Hindu

Mangalore, Apr 17: Some environmentalists here have expressed concern over the proposal to set up 27 mini-hydro electric projects in the catchment area of the Netravati in the Western Ghats, which the State Government has approved. They fear that these projects would have serious implications on the biodiversity of the region, and threaten the very existence of the Netravati, considered as the “lifeline” of Dakshina Kannada.

The environmentalists told The Hindu that five of the 27 projects had been implemented. If the remaining 22 projects were also to be implemented, a large area of forest would be submerged as they would involve construction of dams at various locations. Besides, the vast forest cover might get depleted because of the subsidiary works such as laying of power transmission lines and roads to be taken up there. The biodiversity and wildlife in the ghat section would be severely damaged. In all, 77 projects had been approved in the Western Ghats, including 50 outside the catchment area of the Netravati, the environmentalists said.

Stating that the none of the political parties had taken note of the seriousness of the problem, they said no attempt was being made to prevent the exploitation of the forest and water resources in the region. Convener of the Kudremukh Wildlife Foundation Niren Jain told The Hindu that the extent of damage that these projects might cause to the environment was evident from the two hydro electric plants set up at Kempuhole and one each at Kadumane, Aniyoor, and Charmadi.

All the projects would be in the catchment area of the Netravati and its tributaries, he said.

Dinesh Holla, a trekker who frequently visits the Western Ghats, and an environmentalist, agreeing with Mr. Jain, said that a private company had completed the survey for setting up a power plant across the Kapila, near Shishila. G.N. Ashokvardhan, founder of Arohana Mountaineers and Adventurers, said the Government should withdraw its approval not for the 27 projects proposed in the catchment area but also those in other parts of the Western Ghats.

Mr. Jain said that the members of the foundation had seen the markings made bythe companies assigned with these projects in many places. “This area is an important migratory corridor for elephants and other animals along the Western Ghats.

The project had fragmented and degraded the wildlife habitat and restricted the movement of large mammals along this route.

Banning of external activity in the catchment area of the Netravati should have been a prominent issue for the political parties in the Lok Sabha elections,” Mr. Jain said.