Daijiworld Media Network - Bangalore (SP)

Bangalore, Oct 19: Union environment and forest minister, Jairam Ramesh, asserted again that the central government will never give its nod for the Gundia hydro electric project proposed to be set up in the Western Ghats, as it will damage the ecology and environment of the Western Ghats.

Speaking at a press conference held here on Sunday October 18, he said that permission for this project can never be given, as conservation of the sensitive environment of the Western Ghats is of paramount importance. "Any damage to the Western Ghats will have a repercussion on the entire country, particularly Kerala state. Hence, this project will not get the central government's clearance," he reiterated.

Not only the Western Ghats, but everywhere in the country, wherever forest belts face the risk, including in areas like the north-eastern states, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and central Indian states, every project will be thoroughly scrutinized for the likely impact it may have on the bio-diversity and ecology of the states concerned, he stated. As against the determined efforts of the state to go ahead with the said project, which has already been initiated, Jairam said, the centre had already written twice to the state, making it clear that the project will not be given a go ahead.

In fact, the environment ministry has mooted the idea of giving 'Green Bonus' to states that protect their forests and increase their forest areas, through either the Central Finance Commission or the Planning Commission, he explained.