A Sanctuary Under Siege: The Fight for the Western Ghats' Wild Heart

Oh, the Western Ghats. A name that, for many of us, conjures images of lush, verdant slopes, mist-kissed peaks, and a biodiversity that honestly, just takes your breath away. It’s a place of unparalleled natural wonder, a true treasure – you could even say a lifeline – for our region. And yet, here we are again, facing another proposal that, for all its claims of progress, feels an awful lot like a step backward for this precious ecosystem.

This time, the spotlight falls on a proposed mini-hydel project, slated for a particularly sensitive patch of land not far from the magnificent Linganamakki reservoir in Shivamogga district. It’s an area that, in truth, already bears the scars of development, a place where, let’s be honest, we should be treading with the utmost care, if at all. Karnataka Power Corporation Limited (KPCL) is behind this one, hoping to divert water from a local stream – a stream that, it goes without saying, plays a vital role in sustaining the delicate balance of the surrounding environment.

Dinesh Holla, a name synonymous with unwavering environmental advocacy through his work with Sahyadri Sanchaya, is — quite rightly — raising the alarm. He’s not just shouting into the wind; he’s pointing to critical, undeniable facts. This isn't just any stretch of land; it's a recognised biodiversity hotspot, a living, breathing testament to nature’s ingenuity. More crucially, perhaps, it’s a vital corridor for our majestic tigers, a pathway they use to move and thrive. Disturbing such an area, well, it’s not just an inconvenience; it’s an existential threat to these magnificent creatures and the broader ecological tapestry.

Holla, with a seasoned activist's foresight, reminds us of the past – and honestly, who could forget? We’ve seen similar projects before, and their track record, frankly, hasn't been stellar. He cites instances of previous mini-hydel ventures in the vicinity, projects that ultimately, despite all the grand promises, failed to deliver on their power generation goals, leaving behind only environmental degradation as their enduring legacy. It makes you wonder, doesn't it, why we seem so intent on repeating history, especially when that history is marred by ecological missteps?

So, the plea is direct, heartfelt, and undeniably urgent: the Karnataka Forest Department simply must reject this proposal. It’s a decision that goes beyond megawatts; it's about safeguarding the very soul of the Western Ghats, protecting its invaluable flora and fauna, and ensuring that future generations can also marvel at its untamed beauty. Because for once, perhaps, we should prioritise preservation over short-sighted exploitation. It’s not just good policy; it’s a moral imperative, wouldn’t you agree?