Central panel: Kalsa project will cripple Mhadei ecology

WARNS OF REDUCED WATER FLOW TO BHIMGAD SANCTUARY

- SHWETA KAMAT MAHATME

In a major setback to Karnataka’s ambitious Kalsa-Bhandura drinking water project, the Regional Empowered Committee (REC) of the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has raised serious ecological red flags, warning the project would “negatively impact” the riverine ecology of the Mhadei river and lead to “reduced water flows” into the ecologically sensitive Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary.

At its meeting held on December 11, the REC deferred a decision on Karnataka’s proposal to divert 28.44 hectares of forest land in Nerase village of Khanapur, despite pressure from farmers’ groups. The committee observed that the forest area sought for diversion is “inviolate” and fragile from a biodiversity perspective, even though it technically falls outside the notified eco-sensitive zone (ESZ) of the Bhimgad sanctuary.

The REC in its meeting noted that farmers, under ‘Ryatha Sena Kamataka’ banner had threatened to protest if the committee fails to grant permission during the meeting.