Kasturirangan panel to visit Ratnagiri today

Amid opposition from various quarters against the recommendations of the Madhav Gadgil Committee on the preservation of the Western Ghats, a high-level working group led by Planning Commission member K Kasturirangan is visiting the coastal districts of Sindhudurg and Ratnagiri tomorrow.

Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan and state industries minister Narayan Rane have also opposed the committee’s report, saying it would halt development of the region. Rane told Business Standard: “I will personally receive the high level working group on Tuesday and submit a comprehensive representation. The Madhav Gadgil panel's report is a death knell to Konkan's development."

This is the maiden visit of the working group whose mandate is to examine the report, recommend further action and study the challenges of climate change in the region.

"If the recommendations are implemented, all economic development will halt. New roads, new railway lines, development of ports, housing and industries will be affected," Chavan had told Business Standard last week.

A senior government official said the state government’s objections pertained to prohibition of power and irrigation projects in eco-sensitive zones.

The wind energy projects and even irrigation projects that will improve water availability should be allowed after due environment impact assessment. The state government has sought permission for irrigation projects if the area submerged is minimal and areas around wildlife sanctuaries and corridors are avoided.

Besides, the state government was opposed to the Western Ghat Ecology Authority, which would duplicate the existing system of taking the project nod from local authorities.

Moreover, the state government has sought a reduction in eco-sensitive grid and calculation to be based on villages, rather than talukas. Incidentally, 35 talukas along Maharashtra coast - the highest number along the entire ghat - have been declared eco-sensitive by the Gadgil Committee.