Amidst rising opposition from various political parties against the recommendations of the Madhav Gandgil Committee on the preservation of western ghats, a high level working group led by Planning Commission member Dr K Kasturirangan is visiting the coastal Sindhudurg and Ratnagiri district on Tuesday.
Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan and state industries minister Narayan Rane have been quite vocal against the provision of Gadgil committee saying that it would halt the development of the region. This is the maiden visit of the working group whose mandate includes examination of the Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel's report (Madhav Gadgil Committee), recommend further course of action and study effects and challenges of climate change in 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."
Chavan during his interaction with this correspondent last week had said that all development work will come to an halt if the recommendations of Madhav Gadgil Committee are implemented. "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 added.
A senior government official, who did not want to be identified, said the state government has 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 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 will duplicate the existing system of taking the project nod from local authorities. The authority is modelled on the eco-sensitive committees of Matheran and Mahabaleshwar.
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.
