Deputy commissioner withdraws construction order in Bababudan hills

CHIKMAGALUR: With pressure mounting from environment groups and a report from the mines and geology department,deputy commissioner D K Rangaswamy withdrew the order issued to conversion of agriculture land to construct a huge resort in the foothills of Bababudan ranges.
It may be noted that more than 12 applications have been filed in the DC's office by various groups to construct resorts in their coffee estates.The move was opposed by green groups citing that construction of resorts in Bababudan hill ranges, which is part of Western Ghat and an eco sensitive area, will be detrimental to the flora and fauna of unique shola forests in hill slopes.
During their observation, even the mines and geology department said the construction activity in the hills will increase soil erosion. The forest department also felt the permission to build resorts will increase human-animal conflicts as movements animals will be restricted by more number of people and vehicular traffic.
As the first step, The DC has cancelled the land conversion permission granted to ' Setori eco-adventure resort group. In his order, Rangaswamy said increased human activity will spoil and harm the atmosphere of the hill ranges and natural streams and also reduce the amount of water which flows to river Bhadra. The shola forests, which are a unique feature in the Ghats act as carbon sinks and also water filters will be disturbed.
Welcome move
Wild Cat-C and Bhadra conservation guild chiefs Sridev Hulikere, D V Girish and Veeresh have welcomed the decision of the DC. Rangaswamy said their decision to cancel the permission for land conversion was a great step in saving the Western Ghats. "Eco-sensitive zones should be preserved in its natural style and there should not be any huge constructions," he added.