Central panel defers forest nod for Bhandura project

Keri: The regional empowered committee (REC), Bengaluru, of the Union environment ministry, after detailed deliberations at its meeting last month, deferred the forest clearance proposal for Karnataka’s Bhandura project.Karnataka Neeravari Nigam Ltd had submitted a proposal for forest clearance to undertake work on the Bhandura nullah damming and diversion project. The proposed project area is located just 29m from the ecologically sensitive zone already notified for the Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary in Khanapur. The Kalasa-Bhandura projects are being opposed by Goa for diverting water from the Mhadei’s tributaries — which naturally flow towards Goa — in the direction of Karnataka’s Malaprabha basin.In its meeting, the REC has not recommended clearance at this stage and has sought detailed clarifications from Karnataka govt.The REC noted the ecological fragility of the area, inadequacy of the proposed village relocation/rehabilitation plan, and potential adverse impacts on riverine ecology due to reduced water flow to the Bhimgad sanctuary. It also pointed to discrepancies regarding the legal status of identified command area land, and has sought the status of all pending petitions before the courts against the project. Goa has opposed the diversion before the Supreme Court.Karnataka govt has been directed by the REC to furnish comprehensive clarifications and revised submissions before the project can be considered any further.After completing major work for facilitating the diversion of the Kalasa nullah into the Malaprabha basin at Kankumbi, Karnataka govt has been gearing up to undertake the work of damming and diversion of the Bhandura nullah at Nerse village of Khanapur.Meanwhile, Karnataka Neeravari Nigam Ltd has completed the primary survey and markings of the proposed site of the Bhandura project as well as the canals.Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah recently met Union environment minister Bhupender Yadav in New Delhi, and requested for the early grant of mandatory environmental and wildlife clearances for the water diversion project.