Malenadu Kriya Samithi opposes projects in Western Ghats

Malenadu Kriya Samithi opposes projects in Western Ghats

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, Oct 12, 2011 :The Malenadu Janti Kriya Samithi has opposed the Elephant Corridor, Greater TalaCauvery, and Bio Diversity Centre projects proposed to be launched in the Western Ghats.

Malenadu Janti Kriya Samithi Committee President Pradeep Kumar K. L. informed reporters that the Greater TalaCauvery project proposed to link protected areas such as TalaCauvery, Brahmagiri, Pushpagiri, and other reserve forest areas, adding that this will threaten the existence of 120 villages in five districts and 14 taluks and loss of community rights for traditional dwellers. The interlinking of reserve forests will cover 8,000sq.mts as a result of which the government will take way all Jamma, Baane, Baana, and Kaana community rights granted by the Indian Constitution to the tribals living in the forests. It will also lead to the tribes being displaced from their original habitat.

 

 

Further, he said that 50 – 70 minor and major dams have been constructed across Addahole, Kempuhole, and Gundya for which several ancient trees have been cut down. Revenue villages in the vicinity of forests in Chamarajanagar, Sullia, Kodagu, Puttur, Sakleshpura, Aloor, N. R. Pura, Sringeri, and others will be badly affected by this project, he said. Further, the project will take away the rights of the people to own arms under the Arms Rights Act.

He accused the government of permitting the construction of resorts, cottages, and restaurants in the reserve forest area, but is not permitting the tribes to live in peace.