Karnataka: Bhandura project work not in tiger corridor; REC to inspect

Panaji: The Regional Empowered Committee (REC), Bengaluru, of the Union environment ministry has decided to carry out site inspection of the Bhandura nullah project for which Karnataka govt has proposed the diversion of 28ha of forest land to lay pipeline, powerline and other infrastructure for the water diversion project.
Karnataka has also told the REC that the proposed site does not fall in any eco-sensitive zone or tiger corridor.
“The proposed Bhandura nullah diversion project does not fall within any protected area and its eco-sensitive zone or tiger corridor. The proposed location is 1.44km from Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary, 29m from the boundary of the proposed eco-sensitive zone of Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary, and is not part of any notified tiger corridor connecting Kali tiger reserve and other protected area cluster with Radha Nagri Wildlife Sanctuary of Maharashtra,” Karnataka govt has said.
Karnataka govt has also told the REC that Goa’s chief wildlife warden has no jurisdiction to issue orders restraining it’s project works.
Goa govt has approached Supreme Court over Karnataka govt’s water diversion projects which are set to affect flow to Goa from its lifeline Mhadei.
The REC noted that though Karnataka govt has stated that compensatory afforestation (CA) scheme has been provided for 28.44ha, the actual CA scheme provided is only for an area of 22.8ha.
“REC after detailed deliberation noted that though the DCF has recommended the proposal subject to certain wildlife mitigation measures including proposal for rehabilitation of villagers from the Bhimgad WLS and inclusion of more forest area in Bhimgad WLS. There is no specific comment from Karnataka govt with regard to recommendations of DCF as to whether these recommendations will be conditional to approval or otherwise,” the REC noted at its meeting on Jan 20.
The REC therefore decided to seek certain clarifications from Karnataka.
The committee has sought Karnataka’s specific comments on the recommendation of DCF with regard to voluntary rehabilitation of villagers from Bhimgad WLS and inclusion of more forest area in Bhimgad WLS.
The REC has also sought comments on the possible impact of diversion of forest land on wildlife, “as it is reported that the forest area proposed for diversion is rich in biodiversity and wildlife and home to diverse flora and fauna”.
“It is reported that the project falls outside the ESZ of Bhimgad WLS. A copy of the final notification of ESZ of Bhimgad WLS along with map showing the ESZ vis a vis location of the project area may be provided. Further, the REC decided to carry out site inspection of the project site on receipt of above information at a convenient date.”