In a powerful call to action, Justice Somasekhar Sundaresan has emphasized the urgent need to act on the recommendations of the Gadgil and Kasturirangan reports regarding the conservation of the Western Ghats. His remarks underline the critical importance of preserving this ecologically sensitive region and highlight the consequences of inaction, which could lead to irreversible environmental damage.
Background on the Gadgil and Kasturirangan Reports
The Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of the world’s eight “hottest hotspots” of biological diversity. Spanning several states in India, this mountain range is home to an incredible variety of flora and fauna, many of which are endemic to the region. The Ghats are also crucial for the water security of peninsular India, as they are the source of numerous rivers.
- Gadgil Report (2011): The Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel (WGEEP), led by ecologist Dr. Madhav Gadgil, produced a report that recommended classifying the entire Western Ghats into different ecological sensitivity zones. The report suggested stringent conservation measures, including restrictions on development activities in highly sensitive areas. However, the report was criticized for being too restrictive and faced opposition from state governments and various stakeholders.
- Kasturirangan Report (2013): In response to the backlash against the Gadgil Report, the government commissioned another report, led by space scientist Dr. K. Kasturirangan. This report proposed a more balanced approach, identifying around 37% of the Western Ghats as ecologically sensitive and recommending that these areas be protected from large-scale development projects. Despite being less stringent than the Gadgil Report, the Kasturirangan Report also faced resistance and has seen limited implementation.
Justice Somasekhar Sundaresan’s Remarks
Justice Somasekhar Sundaresan’s comments highlight the ongoing neglect of the recommendations made in these crucial reports. His statement that “it’s time to wake up” serves as a stark reminder that the failure to act on these recommendations poses a significant threat to the Western Ghats’ unique ecosystem.
- Call for Immediate Action: Justice Sundaresan emphasized that both reports, despite their differences, underscored the need for urgent conservation efforts. He pointed out that continued inaction could lead to severe ecological degradation, loss of biodiversity, and negative impacts on millions of people who depend on the Western Ghats for water, agriculture, and livelihoods.
- Environmental Responsibility: His remarks underscore the responsibility of both state and central governments to prioritize environmental protection over short-term economic gains. The balance between development and conservation, as proposed by these reports, must be seriously considered and implemented to prevent environmental disasters.
- Public Awareness and Political Will: Justice Sundaresan’s comments also serve as a call to increase public awareness and build political will to protect the Western Ghats. He suggested that the public and stakeholders need to hold governments accountable for implementing the necessary measures to preserve this vital ecological region.
Implications of Inaction
The failure to implement the recommendations of the Gadgil and Kasturirangan reports could have dire consequences:
- Loss of Biodiversity: The Western Ghats are home to thousands of species, many of which are not found anywhere else in the world. Continued deforestation, mining, and unregulated development could lead to the extinction of many species and the disruption of entire ecosystems.
- Climate Change Impact: The Western Ghats play a crucial role in regulating the climate and weather patterns of the region. Destruction of these forests could exacerbate climate change effects, leading to more extreme weather events, affecting agriculture, and increasing the vulnerability of millions of people.
- Water Security Threats: The rivers originating in the Western Ghats are vital for the water supply of several states. Degradation of the Ghats could lead to reduced water availability, affecting drinking water, irrigation, and hydropower generation.
- Increased Natural Disasters: The Western Ghats are prone to landslides, especially during the monsoon season. Deforestation and unplanned development can increase the frequency and severity of these disasters, endangering lives and property.
Moving Forward
Justice Sundaresan’s call to action suggests several key steps:
- Implementation of Reports: Governments at both the state and central levels should prioritize the implementation of the recommendations made in the Gadgil and Kasturirangan reports. This includes establishing clear guidelines for development activities and creating protected areas where necessary.
- Strengthening Environmental Laws: There is a need to strengthen and enforce environmental laws to ensure that development projects do not proceed without thorough environmental impact assessments and adherence to sustainability guidelines.
- Public Engagement: Increased public awareness and engagement are crucial. Civil society, environmental groups, and the public must advocate for the protection of the Western Ghats and hold authorities accountable for their conservation commitments.
- Collaboration and Coordination: Effective conservation of the Western Ghats requires coordination between states and the central government, as well as collaboration with local communities who depend on the Ghats for their livelihoods.
Conclusion
Justice Somasekhar Sundaresan’s urgent appeal for action on the Gadgil and Kasturirangan reports is a crucial reminder of the importance of preserving the Western Ghats. The time to act is now, before the damage becomes irreversible. Implementing the recommendations of these reports, balancing development with conservation, and prioritizing the protection of this unique ecosystem are essential steps to ensuring that the Western Ghats continue to thrive for future generations.