Karnataka Forest Department, however, dismisses any objections that might be raised about conservation imperatives
Karnataka Forest Department, however, dismisses any objections that might be raised about conservation imperatives
The Karnataka Forest Department has instructed the Jog Management Authority obtain environment clearance and wildlife clearance from Standing Committee of National Board for Wildlife for Jog Falls Tourism Development Project in Shivamogga District.
The State Cabinet approved the construction of a 5-star hotel for a total cost of almost 120 crore. A ropeway was also approved. These are in addition to other development work at a cost around 185 crore under the PPP model.
According to Giridhar Kumar Kulkarni, wildlife conservationist and wildlife board member, the clearances for the environment and wildlife board are not just for the 5-star hotel, for which forest diversion is sought, but also the mega tourism infrastructure proposed for revenue land. Giridhar Kulkarni filed objections to the project citing several provisions of law.
The project involves construction of a 5-star hotel, ropeway and a large entrance gate, Sharavathi statues, science/children, view deck, restaurant and rest rooms, peripheral road, intermittent road, and a footpath.
The Forest Department stated that the proposed diversion area is in the Western Ghats. According to forest conservation guidelines, it is open forest eco-class-1 tropical wet evergreen forests. It is also part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It is also approximately 2.7km (aerial) from Sharavathi Valley Lion Tailed Macaque Sanctuary. Although an Eco Sensitive Zone is not yet notified, an area 10 km from the boundary has been deemed to be ESZ according to a Supreme Court directive in cases of wildlife sanctuaries where ESZ has not yet been notified. According to the Forest Department, any regulated activity within the ESZ requires environmental clearance from Centre. The response was submitted in February 2022 and forwarded to Centre in April.
It stated that the Revenue Department granted 18.30 acres to the Revenue Department for the construction and infrastructure works. The land is located within the boundaries of Sharavathi Valley Lion Tailed Macaque Sanctuary’s deemed ESZ. Therefore, the Jog authorities must obtain environmental clearance according to the law. This was also the Forest Departments response on Giridhar Kulkarni’s objections.Photo Credit: VAIDYA
Jog Falls in Sagar taluk of Shivamogga district in Karnataka.
| Photo Credit: VAIDYA
While acknowledging the need for both wildlife and environmental clearance for the tourism infrastructure, Forest Department has reiterated its approval of a 5-star Hotel on the Ground that it was proposed by demolishing the existing PWD Guest House and no additional diversion.
Giridhar Kulkarni stated that even though the Forest Department acknowledged that wildlife clearance and environment clearance are required for tourism activities on nonforest land, it is still more important to comply with legal requirements.
The Forest Department’s response on other objections reads like it is more excited about the project than conservation. According to the Forest Departments report, it is possible to prevent wildlife and environment damage by taking appropriate precautionary measures.
Despite the project being within the ESZ at the Lion Tailed Macaque Sanctuary. The Deputy Conservator for Forests, Sagar Division, dismisses fears about human-animal conflict. She says that wildlife movement is not frequent in the area. She expects the infrastructure projects to create jobs and improve the economy.