10 Jan 2023  |   07:15am IST

State’s Forest Dept issues show cause notice to K’taka on proposed drinking water project

In a notice issued under Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972, Chief Wildlife Warden directs MD of Karnataka Neeravari Nigam Ltd, Bengaluru, to stop any activity of diverting/stopping/ reducing the flow of Kalasa and Bandura rivulets; K’taka asked to reply in 30 days as why action should not be initiated for violation of Section 29 of the said Act

Team Herald

PANJIM: In a major move, the Goa Forest Department on Monday issued a show cause notice to  Karnataka Government over its proposed construction of drinking water project thereby diverting or stopping or reducing the flow of Kalasa-Bhandura tributaries-one of the prime source of water to State’s 

Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary.

State Chief Wildlife Warden Saurabh Kumar in a notice issued under Wildlife Protection Act 1972 has directed the Managing Director of Karnataka Neeravari Nigam Ltd, Bengaluru to stop any activity of diverting/stopping/reducing the flow of the Kalasa Rivulet (nallah) and Bandura Rivulet (nallah) including construction of any dam, bandhara, canal or any other structure, project etc. which can be used for such diversion of flow of water into Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary. 

Karnataka State is asked to reply within 30 days as why action should not be initiated for violation of Section 29 of the Wildlife Protection Act, failing which appropriate action under the Act would be initiated. 

Kumar has informed that the Kalasa and Bandura Rivulets flow through and within the Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary and the water from Kalasa Rivulet is one of the prime sources for sanctuary and the wildlife existing therein and also other flora and fauna. 

He further said that under Section 29 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972 there is a complete prohibition to divert any flow of water into or outside the sanctuary from any wildlife sanctuary except under and in accordance with permission granted by Chief Wildlife Warden, as per due procedure prescribed, and that too only for the benefit and purpose necessary for the improvement and better management of the wildlife sanctuary and wildlife therein.

“No water from the said Kalasa and Bandura Rivulets flowing into Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary can be diverted in view of Section 29 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972,” he said in the notice. 

Kumar pointed out to the recent approval obtained for the Detailed Project Report [DPR] for construction of projects/dams for the purpose of diverting/stopping/reducing the flow of water of the Kalasa and Bandura into Mhadei Sanctuary.

“It appears that you have already acted in consonance of such plans to stoppage/ diversion or reduction of flow into Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary through Kalasa Rivulet (nallah),” he said.

“Based on the reports and information's as aforesaid I am satisfied that you have committed a breach of Section 29 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1977,” he added.