Feb 2- The Regional Empowered Committee under Union Ministry of Environment and Climate Change has sought details on four counts on the Forest Clearance sought by Karnataka for the Mhadei diversion project- Bhandura Nala Scheme. REC has decided to carry out site inspection of the Bhandura Nala project site after receiving the information from Karnataka. The decision was taken during the 82nd meeting of the REC held on Jan 20. The state of Karnataka has sought Forest Clearance for diversion of 8.4427 ha of forest land for Bhandura Nala Scheme for providing drinking water to Hubli -Dharwad twin cities and other surrounding areas. The Bhandura Nala project involves construction of diversion dam which will submerge 17.5 ha of forest area, REC was informed. Bandura Nala is tributary of the Mahadayi river which becomes Mhadei on entering Goa.As per the DSS report generated using the FSI software, the area proposed for diversion is inviolate on Hydrological Rule, REC pointed out further.
Information sought by REC from Karnataka in the Jan 20 meeting
▪️ REC has asked Karnataka Govt to submit comments of the Chief Wild Life Warden(CWLW) on the possible impact of diversion of forest land for on wildlife pointing out that it is reported that the forest area proposed for diversion is rich in Biodiversity and Wildlife and home to diverse flora and fauna.
▪️ REC has also sought Karnataka Government’s specific comments on the recommendation of DCF with regard to Voluntary rehabilitation of Villagers from Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary and inclusion of more forest area in Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary.
▪️ Karnataka said in its report submitted to REC that Compensatory aforestaton(CA) is provided for 28.4427 ha but has actually given details of 26.3091 ha. REC has asked the state to give a comprehensive CA scheme of equivalent extent.
▪️ REC has also asked the state of Karnataka to provide a copy of the final notification of ESZ of Bhimgad Wildlife Sanctuary along with map showing the ESZ vis a vis location of the project area.
Supreme Court has not passed any order restraining construction of the Mahadayi river diversion project: Karnataka
REC also deliberated on the issues raised by the Government of Goa on the implementation of proposed project and the allegations that the project is in violation of Supreme Court directions/order and Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Karnataka told REC that Supreme court has not passed any order restraining the construction of proposed project by the Government of Karnataka. On the show cause notice of Jan 9,2023 and the order restraining the execution of works issued by Goa’s Chief Wildlife Warden in March 2023 under Wildlife Protection Act, Karnataka asserted that these were unilateral actions of the State of Goa which are not binding on Karnataka.Neither the State of Goa nor any of its officials including Wildlife Warden has any jurisdiction to act beyond the territory of Goa, claimed Karnataka.
