National Green Tribunal halts all construction activity in Challakere Amrut Mahal Kavals,

Justice Mr. M. Chockalingam (Judicial Member) and Prof. Dr. R. Nagendran (Expert Member) constituting the National Green Tribunal (Southern Zone Bench), issued a direction on 14th February 2014 halting all construction in the ecologically sensitive Amrut Mahal Kaval grassland ecosystems in Challakere Taluk, Chitradurga district, Karnataka. The direction was issued in response to complaints raised by undersigned Petitioners before the Tribunal that various agencies that had been allocated
lands for their projects in the Kaval had commenced construction without securing permission from the Karnataka Forest Department and Union Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) for diversion of forest land to non-forest purpose based on ecological assessments.

Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO) which is proposing construction of a massive weaponised drone testing and manufacture project, had already commenced extensive construction operations. In particular referring to this, the Tribunal ordered:

“The counsel for the DRDO on instructions from the official, who is present, would submit that the construction activities are continuing. It is pertinent to point out that whether the construction activities now being carried out by DRDO lies in the reserve forest or not is the subject matter to be decided by the Tribunal. In view of the factual position and circumstances, it would be fit and proper to issue a direction to DRDO to stop further construction until further orders of the Tribunal and accordingly a direction is issued to DRDO to stop construction activities in the subject matter land until further orders.” (Emphasis supplied)

Besides DRDO other agencies allotted these grassland ecosystems that form habitat for critically endangered Great Indian Bustard and Lesser Florican, highly threatened Black Buck, and support livelihoods of thousands of pastoral communities include Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC – nuclear fuel enrichment), Indian Institute of Science (IISc – building a synchrotron), Indian Space
Research Organisation (ISRO – space applications), Sagitaur (private company to build a solar pond), Karnataka Housing Board (KHB – construction of villas), etc. Several of these agencies have begun project activities by building high security walls, undertaken massive project construction and also blocked access of local communities to the Kavals. The 10,000 acres of Amrithmahal Kavals found here form the last contiguous stretch of grasslands left in Karnataka state. At the time of independence, the State had over 450,000 acres of Kavals, and only 30,000 acres are now left. Such systematic and reckless diversion of ecological commons has caused agony to thousands of pastoral and farming families dependent on these Kavals for their livelihoods.

Challenging this diversion before the National Green Tribunal (Southern Zone), the Petitioners have said that the entire exercise was illegal as no assessment of the ecological and social impacts was ever conducted, no proper assessment was carried out to assess the appropriateness of siting such dangerous and highly sensitive facilities all in one location, nor was there any compliance with environmental protection, pollution control and land use planning regulations. Besides the entire exercise was undertaken with extraordinary secrecy, including by keeping elected bodies and representatives out of the decision making process.

While the implications of these decisions were being argued before the Tribunal, the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board accorded Consent for Establishment to the DRDO and Sagitaur projects during September 2013. However, the consent was conditional to the fact that “in case the area proposed for the purpose of the project is found to be forest area, necessary forest clearance shall have to be obtained”. In October 2013, MoEF filed its statement before the Tribunal stating that Amrit Mahal Kavals constitute forest areas as per the Karnataka Forest Act, 1961, Forest Conservation Act, 1980 and the orders of the Hon'ble Supreme Court in the Godavarman case (WP Civil 202/1995). The Ministry specifically said that “the status of 9,473 acres of land as “forest” or “non-forest” is to be decided through joint inspection by the State Forest Department and Regional Office of the Ministry, as per guidelines issued by the Supreme Court in Lafarge Judgment and interpretation of the Karnataka Forest Act and Rules framed thereunder.” Rather than immediately halt any construction activities, DRDO, for instance, continued massive building work which they refused to stop despite local protests and filing of police complaints.

As these activities are in breach of conditions imposed in the Consent for Establishment issued by the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board, the regulatory agency has been moved to withdraw the consent and initiate appropriate action against the violators.

Leo F. Saldanha                                                            Bhargavi S. Rao                                                            Doddaullarti Karianna
Coordinator/Trustee                                         Coordinator (Education)/Trustee                                Amritmahal Kaval Hitarakshana

Comply with directions or pay penalty, Ministry of Environment and Forests told by National Green Tribunal (Southern Bench)

Directions issued in petitions filed by Environment Support Group and anr. challenging illegal diversion of Amrit Mahal Kavals to defence, nuclear, industrial, institutional and commercial projects in Challakere

The Hon'ble National Green Tribunal (South Zone), Chennai, comprising of Justice Shri. M. Chockalingam and Expert Member Prof. R. Nagendran today directed the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests to file their response to Applications challenging the diversion of 10,000 acres of Amrit Mahal Kavals grassland ecosystems (designated District Forests) to a variety of public sector and commercial projects by 30^th October 2013 or face serious consequences. The Tribunal warned the Ministry that failure to comply, by filing appropriate response, would attract a fine of Rs. 1 lakh in each of the two pending applications filed, i.e. by Environment Support Group and Leo F. Saldanha.

The Tribunal said failure on the part of the Ministry to file its response, seven months after being directed to do so, is “indicative of the careless attitude on the part of the officials of the 1^st Respondent”, i.e. Indian Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF). The Tribunal directed that “(a)fter looking into the averments made, in the considered opinion of the Tribunal, the reply of the 1^st Respondent is a must to take an effective decision in the matter. Hence, as a last chance the matter is posted to 30^th October 2013. If not filed on that day, 1^st Respondent has to pay a cost of Rs. 1 lakh in each case.” The Tribunal also ordered that the “responsible officer not below the rank of Director (Forest Clearance) may be present” when the matter is next heard.

It may be recalled that the Tribunal by its decision dated 21^st August 2013 has ordered status quo on all project activities proposed in the Amrit Mahal Kaval grassland ecosystems of Challakere Taluk, Chitradurga, Karnataka. The directions were issued on the interim prayers of the Applications which complained that Defence Research Development Organisation, Indian Institute of Science, Indian Space Research Organisation, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Karnataka Small Scale Industries Development Corporation, Karnataka Housing Board, Sagitaur Pvt. Ltd. have commenced project activities in these ecologically sensitive areas in comprehensive violations of laws protecting the environment, wildlife, forests, people's rights, etc. The Tribunal had also directed the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board to review any pending applications for clearances sought from project proponents in due accordance with law over the following fortnight. The Board in that period considered two pending applications for consent that were pending before it, from Aeronautical Development Establishment (DRDO) and Sagitaur, and accorded them Consent for Establishment, but conditional to securing necessary Forests Clearances as applicable. The Tribunal in its order of 17th September 2013 had recorded this aspect.

In the backdrop of these developments, Counsel Mr. T. Mohan appearing for Environment Support Group contended in the hearing today that the Ministry of Environment and Forests had written to the Karnataka Forest Secretary in June 2013 directing that a detailed report must be filed in response to the specific cases of violations as made out in the February 2013 representation of ESG, including illegal diversion of forest land to non-forest purposes, in the Challakere case. Mr. Mohan argued that both the Ministry and the Karnataka Government have suppressed this fact before the Tribunal, and also the Fact Finding Committee constituted by the Tribunal. Consequently, any action on the matter would be subject to this issue being resolved first and foremost. Responding to this submission, the Tribunal deemed it fit to issue to issue the aforesaid direction to the Ministry today.

Leo F. Saldanha	Bhargavi S. Rao
Applicant in Application No. 6/2013 (Party in person)	Trustee/Coordinator (Education) Environment Support Group Applicant in Application 12/2013

PS: Detailed documentation of this case is accessible at: http://esgindia.org/resources/resources/esg-application-ngt-challenging-illegal-.html

All orders of the Hon'ble National Green Tribunal on these connected matters may be accessed at:http://greentribunal.gov.in/e-orders.php?eid=4435

Karnataka High Court issues Contempt Notice on Karnataka Chief Secretary for not constituting Lake Protection Committees as directed

Press Release : 29^th August 2013 : Bangalore

In a significant decision, a Division Bench of the Hon'ble High Court of Karnataka constituted by Mr. Justice Mohan Shantanagoudar & Mr. Justice B. Sreenivase Gowda ordered notice today on Mr. S. V. Ranganath, IAS, Chief Secretary of the Government of Karnataka on why action should not be initiated per Contempt of Court Act, 1971 for not complying with the directions of the Hon'ble Court in WP. 817/2008 (Environment Support Group and anr. vs. State of Karnataka represented by Chief Secretary and ors.), more than a year after the order was passed. The notice of contempt was issued in a Civil Contempt Petition No. 1336/2013 filed by Environment Support Group and anr. vs. Mr. S. V. Ranganath, IAS, in his position as Chief Secretary of the State of Karnataka.

It may be recalled that a Division Bench of the Karnataka High Court constituted by Mr. Justice K. Sreedhar Rao and Mrs. Justice B. S. Indrakala in their final directions of 11^th April 2012 in the ESG Lakes PIL (WP No. 817/2008) had directed various functionaries of the Karnataka Government and local governments to ensure that District Lake Protection Committees and State Level Apex (Appellate) Lake Protection Committee were set up immediately so that public at large would be able to seek appropriate remedies to stop the widespread encroachment, pollution and destruction of lakes in Karnataka. Such a direction was also issued to ensure the public did not have to approach Courts and that necessary relief could be secured locally and immediately. The Court had affirmed that the detailed guidelines for "Preservation of Lakes in the City of Bangalore" prepared by the Court appointed committee chaired by Mr. Justice N. K. Patil would be binding for survey, protection, rehabilitation and wise use of all lakes and raja kaluves (canals) across Karnataka. To ensure that their orders were obeyed, and with due urgency, a specific direction was issued to the Chief Secretary stating that he “...is directed to comply the above said directions by passing necessary order in accordance with law for ensuring proper preservation, maintenance and development of lakes.”

Despite repeated reminders, the Chief Secretary failed to comply with the High Court order to constitute the lake protection committees. Consequently, a legal notice was served in May 2013 by ESG urging Mr. Ranganath to comply with the High Court directions, failing which contempt proceedings would be initiated. When even the legal notice went unheeded, contempt proceedings were instituted resulting in the said direction of the Karnataka High Court.

All details relating to ESG's legal, public education and campaign efforts to protect lakes in Karnataka may be accessed at: http://esgindia.org/resources/resources/all-resources-including-esg-pil-nkpatil-.html

Bhargavi S. Rao

Leo F. Saldanha

Environment Support Group

[Environmental, Social Justice and Governance Initiatives]

Environment Support Group - Trust

1572, 36th Cross, Ring Road

Banashankari II Stage

National Green Tribunal order Status Quo on activities of DRDO, BARC, ISRO, IISc, et. al., in Challakere, Chitradurga

বন্ধুরা, ২৬ জুলাইএর পোস্টে জানিয়েছিলাম, ভারতের ভীষণ এক গুরুত্বপূর্ণ প্রাকৃতিক বিভিন্নতার এলাকা, অমৃত মহল কাভাল, যা আসলে ভারতের বিস্তীর্ণ পশ্চিমঘাট এলাকার ঘাসজমির বাস্তুতন্ত্রের অন্যতম গুরুত্বপূর্ণ অংশ। ভারত সরকার উন্নয়নের নামে সেটি বিভিন্ন রাষ্ট্রীয়, ব্যক্তিগত কর্পোরেটদের উপহার  দিয়েছিল নামমাত্র মুল্যে। এর বিরুদ্ধে ইএসজি নানান পদক্ষেপ করছে। 
এই কাজে নতুন এক রায় হয়েছে। তার বিশদ আপনাদের তুলে দেওয়া গেল।

In an unprecedented decision, the Hon'ble National Green Tribunal (South Zone), Chennai, ordered today status quo on all project activities proposed in the Amrit Mahal Kaval grassland ecosystems of Challakere Taluk, Chitradurga, Karnataka with immediate effect. The directions were issued on the interim prayers filed in Applications by the undersigned which complained that Defence Research Development Organisation, Indian Institute of Science, Indian Space Research Organisation, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Karnataka Small Scale Industries Development Corporation, Karnataka Housing Board, Sagitaur Pvt. Ltd. have commenced project activities in these ecologically sensitive areas in comprehensive violations of laws protecting the environment, wildlife, forests, people's rights, etc. The Tribunal in its order has also directed the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board to review any pending applications for clearances sought from project proponents in due accordance with law over the next fortnight. The case has been posted for hearing again on 17th September 2013.

ESG through its Counsel, Mr. T. Mohan submitted that findings of the Committee establish beyond any doubt that the area that has been diverted to the projects is Amrit Mahal Kaval grassland ecosystems, which per the Karnataka Forest Act are deemed District Forests. Thus, the entire diversion is in contravention of the Forest Conservation Act, and the direction of the Hon'ble Supreme Court in Godavarman case. In addition, the project proponents have commenced activities without securing any clearance under environmental and pollution control laws of India. Thus, arguing, that this is a fit case to grant interim prayer of stay on ongoing activities.

The undersigned Party in Person submitted a detailed reply to the Report of the Fact Finding Committee, which is supported by ESG, critiqueing the findings of the Committee.  Various subject experts and organisations from across the world have also critiqued the findings of the Fact Finding Committee, which were submitted as part of this Reply to the Tribunal.  These documents may be accessed here:  http://esgindia.org/campaigns/press/national-green-tribunal-orders-status-qu.html

Leo F. Saldanha	Bhargavi S. Rao Trustee Representing
Party in Person Applicant 6/2013	Environment Support Group Applicant 12/2013
Applicants before the Hon'ble National Green Tribunal

Background

At the time of independence, there were over 4 lakh acres of Amrit Mahal Kavals, grassland ecosystems set aside as grazing pastures, supporting the livelihoods of thousands of pastoral families. In subsequent decades the Government of Karnataka has diverted large swathes of such ecologically sensitive, biodiversity rich landscapes that supported thousands of pastoral livelihoods to a variety of purposes. At present less than 30,000 acres of Kavals exist in the entire state of Karnataka. Such rapid depletion of grasslands present a clear and present danger to the survival of the Great Indian Bustard and Lesser Florican, critically endangered birds who exclusively depend on these ecosystems.  Latest figures suggest less that 250 individuals of the bustards survive in all of South Asia, making it a species more at the threat of extinction than the tiger.  

In recent years, a variety of industrial, defence, infrastructure and institutional investments have been proposed in the Amrit Mahal Kaval of Challakere Taluk of Chitradurga district, Karnataka. Since 2009, the Government of Karnataka has systematically diverted these Kaval grasslands for the establishment of a massive weaponised drone testing and manufacturing facility by DRDO, a major nuclear fuel enrichment plant by BARC, a synchrotron by IISc, a space applications centre by ISRO, and also a massive solar power plant by an unknown company called Sagitaur. In addition, there are various other associated industrial and infrastructure developments proposed, both Indian and foreign, especially in the defence manufacturing sector which has recently been opened up for foreign direct investment. In all about 10,000 acres of the Kaval land, constituting the largest remaining contiguous stretch of semi-arid grasslands in Karnataka, have been committed to these projects already. It is likely that far more land would be diverted, which could include densely populated villages, for more such projects and their expansions in Challakere.

In formulating all of these decisions, and also in diverting the Kaval grasslands, none of the local elected bodies or impacted communities were consulted. In fact, they learnt about the diversion when these Kavals, which are their pastoral lands and areas of cultural importance, were blocked off by massive high-security double containment walls built by the investing agencies in recent months. None of these agencies secured any of the statutory clearances, including environmental and forest, and yet their activities have been tolerated by a host of regulatory agencies. Specific directions of the Karnataka High Court in 2001 not to divert any Kavals henceforth, and subsequent State Government circulars conforming with this direction, have been comprehensively flouted while diverting the Kavals. As a matter of fact, then Deputy Commissioner of Chitradurga, Mr. Amlan Biswas, misguided the Government on the intent of the High Court directive by mis-quoting the order of the Karnataka High Court in promoting such illegal diversions of thousands of acres of land, to private companies too, for a monetary consideration.

Impacted communities and various public interest groups have challenged these diversions before the National Green Tribunal and in the Karnataka High Court. A host of concerns and violations have been brought to the attention of the judiciary, including destruction of sensitive ecosystems, massive displacement of pastoral and agrarian communities, potential local extinction of highly endangered and critically threatened species of flora and fauna (Eg. Black Buck, Great Indian Bustard, Lesser Florican, etc.), and comprehensive violation of environmental, social justice, forest rights, and other laws, as well as a variety of policies and guidelines, both national and international. A copy of some of these petitions and the responses secured can be accessed at: http://tinyurl.com/qhxh8p3.

The Tribunal, in response, constituted an Expert Committee consisting of Dr. S. Ravichandra Reddy and Dr. K. V. Anantharaman to go into the various allegations made by all parties and produce a report based on facts, and that after visiting the impacted area and meeting all concerned. A copy of the order along with the TOR for the Committee is accessible at:http://tinyurl.com/cd5f6ws. The Committee visited the villages during 23rd–25th May 2013 when they also conducted 5 public hearings covering about 70 affected villages. Various detailed submissions of the illegalities and environmental and social impacts were made by local communities and environmental and social action groups, and these may be accessed at:http://tinyurl.com/msdjquu.

While the general expectation was that the Fact Finding Committee would produce a thorough analysis of the situation and present a well argued set of conclusions and recommendations, quite in contrast and rather disappointingly, the Committee has uncritically leaned comprehensively on the claims of the Project Proponents as though they were facts and produced a report that does not in the least meet the expected standards of scientific reasoning and logical analysis. None of the submissions made by impacted communities and various environmental and social action groups have been considered meaningfully and critically. A copy of the report of the Fact Finding Committee can be accessed at: http://tinyurl.com/msdjquu.

The reply to the Report of the Fact Finding Committee filed by Environment Support Group can be accessed here: http://esgindia.org/campaigns/press/national-green-tribunal-orders-status-qu.html

Chitradurga Deputy Commissioner Office Swarmed by Hundreds of Villagers and Thousands of Sheep Protest against illegal diversion of Grasslands intensifies

অনেকেরই মনে থাকবে, কয়েক দিন আগে চিত্রদুরগে ভারত সরকারের জমি দখল নিয়ে একটা পোষ্ট লিখেছিলাম http://lokfolk.blogspot.in/2013/06/report-submitted-to-expert.html।
তারাই আবার একটা নতুন খবর পাঠিয়েছেন।
তুলেদিলাম।

ress Release : 25 July, 2013

Amrithmahal Kaval Hitharakshana Vedike

● Over 1,000 people gather along with 4,000 sheep protest against handing over of Amrithmahal Kavals to DRDO, IISC, BARC and other institutes

● Noted Writer Banjagere Jayaprakash and others address the rally and condemn the government’s move in illegally diverting Amrithmahal Kavals

● Residents of 80 villages threaten to boycott Lok Sabha polls if illegal diversion of Amrithmahal Kavals not reversed

● Memorandum submitted to DC highlighting severe impacts on rural life and asking for their rightful access to Kavals to be restored

● DC assures that until the cases are settled in the court, access to grazing, water and other needs in the Kavals will be reinstated

Background

The massive diversion of around 10,000 acres of Amrithmahal Kavals in Challakere Taluk in Chitradurga District for a variety of industrial, defence, institutional and infrastructure developments by the Deputy Commissioner of Chitradurga since 2009 has caused widespread concern. The diversion has caused agony to thousands of pastoral and farming families dependent on the Kavals for their livelihoods, as various beneficiaries of land have begun project activities by building high walls and thus blocking access to the Kavals. These developments have been challenged before the Hon'ble High Court of Karnataka and the Hon'ble National Green Tribunal (Southern Zone).

Massive Rally taken out in Chitradurga

The struggle to preserve the Amritmahal Kavals in Chitradurga has intensified. Earlier this morning 1000 people from about 80 villages dependent on the Kavals for their livelihoods took out a rally under the "Bruhat Kurigala Pratibhatane" banner from the Government Science College to the DC's office in Chitradurga. In an unusual display of dissent, the shepherding communities brought along with them about 4,000 sheep for the protest reiterating the heavy dependence on livestock rearing in this region and the impact of cutting off access to the grazing lands crucial for their livelihoods.

Addressing the rally, noted author Banjagere Jayaprakash said that the State and Central Governments should reconsider the decision of diverting the Kavals and should take necessary steps to restore access for the communities. He said that the manner in which the lands have been given away has resulted in gross injustice.

Meese Mahalingappa, ZP member and President of the Nomadic Shepherds Association said that the struggle to preserve the Kavals will intensify until they get the Kavals back. Karianna GP member from Dodda Ullarthi said that false documents have been submitted in the court and previous court rulings have been flouted to approve these projects. He said the the officials guilty of this should be immediately suspended. He also said that the people will continue to fight for what is rightfully theirs and the Government will be responsible for the unrest.

Muruga Rajendra said Aditya Amlan Biswas, the ex-DC of Chitradurga who had falsely submitted facts in favour of the project should be suspended. According to the 73rd amendment of the constitution, the Gram Sabhas should have been consulted and their approval sought before giving away the Kavals and the DC is guilty of flouting this. He also said that the region has been suffering from prolonged drought and the people are heavily dependent on livestock-rearing. In the absence of alternatives, the struggle to secure the grazing lands will only intensify in the future.

Nilkantha Mama, an elderly nomadic shepherd from Belgaum also addressed the gathering. He said he has grazed his sheep in these kavals and has seen that they are rich in medicinal plant wealth. There are also several fruits and tubers that they would eat while grazing their sheep and he attributes his good health and the longevity of his ancestors to these foods. He extended his support for the campaign and said these kavals are crucial for their survival. Women from Dodda Ullarthi and Molakalmuru sang songs on the Kavals.

The rally concluded with a submission of a memorandum to the DC, Chitradurga. The DC accepted the memorandum from the people and assured that until the court orders are passed, access to the Kavals will be restored. He also said that no other Kavals in the district will be given away for development projects in the future. He assured that goshalas will be set up in order to address the growing fodder crisis.

Some of the main points of the memorandum were:

* With the fodder prices sky-rocketing, and access to kavals cut off, they are unable to either maintain or sell off their livestock and are in a desperate situation.

* About 70 of the Devara Dana1 have been lost

* The state has flouted the forest conservation laws, violated human rights and the 73^rd amendment of the constitution making a mockery of democracy

* All the beneficiaries have begun work without obtaining any environmental clearances. By constructing high walls, they are restricting the movements of people, livestock and even wild animals, thus taking away their right to life

* It is inhuman that the decision makers take decisions for the villages and kavals from their airconditioned rooms without even visiting them

* If the government does not intervene and does not provide immediate relief, the affected 80 villages will boycott the upcoming LS elections and the government will be responsible for the resulting chaos

The organizations which participated in the protests are – Karntaka Raita Sangha; Mahila Samakhya; Janamukhi Sanghatane, Chitradurga; Alemari Budakattu Mahasabha, Bangalore; Jilla Gollara Sangha, Chitradurga; Karnataka Banjara Janajagruti Abhiyana Samiti, Chitradurga; Chitradurga Jilla Valmiki Sanghatane; Satyameva Jayate Yuvaraksha Sangha; Chitradurga Jilla Pinjara Janajagruti Abhiyana Samiti; Jilla Kurubara Sangha Neeravari Horata Samiti; Bayaluseeme Grameena Abhivruddhi Samsthe; All India Kisan Sabha.

For more details contact:

Manohar - 9008729784

Karianna - 9900954664

1 The local communities rear native varieties such as Amruthmahal and Hallikar, another indigenous breed of cattle and crossbreeds of these. These pure breeds are known as “Devara Dhana” or “God’s cattle”. The females of these cattle are never given away; only the male calf is given away. This is done to preserve the breed purity. The families, which take care of the'Devara dhana' have been doing so for generations. They graze the 'Devara dhana' in these Kavals. These families are custodians of genetic diversity of some of the last remaining pure breeds. Pertinently, after the diversion of these Kavals, the population of these Devara Dhana cattle have significantly reduced, due to the lack of grazing space.

Photo credits: : Vivek Muthuramalingam, drvivekm@gmail.com, 9845560465

Report Submitted to Expert Committee Appointed by National Green Tribunal

চিত্রদুরগ জেলার চাল্লাকেরে তালুকের অমৃত মহল কাবাল ধংস করে পরিবেশঘাতী শিল্প করার বিপক্ষে জাতীয় পরিবেশ ট্রাইবুনালে একটি সমীক্ষা পেশ। সেই বিষইয়টি প্রচারের উদ্যেশ্যে আগের পোস্টের প্রবন্ধটির ভাবানুবাদ করে দেওয়া গেল।

২০০৯-২০১০ সালে কর্ণাটকএর কয়েক হাজার বছর ধরে টিকে থাকা, চিত্রদুরগ জেলার চাল্লাকেরে তালুকের অমৃত মহল কাবাল(কানাড়ি ভাষায়, বিস্তীর্ণ ঘাসজমি)এর ১০,০০০ একরের বিশাল, জীব-বৈচিত্রময়, তৃণভুমির বাস্তুতন্ত্রকে সেই জেলার ডেপুটি কমিশনার, অম্লান আদিত্য বিশ্বাস, বিভিন্ন বড় শিল্প, প্রতিরক্ষা, পরিকাঠামো তৈরি শিল্পকে ব্যবসা করার জন্য হাত বদল করেছেন। এই পরিকল্পনায় কর্ণাটকের মন্ত্রিসভার বিধিবদ্ধ সম্মতি রয়েছে। তবুও এই ধংস পরিকল্পনা তৈরি হয়েছে বিভিন্ন আইন উল্লঙ্ঘন করে, স্থানীয় স্বায়ত্ত্বশাসিত সংস্থা, বিভিন্ন স্থানীয় জনপ্রতিনিধি জঙ্গল, হ্রদ, কৃষি, পশুপালন, উদ্যানপালন, জনসাধারনের জমিদপ্তরের মত রাজ্য সরকারের নানান দপ্তরকে না সামিল করে। খুব গোপনে, এবং কয়েকজনেরমাত্র বুদ্ধি সম্বল করে এই প্রকল্পটি রচিত হয়েছে। সেহেতু, এই পরিকল্পনা রূপায়নে সমাজ এবং পরিবেশের কি ধরণের ক্ষতি হতে পারে, সে বিষয়টি জানার বিন্দুমাত্র কোনও উদ্যোগ নেওয়া হয় নি এবং যে ধরণের সংশ্লিষ্ট নিয়ন্ত্রণ সংস্থার নির্দেশে এই পরিকল্পনা করতে হয়, সে ধরণের নানান সংগঠনের সঙ্গে পরামর্শ করে এগোনোর কাজটি সযত্নে এড়িয়ে যাওয়া হয়েছে। যে ধরণের বিশাল পুঁজি নির্ভর উন্নয়ন পরিকল্পনার উদ্যোগ নেওয়া হয়েছে এই অমৃত মহলএর ৭০টির বেশি গ্রাম এলাকায়, তার ফলে শুধু যে অসম্ভব পরিমানে পরিবেশ দূষণ হবে তাই নয়, যে বিস্তীর্ণ কাবালের কথা উল্লেখ করা হল, সেই ঘাস জমি পুরোপুরি ধ্বংস হয়ে যাবে এবং এই গ্রামগুলিতে বসবাসকারী মানুষেরা জীবন জীবিকা থেকে উচ্ছন্ন হবেন।

সর্বসাধারণের এই সম্পত্তি, কাবাল তৃণজমিটি আসলে জেলার জঙ্গলও বটে। এই বিস্তীর্ণ জমিতে ভাবা পরমাণু গবেষণা কেন্দ্র এখানে দৈত্যসম নিউক্লিয়ার এনরিচ কেন্দ্র তৈরি করবে, প্রতিরক্ষা গবেষণা উন্নয়ন কেন্দ্র(ডিআরডিও) কীভাবে আকাশ থেকে বোমা ফেলে মানুষ মারা(ড্রোন) যায় তাঁর জন্য সফটওয়্যার এবং যন্ত্রপাতি তৈরি করবে এবং এই এলাকায় সেই বিষয়টির পরীক্ষা হবে, ভারতীয় মহাকাশ গবেষণা কেন্দ্রের আর্থিক সহায়তায় ইন্ডিয়ান ইন্সটিটিউট অব সায়েন্স একটি সঙ্কোট্রণ এবং উপগ্রহ প্রয়োগ কেন্দ্র তৈরি করবে। এই কাজগুলি করতে, সংস্থাগুলোকে প্রতি একর মাত্র ৩০-৩৫,০০০ টাকায় জমিগুলো প্রায় দান করে দেওয়া হয়েছে। এরই সঙ্গে একটি বেসরকারি তথ্যপ্রযুক্তি সংস্থা সাগিটেউর ভেঞ্চারস প্রা.লি.কে ৭৫,০০০ ডলারে ১০০০ একর জমি দেওয়া হয়েছে যাতে তারা একটি বিদ্যুৎ উতপাদনের জন্য নোনা সৌর পুকুর তৈরি করতে পারে, কর্ণাটক হাউসিং বোর্ড অবৈধভাবে ঘাস জমিতে বাড়ি তৈরি করা শুরু করেছে এবং তাদের কাছে আরও বড় এলাকায় ক্যাম্প করার জন্য প্রতিরক্ষা বিভাগ আরও বড় জমি দাবি করেছে এ রকম খবর হাওয়ায় ভাসছে। রাজ্য সরকারের যে কটি দপ্তরের(আগের স্তবকে বলা হয়েছে) ছাড়পত্র নিয়ে আইন মেনে এই প্রকল্পগুলো করা দরকার ছিল, সেই মূল কাজটিই করা হয় নি। এছাড়াও এধরনের বিশাল জীব-বৈচিত্রময় তৃণভুমির বাস্তুতন্ত্রকে উচ্চ এবং প্রধান আদালতের সম্মতিছাড়া বাস্তবায়িত করা যাবে না, এ ধরণের রায় থাকা সত্তেও এই প্রকল্প বাস্তবায়িত হচ্ছে।

এনভায়রনমেন্টাল সাপোর্ট গ্রুপ এই প্রস্তাবএর বিরোধিতা করে এই এলাকার একটি বিশদ সমীক্ষা দক্ষিণ অঞ্চলের (চেন্নাইএর) জাতীয় পরিবেশ ট্রাইবুনাল-এ পেশ করেছে। এটি পাওয়া যাবে  http://tinyurl.com/qhxh8p3 এই লিঙ্কে। এই আবেদনের পরে ট্রাইবুনালের নির্দেশে ২১ মার্চ ২০১৩,  ড. কে ভি অনন্তরমন এবং ড. এস রবীচন্দ্রণ যৌথভাবে এই এলাকা ঘুরে দেখবেন একটি সমীক্ষা পেশ করবেন। ২৩ মে, ২০১৩, দুই সদস্যের এই বিশেষজ্ঞ কমিটি এই এলাকা ঘুরে দেখেন এবং স্থানীয়দের সঙ্গে কথা বলে অবস্থা বোঝার চেষ্টা করেন।

এনভায়রনমেন্টাল সাপোর্ট গ্রুপের পক্ষে - লিও সালদানা, ভারগবি এস রাও, অভয়াত্রি নায়েক, মল্লেশ কে আর, শাশিকলা আইয়ার, ডেভিড জি থমাস

এক্সপারট কমিটির সমীক্ষা এই লিঙ্কে পাওয়া যাবে-

http://www.esgindia.org/campaigns/press/esg-report-challakere-amrit-mahal-kaval-.html

“Forfeiting our Commons” (185 pages) is a comprehensive critique and expose' of the gross illegalities that have formed the basis of decisions resulting in the diversions of these ecologically sensitive and heritage Kavals.  The report provides a deep understanding of the extensive environmental and social impacts the projects have caused even as preliminary project activities are being initiated illegally.  The report makes a very strong case for the conservation of these biodiversity rich Kavals as it is a crucial habitat to support the revival of the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard, Lesser Florican, a variety of endemic flora found only here, and also the highly threatened Blackbuck, Deccan Wolf, etc.  The report demonstrates that the high degree of care for and wise use of these commons by local pastoral and agrarian communities over centuries is the reason why these grassland ecosystems have survived.  Diversion of these commons to defence, institutional, infrastructure and urban developments would not only amount to violation of directions of the Courts which has cast a duty on the Government to protect such ecologically sensitive areas, but would also result in the destruction of one of the last remaining large and contiguous grassland ecosystems of Karnataka.  The report demonstrates that the Government is promoting water intensive developments in a water starved region even though fully aware that such decisions is fraught with very high risks of causing social unrest and ecological disaster.

“Forfeiting Our Commons: A Case for Protecting and Conserving Challakere’s Amrit Mahal Kavals as Livelihoods-Supporting, Biodiversity-Rich and Ecologically-Sensitive Grassland Ecosystems”

বন্ধুরা, এই লেখাটি এক্ষুনি পেলাম। আপনাদের জন্য তুলে দিলাম। খুব জরুরি। পরের পোস্টে বাংলা লিখব।

Report Submitted to Expert Committee Appointed by National Green Tribunal

During the years 2009-2010, at least 10,000 acres of precious, biodiversity-rich, grassland ecosystems, protected for centuries as Amrit Mahal Kavals - grazing pastures in Challakere Taluk of Chitradurga District, were diverted by then Deputy Commissioner of Chitradurga, Mr. Amlan Aditya Biswas, IAS, for various defence, industrial, infrastructure, institutional and commercial purposes.  Though these decisions may have had the approval of the Karnataka Cabinet, the entire exercise was undertaken in comprehensive violation of various laws and without involving any of the local elected governments, local MLAs, and relevant departments dealing with forests, lakes, agriculture, animal husbandry, horticulture, commons lands, planning, etc.  As a consequence of the secretive and unilateral decision-making that was engaged with in diverting the said Kavals, the true nature of the environmental and social impacts of the project has been hidden from directly and indirectly impacted communities, relevant regulatory authorities, and the public at large. The proposed investments are all highly sensitive, hazardous and will destroy the grasslands, its rare biodiversity and livelihoods of thousands in over 70 villages. 

This massive illegal diversion of the Kaval commons, also designated “District Forests”, has been undertaken to allow Bhabha Atomic Research Centre to establish a massive nuclear enrichment centre, Defence Research Development Organisation to test its drones for civilian and military surveillance, Indian Institute of Science to establish a Synchrotron and a satellite application centre of Indian Space Research Organisation, all for a paltry payment of Rs. 30-35,000/acre.  In addition, Sagitaur Ventures Pvt. Ltd., a IT real estate developer has been provided 1000 acres of this biodiversity rich grasslands to site a solar pond and at a ridiculously low lease rent of Rs. 45 lakhs (USD 75000/-).  In anticipation of these developments, Karnataka Housing Board has already constructed villas and neighbourhoods illegally in the grasslands and it is speculated that the Indian Army may demand another 10,000 acres to establish its camp.  None of these developments have complied with any of the statutory clearance requirements required under laws protecting grazing pastures, forests, environment, biodiversity, forest rights, etc.  Besides, land for the projects has been promoted in patent disregard of specific directions of the High Court of Karnataka and Supreme Court of India that such ecologically sensitive grassland ecosystems should not be diverted for any purpose without judicial approval.

Environment Support Group challenged these decisions before the National Green Tribunal (Southern Zone, Chennai), and a copy of the applications and the objections of respondents is accessible here: http://tinyurl.com/qhxh8p3.  In response to the Applications, the Tribunal directed by its order of 21^st March 2013 that a fact finding Expert Committee constituted by Dr. S. Ravichandra Reddy and Dr. K. V. Anantharaman would visit the impacted areas, interact with communities and provide a report on the scales of the projects and their impacts on communities and sensitive ecosystems, about the nature of the controversial decisions, as also any other matter the committee felt fit to address.   In conformance with this direction, the Committee visited Challakere on 23^rd May 2013 to study the impacts and also held public interactions on subsequent days.

“Forfeiting our Commons” (185 pages) is a comprehensive critique and expose' of the gross illegalities that have formed the basis of decisions resulting in the diversions of these ecologically sensitive and heritage Kavals.  The report provides a deep understanding of the extensive environmental and social impacts the projects have caused even as preliminary project activities are being initiated illegally.  The report makes a very strong case for the conservation of these biodiversity rich Kavals as it is a crucial habitat to support the revival of the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard, Lesser Florican, a variety of endemic flora found only here, and also the highly threatened Blackbuck, Deccan Wolf, etc.  The report demonstrates that the high degree of care for and wise use of these commons by local pastoral and agrarian communities over centuries is the reason why these grassland ecosystems have survived.  Diversion of these commons to defence, institutional, infrastructure and urban developments would not only amount to violation of directions of the Courts which has cast a duty on the Government to protect such ecologically sensitive areas, but would also result in the destruction of one of the last remaining large and contiguous grassland ecosystems of Karnataka.  The report demonstrates that the Government is promoting water intensive developments in a water starved region even though fully aware that such decisions is fraught with very high risks of causing social unrest and ecological disaster.

A copy of this report submitted by ESG to the Expert Committee is accessible here: 

http://www.esgindia.org/campaigns/press/esg-report-challakere-amrit-mahal-kaval-.html

Leo F. Saldanha, Bhargavi S. Rao, Abhayraj Naik, Mallesh K. R., Shashikala Iyer and Davis G. Thomas

Environment Support Group