Putting an end to the confusion among politicians over the status of the Western Ghats, the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) has clarified that the declaration of the ghats as a Word Heritage Site by UNESCO recently will not mean any change in the existing status of the sites. The 10 sites in the Western Ghats in Karnataka that have been identified as Heritage sites are already Protected Areas (PAs).
“We are fortunate that UNESCO has not imposed any restrictions, except for cautioning about the pluses and minuses of tourism in ecologically sensitive zones,” said Vinod B. Mathur, dean, Wildlife Institute of India (WII) and member of the Western Ghats Natural Heritage Management Committee. “In fact, UNESCO is interested in adding new sites to the list of 30 sites that are proposed for Heritage tagging. These sites are like beads of a single necklace in the Western Ghats. The total geographical area of the Western Ghats is 1,40,000 sq km and the 30 sites in three states put together do not cross 8,000 sq km. So where is the question of any change? The laws under the Wildlife Act and Forest Act which are presently applicable will continue,” Dr Mathur said.
“When the Red Fort (Lal Killa) in Delhi was chosen as a Heritage site by UNESCO the Delhi Government celebrated it. We wish the Karnataka government too would celebrate this honour. If it doesn’t there will not be much change in the process. The Central Government is a signatory body for all the UN decisions and the state in reality has less of a role to play,” Dr Mathur said. “The apprehension among people is because those with vested interests are carrying out a misinformation campaign. The rights of tribesmen are protected under the Tribal Protection Act and under no circumstances is any eviction required. Groups are spreading rumours that the Heritage tag will evacuate people; this is not true,” Dr Mathur emphasised.
Dr T. V. Ramachandra from the Indian Institute of Science and a member of the State Western Ghats Task Force said that UNESCO recognition will bring researchers and tourists to the Ghats. “It’s an honour to have UNESCO recognition. This will boost tourism and help researchers worldwide know the importance of the Western Ghats. There is no point in the state government opposing the honour. It’s just like having a degree before your name.”