The new study on Western Ghats distinguishes between the cultural and the natural landscape and points that the cultural landscape comprising human settlements, agricultural fields and planatations covers 58.44 per cent of the region.
The remaining natural landscape is a “biological treasure trove that is endangered and needs to be protected and regenerated, indeed celebrated for its enormous wealth of endemic species,” the report states.
Environmentalist Debi Goenka of the Conservation action trust questions how such a differentiation can be implemented on the ground. “Can ‘development’ be permitted for 58 per cent and the rest of the Ghats remain protected?” Mr Goenka asks.
The report was submitted to the environment ministry on Wednesday, with minister Jayanthi Natarajan assuring that the recommendations would be looked into urgently so that action can be taken to address these challenges. The Gadgil report had earned the ire of several state governments who believe the development activity must be permitted in the Western Ghats.
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ARC: CENTRE SEEKS STATES’ VIEWS
New Delhi: The Centre has asked state governments for their views on a proposal to abolish the existing system of constabulary in police by substituting it with recruitment of graduates at the level of assistant sub-inspectors, reports our correspondent. The proposal was mooted by the home ministry at a conference of chief ministers convened to discuss issues related to police reforms on April 15 here. The proposal is also part of the recommendations of the 2nd ARC.