Western Ghats
NGT cracks the whip to prevent ecological damage to TN's Western Ghat
The National Green Tribunal, Southern Zone has directed the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board to pass appropriate orders in a matter related to unauthorised brick kilns exploiting the Western Ghat region leading to ecological damage. On its own, the tribunal had initiated action on the issue. Since there was no provision to regulate the activities of such units and to prevent ecological damage, the NGT-SZ had taken congnizance based on a Tamil daily's reportage on April 14, 2021. Subsequently, proceedings were initiated by the state Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) as well as the mining authorities. Following a hearing on the matter, in its order on Tuesday, the tribunal referred to the Board's report on determination of compensation. Environmental compensation was fixed for the brick kiln units in five specific villages as per a Central Pollution Control Board formula. It was to recover compensation for the damages caused to the environment by the brick kiln units under the "Pol
 "NGT cracks the whip to prevent ecological damage to TN's Western Ghat")
Kasturirangan notification on hold till new panel submits report: CM Bommai
The Centre has assured that it will not implement the notification on Kasturirangan report on declaring eco-sensitive zones in Western Ghats until the recently set up committee submits its report
 "Kasturirangan notification on hold till new panel submits report: CM Bommai")
Western Ghats as eco-sensitive zone: Experts slam those opposing move
Karnataka is prominently in opposition to the implementation of Kasturirangan report on Western Ghats. The Cabinet has decided to oppose the report. A three-day bandh has been planned from July 27
 "Western Ghats as eco-sensitive zone: Experts slam those opposing move")
Uncertainty over Western Ghats as Kasturirangan Committee draft delayed
Even after a decade of the Gadgil report and Kasturirangan Committee report for the protection of the Western Ghats, implementation of the report is still a far cry from the actual circumstances.
As Kerala floods claim 20 lives, eco expert says it's an 'invited disaster'
These disasters were caused due to higher economic activities like rock quarrying, construction of new buildings and roads and destruction of natural forest, says Madhav Gadgil
 "As Kerala floods claim 20 lives, eco expert says it's an 'invited disaster'")
Heavy rains unleash havoc in west, south India; IMD says more to come
A total of 129 people have died in rain-related incidents in Maharashtra in 48 hours, a senior state disaster management official said on Friday
 "Heavy rains unleash havoc in west, south India; IMD says more to come")
Maharashtra committed to protect, conserve Western Ghats: Uddhav Thackeray
The Maharashtra government is committed to protect and conserve the biodiversity of Western Ghats, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray said on Thursday.
Letter to BS: Protect Western Ghats from turning into a concrete jungle
Already, many parts of the Ghats have suffered due to urbanisation and no more damage to them should be permitted even for rail links.
Manmade crisis in God's Own Country
Book review of Flood and Fury: Ecological Devastation In the Western Ghats
 "Manmade crisis in God's Own Country")
How large-scale activitiy is eroding the ecosystem in central western ghats
Perennial streams were found in regions that have greater than 70% of forest cover, showing the link between ecology and hydrology with land use
 "How large-scale activitiy is eroding the ecosystem in central western ghats")
Govt mulls 56,825-sq km eco-sensitive zone in Western Ghats
Proposed area is 20,175 sq km less than originally recommended in 2011
 "Govt mulls 56,825-sq km eco-sensitive zone in Western Ghats")
