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Environment concerns about infrastructure projects in western Ghats
Why is it in News?
- ENVIRONMENTALISTS have raised concerns over clearances to 3 infrastructure projects, cutting the Western Ghats east of Goa.
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Doubling of rail track between Hospet and Vasco port
- cutting through forest land between Castle Rock and Kulem.
- Benefits
(1) will help transport of ore and coal,
(2) improve tourism potential for Hospet and Goa
(3) connectivity to coastal region with interior regions of Karnataka
(4) creation of employment in Karnataka and Goa
- mitigation measures
(1) 8 underpasses for animal passage
(2) mechanical or electronically controlled tunnel gates to avoid trapping of animals
- Concerns
(1) Diversion of 128.28 hectares in Western Ghats’ ecologically sensitive area, declared as a Unesco Heritage site
(2) No mention of tiger corridor
(3) local extinction of species endemic to Western Ghats.
4 Lane National Highway between Anmod and Mollem
- Benefits
(1) Linkage between NH-4 and NH-17 connecting Panaji to Belagavi
(2) fewer road accidents due to increased capacity
(3) estimated saving of fuel worth Rs 272.9 crore per year
(4) will create 3,00,000 temporary jobs
(5)m will lead to establishment of small, medium and largescale industries
- mitigation measures
(1) Construction of rubble wall across contour lines to avoid soil erosion
(2) wildlife crossings and underpasses
(3) signage to allow wild animals on priority
(4) boards at entry points to caution vehicles.
- Concerns
(1) Fragmentation of wildlife habitat
(2) Cutting of over 12,000 species of trees will alter plant communities and erode plant diversity
(3) will promote weeds and exotic species that outcompete native plants and alter animal use
(4) will shift animal corridors due to noise pollution and traffic
transmission Line from Sangod in Goa to the Karnataka border
- Benefits
(1) Additional 400kV feed from Karnataka to meet Goa’s peak electricity demand
- Mitigation measures
(1) Installation of towers in such way to minimize cutting of trees
(2) Efforts to minimize impact of installation on wildlife
- Concerns
(1) High-tension wires over Tambdi-Surla stream might threaten large birds like raptors and hornbills fly
(2) Cutting of 4,139 endemic trees
(3) Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) not scrutinised by state wildlife board
(4) Fragmentation of habitat and reduction of biodiversity