Western Ghats Calling: Be part of it as history repeats itself

Monday, November 12, 2012

Be part of it as history repeats itself

Save Western Ghats Movement, hailed as the finest environmental movement in the country, is quarter century old and is still going strong. A two day event at Kundai in Goa on Nov 17-18, 2012 will mark the silver jubilee celebrations for re-commitment to save the pristine Western Ghats. It was back in 1987 that the famous march (see picture), from the south and north of the Western Ghats, had culminated at this very location.

As a run up to this historic event, the movement was re-launched in 2009 to build up momentum for developing a common strategy to bring the issue of conservation of the ghats to the mainstream. A Citizen's Manifesto for the Elected Representatives was adopted and a demand for creating Western Ghats Ecological Authority was raised at a well attended three-day congregation. A year later, in 2010, intense lobbying and advocacy by civil society actors had led to the setting up Western Ghat Expert Ecology Panel (WGEEP) under the chairmanship of Prof. Madhav Gadgil. The controversial report has sought drastic policy changes, seeking ban on mining, infrastructure and hydel projects in sensitive areas alongside keeping the Western Ghats ‘GM’ free. Much to the dislike of the civil society, the Ministry of Environment and Forests has set-up another committee to review the report (the committee has yet to submit its report).

SWGM that had successfully lobbied with state and central Governments to change policies towards protection of Western Ghats, notably being the establishment of Western Ghats Task Force in Karnataka and WGEEP at the Centre, aims to engage with representatives of local institutions like Gram Panchayats and Zilla Panchayats to spruce up its efforts in ensuring that the WGEEP report is adopted in letter and spirit.

Rechristened as ‘movement of the movements’, the silver jubilee congregation will focus on sharing the experiences of ongoing movements in the Western Ghats and evolve a common strategy to enforce eco-friendly policy decisions. It is also an attempt to revive the spirit of voluntarism at a time when vested interests are co-opting grassroots movements through the power of 'funds' and 'opportunities'.

One hundred delegates from five difference states, Goa, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu, are taking part in the event. The event will be inaugurated by Justice Kolse Patil, an active member of Jaitapur Nuclear Movement and will be joined by the activists of the Kudankulam Nuclear Movement among others. Goa's Minister of Environment is another dignitary who is likely to grace the occasion.

For participation and media inquiries, contact 09448818099 or 09422439857

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Save Western Ghats Movement (SWGM)

SWGM has an unpleasant history. Hailed by India Today as one of the finest post-independence environmental movement, the mid-1980s march along the pristine 'ghats' had to wither away on account of internal squabbling between the organizers. Between 2006 till 2008, Sudhirendar Sharma got an opportunity to travel across the region to capture the latent energy among diverse actors to reignite the past. Together with Pandurang Hegde, who carried the painful memories of the past, the Save Western Ghats Movement of the 80's was revived at Peaceful Society in Goa in 2009. Peaceful Society (led by Kalanand Mani) had played stellar role in anchoring the SWGM in 1988.

SWGM Conferences

Three important congregations of activists, researchers, scientists, artists, politicians and thinkers have been organised since 2009 under the aegis of Save Western Ghats Movement - an informal platform of civil society actors. While the first, in 2009 in Ponda (Goa) revived the erstwhile movement of the mid-80's, the second in Kotagiri (Tamilnadu) in 2010 was major milestone as it led to the setting-up of the Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel by the Ministry of Environment & Forests. The third congregation at Moodbidri (Karnataka) in 2011 reiterated civil society commitment to conserve the ghats whatever be the outcome of the panel.

Sussegad

Sussegad, meaning `easygoing’, is often associated with the Goans but it does extend to other areas along the Western Ghats, notably hilly parts of Karnataka. Mellowed down by the warmth of the Sun, the coolness of the rains and the wisdom of the green hills, people in these parts of the Western Ghats are known for their simplicity and hospitality. Accommodating as they are, sussegad lends a distinct cultural identity to these people.

When the world elsewhere is racing against materialistic greed, sussegad provides the much desired calming effect. Gandhi used to say: `there is more to life than speed.’ People in the ghats seem to have imbibed that spirit from time immemorial. Being laid back and stealing siesta time during each afternoon may seem out of place for an average outsider but for people here it is an accepted practice that renders them inherent strength – of being in harmony with self, society and nature. It seems sussegad could be for the good of the entire society. Any takers!

Open House

By definition, activists are an interesting bunch of people with high octane levels. At the heart of activism lies the unflinching desire to bring the world on its feet. Unilaterally focussed, immensely committed and socially driven, activists have struggled to carve out a niche for themselves in the shrinking social space. Yet, they enjoy the patronage of the state and its cronies. Had there not been the state with its dubious designs, the breed called activists would not have existed? Wonder, who then is the real activist?

Do you agree with this notion?

All About Frogs

Pictorial Guide to Frogs and Toads of the Western Ghats has been published to help students, researchers, forest managers, photographers and general public in identifying a species in the field along with its status, ecology and distribution. Simultaneously it also aims at bringing awareness about amphibians among general public. This book covers 73 species of 156 frogs and toads recorded from the Western Ghats as of date. Written by Dr. KV Gururaja, the book is available through: http://shop.gubbilabs.in.