Western Ghats Calling: 2015

Tuesday, January 6, 2015

P4WG to pedal across the region to sensitize people

P4WG has moved to the next stage on its engagement to steer communities in the region towards protection of the biodiversity hotspot called 'Western Ghats'. A meeting held at the Peaceful Society campus in Madkai (Goa) on Jan 3, 2015 unanimously resolved to work for the protection and conservation of the eco-sensitive, biodiversity-rich wildlife corridor.

Led by Pandurang Hegde and Kalandand Mani, the meeting had notable presence of stalwarts like Claude Alvares and Vaishali Patil to young enthusiasts like Nirmal Kulkarni and Shraddha Bharathi, the discussions focused on the implications of the confusion created in the minds of people in the region with respect to the implementation of the recommendations of the Gadgil Report (WGEEP) and the Kasturirangan Report (HLWG Report). Claude Alvares informed that the matter on implementation of the HLWG & WGEEP reports have been disposed by National Green Tribunal (Application 26/2012), leaving scope for challenging any notifications in this regard. He also said that the Gram Sabha, the Biological Diversity Act and the 73rd Constitution Amendment Act are paramount in environmental decision making at the grassroots (for Times of India report on the meeting click).

The group discussed a range of issues viz., forest clearance, private forests, land regulation, Forest Rights Act, CRZ regulations, need for environment impact assessment, cumulative impact and carrying capacity. As many as 14 known activists and youngsters from Maharashtra, Goa and Karnataka took part in the meeting to chalk out a strategy for 2015 and beyond. The group has drawn up plans to start a 'Chalo Western Ghats' cycle rally across the region to increase awareness on the ecological threats to the region in light of the provisions in various acts and regulations and to engage the youth to spread the message far and wide. After travelling through various parts of the Western Ghats, the cyclists will converge on June 5 (World Environment Day) at a predetermined place to share experiences and take the campaign further.

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.