Amidst the heart-wrenching scenes of destruction at Irshalwadi village in Raigad's Khalapur taluka due to heavy rainfall, the Maharashtra Government faced sharp questioning from the Opposition in the state Assembly. The query revolved around the Madhav Gadgil Committee report, which had been commissioned to address concerns about the ecologically-sensitive Western Ghats. Despite multiple efforts, including the Gadgil and Kasturirangan Commissions, the region continues to witness climate-induced and manmade devastation.
Opposition Demands Answers
During the Assembly discussion, Nana Patole, the state Congress chief, inquired about the status of the Madhav Gadgil Committee report, which was commissioned during the tenure of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to prevent incidents like the one in Raigad. In response, Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis stated that Maharashtra had completed the task of mapping villages and identifying core and buffer zones during his tenure as Chief Minister. However, the overall plan awaits comments from two other states before finalization.
Tragedy Strikes Irshalwadi Village
As per reports, 83 people are still missing in Irshalwadi village, situated on a hill slope in the coastal district, around 80 km from Mumbai. The search and rescue teams have recovered three more bodies from the landslide-affected village, bringing the death toll to 25. Irshalwadi, surrounded by the picturesque Irshalgad fort, is a popular trekking destination.
Western Ghats: A Precious Biodiversity Hotspot
The Western Ghats, also known as the Sahyadri mountain range, extends through Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. This region houses over 30% of India's plant, fish, reptile, amphibian, bird, and mammal species and has been recognized as an important biodiversity hotspot by UNESCO.
Balancing Conservation and Development
Experts point out that manmade activities, coupled with heavy rainfall and soil characteristics, have increased the frequency of landslides in the Western Ghats. Balancing conservation efforts with developmental activities is crucial to preserving this unique ecological treasure.
Gadgil vs. Kasturirangan: Differing Approaches
The Gadgil Committee classified 64% of the Western Ghats across six states into ecologically sensitive zones (ESZ-1, ESZ-2, and ESZ-3). It proposed halting almost all developmental activities, including mining and thermal power plants, in ESZ-1. The Kasturirangan Committee aimed to balance development and environmental protection, recommending 37% of the region to be classified as an ESA. However, critics deemed it a watered-down version, expressing concerns that development projects could still degrade the landscape in the remaining 63% area.
The Need for Inclusive Conservation and Development
Environmentalists and experts advocate for a pro-people approach that includes both conservation and development. Striking the right balance between preserving the environment and promoting sustainable development is critical to safeguarding the Western Ghats for future generations.
Weather Outlook
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings for isolated extremely heavy rainfall in Konkan and Goa, Ghat areas of Madhya Maharashtra, and Gujarat. The region can expect widespread rainfall over the next two days, followed by a decrease in intensity.
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