World Nature Conservation Day: Why projects like Yetinahole and Hubbali-Ankola railway line are a serious threat to our environment

Observed each year on July 28th, World Conservation Day is celebrated internationally to increase awareness about the best practices to protect our natural resources

The day reminds us of the importance of nature in our lives and why we need to conserve it. The day gives us an opportunity to raise awareness about the conservation of nature and encourage sustainability.

But, problems like deforestation and illegal wildlife is still on rise in India. Government is coming up with various schemes and projects to conserve nature such as Swacch Bharat Mission, Project to save tigers, Mangroves for the future initiative.

But on the other hand, it is also giving permission for such projects which leads to mass destruction of nature

Recently, Chief Minister Yeddiyurappa gave clearance to Hubballi-Ankola railway line. But, environmentalists claim that the proposed line would pass through different types of forests, including evergreen, semi-evergreen, moist deciduous, and dry deciduous forests.

It will pass through two major protected areas like the Kali Tiger Reserve and the Bedthi Conservation Reserve. It is home to several species such as tigers, leopards, Fox etc.

The other major project of Karnataka is the Yetinahole project. Diverting the west-flowing Yettinahole towards Bangalore is an ambitious project with an estimated cost of Rs 13,000 crore.

The project proposes to divert water from the head-waters of the Netravathi river towards the water-scarce districts of Kolar, Ramanagara, parts of Hassan, Tumkur, Chikkaballapur, Bengaluru Rural and Devanahalli Industrial Area

The project falls within eco-sensitive areas recognised by the Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel. Building weirs, pump-houses and associated infrastructure cause loss of several tress.

Loss of forest connectivity will hinder wildlife movement and increase conflict between people and wildlife. It also harms biodiversity and erodes ecosystem services such as carbon storage, climate regulation, integrity of soil, watersheds and river catchments.