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Conservation and Sustainable Management of Western Ghats

Article · August 2012

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 Conservation and Sustainable Management of Western Ghats:
Endeavor by Western Ghats task force, government of Karnataka

Introduction

The ‘Malenadu’ or ‘Sahyadri’ region, technically called, the Western Ghats region of
Karnataka, is recognized as one of the 12 mega bio-diversity regions of the world since it is
considered as highly significant ecological system of global scale. It is not only important in
environment & ecological perspectives, which is equally important in the interest of livelihood
security of millions of people in Karnataka too. Because, this region has very immense role in
regulating the monsoon, providing timber & non-timber forest products, rejuvenating the ground
water table & perennial source of the rivers, nourishing wide diversity of crop & medicinal
plants and so on. Several union and state laws are already there to govern their conservation,
enhancement & sustainable utilization.

However, because of a lot of gap in the intention & action, it is deteriorating continuously over
the decades. Hence, almost all parts of the Western Ghats region are under threat in different
scale for different reasons. In order to address all those issues at one forum and to develop an
integrated conservation and sustainable development model for the region, Govt. of Karnataka
formed a special forum called “Western Ghats Task Force”, one of its fist kind in the country,
by making provision in the budget of 2008-09, for the first time in the country. This Task Force,
thus, can become an umbrella forum, where all these issues and stakeholders are brought
together to bring in a holistic conservation policy and synergetic action. It has commenced its
works from September 2008. (G.O.No: AaPaJee.125 / FAP 2008 dt. 04.09.2008). This report is
the second annual progress report, being submitted to the government. The salient features of
Western Ghats and its significance is given through figures and tables in subsequent pages.

Vision and Mission of Western Ghats Task Force

Vision:

 Appraising the significance of Western Ghats (WG) to all sections of the society through
various awareness building programmes.
 Ensuring the highest possible protection for the natural ecosystems in the Western Ghats
region by developing strategies in order to prevent any further degradation of forest &
environment through Dept. of Forest & Environment and public participation.
 Designing, promoting and monitoring sustainable developmental efforts that would
balance both ecological security and livelihood security of the people through concerned
government departments.
 Designing strategies for conserving natural resources and Natural Resource Management
(NRM) based employment generation, specially keeping the welfare of indigenous
people in mind.
 Make all the sections and stakeholders of the governance and public in general realized
over the significance of W.G., so that a sustainable land use policy is brought about for
the entire Sahyadri region, aiming at long term welfare of the people.
  Empowering public in general and education, research & civil society organizations in
particular, to take active part in the task of conservation of natural resourced by applying
all available socio-economic, scientific and legal tools.

Mission:

The Western Ghats Task has the mandate of facilitating the entire governance process related to
Western Ghats region taking the best possible ways of its conservation and sustainable
development in to consideration. It is a committee having both non-official experts from
different fields and also the departmental level heads of the different govt. departments. It would
help in synthesizing right policy measures and implementation plans. The initial consultations
with the Task Force members, experts and public have revealed that the following areas are to be
considered on priority basis to begin with.

1. Assessment of current Ecological & Environmental status: Sahyadri region is facing

several serious problems like deforestation, encroachment, soil erosion, biodiversity loss,
river bank destruction, landslide, migration of tribal and local people as urban labor etc.,
because of poor management of natural resources over the years. Therefore, a rigorous
exercise is needed to comprehend all those issues by consolidating all the available
information and may be by initiating fresh studies too. Such an exercise can act as the
baseline data for evolving further remedial actions.

Functioning Mechanism of the Task Force

 The Western Ghats Task Force conducts meetings periodically in order to deliberate on
all the issues and suggests the possible action plans for the govt. Meetings are held
usually every month or as and when necessary. Apart from the Task Force members,
senior govt. officers, experts, scientists, civil society representatives and even general
public are invited if it is needed. The other regular activities would be carried out by the
Task Force office under the guidance of its Chairman.
 The need based subcommittees of the Task Force members and external experts are
formed in order to come out with specific action plans for a specific issue. WGTF is
commissioning short term expert studies on various issues in order to develop a clear
perspective plans.
 Chairman establishes coordination among all the govt. departments & Boards, who are all
working in the different spheres of the conservation and development of Western Ghats
region through review meetings and visits to the field in the Western Ghats districts.
 Books, booklets, monographs and brochures are brought out on different issues or topics
so that they are used at specific level for the effective policy framing and successful
implementation.
 An annual event called ‘Sahyadri Summit’ is planned in order to bring all those are
concerned together, every year.
 The progress reports with mid-term recommendations are being submitted to Hon. Chief
Minister for every three months. The first annual report with a few major
recommendations was submitted in September 2009. This is the second annual progress
report with interim recommendations.
 Govt. of Karnataka

Major Interim Recommendations of

Western GHats Task Force
(Report Submitted as part of Second Annual progress report )

Submitted to:
Sri B. S. Yeddyurappa
Hon. Chief Minister of Karnataka
Govt. of Karnataka
Vidhanasoudha
Bangalore

Submitted by:

Sri Anant Hegde Ashisar

Chairman
Western Ghats Task Force
Dept. of Forest & Environment
# 307 / Vidhansoudha, Bangalore-01

28 September 2010
 Western Ghats Task Force, Dept. of Forest & Environment, Govt. of Karnataka
Major Interim Recommendations

1. Karnataka has now left with hardly 20% forest cover it in total geographic area of 1,92,000
sq.km. It’s protection should be done on priority. As envisaged by the National Forest
Policy, efforts should be made to increase the present forest cover up to 33% in order to
achieve ecological security and the livelihood security of the people of Karnataka. The
financial resources available in the schemes like NAREGAs, CAMPA fund & 13th Finance
Commission should be utilized for such protection & afforestation programmes which
ensure the effective participation of local communities through institutional modes like
Grama Panhcyata, Biodiversity Management Committees like modes like Village Forest
Committees (VFC) on Joint Forest Management (JFM) principle.

2. A special fund needs to be created in the name of Chief Minster of Karnataka to build a
big corpus which can be utilized by the govt. to address the emergency requirements
which is important for ensuring the conservation & sustainable development of Western
Ghats region. While the fund can be created by initial contribution of govt., efforts can be
made to mobilize funding from private & corporate philanthropy.

3. An independent national level research institution should be promoted by the govt. for
taking up quality research on forest, environment and policy issues with specific reference
to Western Ghats. Such multidisciplinary research of high order would contribute to the
cause of conservation & sustainable development of Western Ghats. It should be
established on priority.

4. A special programme should be initiated for conservation of the origins of the perennial
streams & major rivers in Western Ghats.

5. A high level Legal cell & Technical support Cell should be created and strengthened at
the head office of the Dept. of Forest at Bangalore which can support all the sections and
filed offices & staff on legal and technical aspects related to conservation & development
of forest in the Western Ghats region in particular and the entire state in general.

6. The programmes like establishment of Elephant Park, consolidation of elephant

corridors etc. need to be done on priority in order to address to tackle the increasing
elephant-man conflict and conserve the elephants for the future.

7. Programmes should be taken up for promoting alternative energy sources with proper
awareness building exercise and financial support in all taluks. The farmers and land
landless laborers in rural area, especially in Western Ghats and Coastal area should be
empowered and supported for establishing biogas by Gobar Gas systems, ASTRA
stoves, solar lighting system & water heating systems etc. It would reduce the
pressure on the forest ecosystems and thereby contribute to the natural resource
augmentation.

8. The monsoon banning of fishing in coastal area should be implemented effectively so

that fish regeneration does not get disturbed. The sustainable fishers techniques like
adopting Turtle Excluding Devise (TED) in the fishing boats, ban on fishing RET
species like Dolphins etc. need to be enforced effectively.

9. The dept. of forest need to be involved in effective tackling of naxalite issue in Western
Ghats region and the funds available under NAXAL Package can also be utilized for
strengthening Eco-development Committee & Village Forest Committee, involving local
people in raising nurseries & protecting forest, NTF collection etc. It would help in
 generating sustainable rural employment for a lot of local communities and, in turn, they
would support the cause of peace & harmony in the region.

10. Govt. should take up a special greening & biodiversity development programmes in plain
region of Karnataka through participatory approach. The avenue trees, agro-forestry,
raising fodder trees green fencing etc., can be taken up under such schemes with direct
involvement of farmers & Village Forest Committees (VFCs).

11. Participatory afforestation programmes like ‘Vriksharopana Abhiyana’ need to be further

extended & strengthened by providing budgetary & administrative support.

12. The ecologically sensitive areas of the Sahydri regions of Karnataka like Bedthi valley,
Aghanashini valley & Dandeli forest regions have now been protected by declaring them
as ‘Conservation Reserve’ by Wildlife Board. WGTF congratulates the govt. for this
significant step. Similar steps should be taken up in Sharavati valley, Agumbe,
Kodachadri, Charmadi, Gundya River valley, Subramanya state forest, Kumaraparvata
hill range etc. in Western Ghats rage through ‘Conservation Reserve’ or ‘Community
Reserve’ modes.

13. Kappatgudda hill range in Gadag dist., Chincholi forest in Gulburga district should be
protected by declaring them as ‘Wildlife Sanctuary or ‘Conservation Reserve’ under
Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

14. A comprehensive protection & development plan should be framed & implemented for all
the 13 existing Medicinal Plant Conservation Areas (MPCA) involving both eco-
restoration and people’s participation components. Besides, many more such potential
areas need to be identified and brought into conservation jacket. Some of the suggested
area are:

N Dist. Place
1 Khanapura tq. In Belgaum Chigvallai
dist.
2 ,, Chaploi
3 ,, Vandurga
4 ,, Chinagad
5 ,, Talewadi
6 ,, Gavali
7 ,, Himmadka
8 ,, Kanakambi
9 ,, Shiroor
10 Mundgod (Uttara Kannada) Bedsagum
11 Sirsi (Uttara Kannada) Konkikote
12 Kumata (Uttara Kannada) Yana
13 Karwar (Uttara Kannada) Karawar
14 Mavinagundi (U. K.Dist.) Jog
15 Shimoga Hosagunda
16 Dakshina Kannada Shishila
16 ,, Gundya
18 Kodagu Scared Groves
19 Hasana Hirekal Gudda
20 Chikkamagalur Inam
Dattapeetha &
Kavals
21 Chamaraja Nagara Malai
Mahdeshwara
22 ,, Pachaamlaia
23 ,, Ponnache Boli
24 ,, Samabrani gudda
 25 ,, Kotigudda
26 ,, Votakal Gudda
27 ,, Deshipura
28 ,, Somanathpura
29 ,, Heggawadi

15. The Karnataka Biodiversity Board has proposed to take up special conservation efforts
in 13 forest patches in plain region of Karnataka by declaring as ‘Plain Region
Biodiversity Conservation Area’. It should be done at the earliest. They are:
N District Place

1 Bidar Karpkapalli

2 Raichur Guntgola

3 Ballari Donimali

4 Koppala Indargi

5 Tumakaur Siddharabetta

6 Bangalore Rural Makali Durga

7 Kolar Sunnakal

8 Klolar Chikkamakli

9 Chitradurga Jogimatti

10 Davanagere Male Bennur

11 Bijapura Mamadapura

12 Badami Makuta

13 Gulbaurga Sheribikanahalli

16. Any mega and unsustainable development projects like proposed Gundya river valley
hydro-electricity project should not be taken up in the Western Ghats region.

17. Action should be taken to identify and document different kinds of Deemed Forest found in
the revenue land and revenue enclosures amidst reserve forest across the Western Ghats
region through joint survey. These deemed forest area should be transferred to dept. of
forest for ensuring their long term protection. The fund available in the CAMPA or 13th
Finance Commission could be utilized for this purpose.

18. The efforts can be done to design the schemes to promote the sustainable collection &
value addition of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFP) & medicinal plants, through
participatory approach by involving VFC, LAMP societies etc. Inland fisheries, value
addition to farm products etc. can also be taken up further in this model in order to
enhance natural resource based sustainable rural employment generation. The divisions
of the Forest Department like Karnataka Forest Development Corporation (KFDC) &
Cashew Development Boards can play effective role in such programmes.

19. Govt. should come out with a policy to conserve & promote the agro-biodiversity in the
state. The pogrammes should be taken up like that of providing incentives to farmers, who
are engaged in conserving traditional food crops and identifying agro-biodiversity rich
 areas. 9For example, paddy varieties in Varada River basin and Gulla Brinjal varieties in
Udupi).

20. The Genetically Modified crops in the food sector, like Bt. Brinjol, should not be given
permission for commercial release. Union govt. should be urged to take up long term
research on health & environment safety issues related to Generally Modified food crops
before considering them for commerciali release.

21. The Village Forest Committees (VFC) based on the Joint Forest Management (JFM)
principle should be strengthened in all the taluks in Western Ghats region and empowered
with further training and financial incentives.

22. Policy should be framed to give back at least 25% revenue generated from the dept, of
Forest in the Western Ghats districts for the purpose of forest protection and restoration
works.

23. Further recruitments should be done to fulfill the vacancies of field staff, namely: foresters,
guards & watchmen. Policy should be evolved to give priority for the local people and
forest dwellers like tribal in the Western Ghats and coastal region by creating 50%
reservation.

24. A Technical Resource Centre (TRC) need to be established within the dept. of Forest at
each district in order to assist the forest protection works like combating encroachment,
smuggling of timber & medicinal plants, forest fire, etc. The Forest Squad units should be
strengthened with further support like training, latest arms & ammunition and
communication tools at every forest division in the Western Ghats region for ensuring
effective forest protection.

25. The district level task force under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner meant for
regulating the mining of minor minerals, sand, quarrying etc. needed to be rejuvenated
and strengthened with more administrative power.

26. Watershed development programmes should be implemented by involving departments of

Forest, Watershed, Agriculture and local people for the rejuvenation of village wells,
ponds, lakes and rivers in Sahydri region.

27. The voluntary ‘Green Action movement’ could be promoted for spreading the ethos of
environment protection across the state by involving schools-colleges, SHGs, VFCs, Eco-
development committees, Eco-clubs, NSS & NCC, other interested organizations and
general public.

28. A well thought comprehensive land use policy should be developed for the entire Western
Ghats and coastal region. The opinion of the Task Force need to be considered while
deciding on proposed mega development projects. Any sort of major mining should not be
allowed in the Western Ghats region.

29. The newly launched “Coastal Green Wall Project’ should be extended to all Hoblis in the
entire 300 kms coastal line of the state for its eco-restoration.

30. Efforts should be made by the govt. to get back the entire township and other
establishments from KIOCL since no more mining is permitted and land lease period is
expired. It would ensure the complete protection for Kuduremukh National Park.

31. A comprehensive policy should be framed, which achieves the objectives of conservation,
promotion, cultivation & sustainable utilization of medicinal plant resources by making
Karnataka Medicinal Plant Authority as the nodal agency.
32. A new integrated eco-tourism policy should be framed keeping the principles of protection
of forest & wild life, constant monitoring and regulation, local people’s participation and
benefit sharing mechanism with local people in the ecologically pristine tourism potential
area.

33. The Biodiversity Management Committees (BMC) should be formed in all Grama
Panchayats as per the provisions of Biodiversity Conservation Act (2002) and they should
be empowered to take up the biodiversity conservation, enhancement and sustainable
utilization tasks.

34. A novel participatory natural resource augmentation programme need to be designed in

Betta land in Sahydri region. Necessary modifications in Acts and rules could be brought
in to ensure effective participation of farmers in such agro-forestry programmes.

35. The roadside plantation should be taken up in all the newly laid, improved & expanded
road systems in the state. The revenue generated by each Forest Circle through fine &
royalty over tree cuttings by road projects, should be spent for the purpose of tree planting
only. A specific cell has to be created at the Dept. of Forest to administer this entire
programme.

36. The ban on use polythene bags (that are colored & lesser than 20 microns in thickness)
should be enforced effectively across the state.

37. Protected Area (PA) conservation efforts should be enhanced by strengthening the filed
staff, veterinary care facility, awareness building programmes among the local people etc.
The Eco-Development Committees (EDC) should be extended to all PAs extensively and
they should be given more incentives and motivation to take part in the conservation
process.

38. The filed staff of the Protected Area (PA) should be given special support in terms of
special allowance for stating in remote area, health insurance, support for children
education etc.

39. All the nurseries maintained by the research wing of dept. of forest should have clonal
orchard for ecologically & commercially important woody species of the region. All the
districts of costal and Sahydri region should have such exclusive nurseries dealings with
the conservation of RET, Endemic and medicinal plants.

40. All the ‘Kavals’ forests and grasslands in the Chikkamagalur, Tumakur & Hasana districts
should be protected with effective people participation methods.

41. The process of compensation meant for the people suffered due to wild animal attack,
should be rationalized, so that the benefits reach the needy people and the entire delivery
process needs to be strengthened so that it reaches the needy people at the earliest.

42. The ‘District Environment Committees’ under the chairmanship of Deputy

Commissioners should be made functional with more administrative support.

43. Strict actions should be taken to control the depletion & pollution of ground water in the
state.

44. Consultation cum awareness building workshops should be organized to the Assembly
and Parliament members over the issues pertaining to conservation & sustainable
development of Western Ghats region.

45. A comprehensive pollution mitigation action plan should be drawn up by involving all the
stake holders like industries, dept. of Urban Development, Pollution Control Board,
 Panchayat Raj institutions and Dept. of Environment in most polluted places like
Bhadravati, Dandeli, Gokarna, Londa etc. The pollution by Sponge Iron factory near Londa
in Khanapur taluk of Belgaum is causing severe problems to both local community & the
environment. The district administration has taken the initial measures. The govt. should
take remedial actions to mitigate these pollution problems.

46. The maintenance and improvements works of all established Botanical Garden in the state
by the department should be incorporated in annual working plan so that they receive
regular maintenance grant.

47. The biodiversity conservation issues including that of medicinal plant component should
be included in the syllabus of training being given to the newly recruited Foresters &
Gaurds.

48. There is tremendous pressure in the reserve forest tract in the eastern side of Soraba &
Sagara taluks. There is a need of giving protection through digging Cattle Prevent Trench
(CPT) nearly about 30 km. It should be taken up on priority.

49. A ‘Shaydri Summit’ should be organized in Bangalore to bring together all the
stakeholders like Policy makers, top govt. officials, scientists, research institutes,
conservation agencies, corporate bodies intended to invest in natural resource
management, farmers, NGOS and all those who are concerned, so that message of
conservation & sustainable development of Western Ghats reaches to wider sections of
the society. This would help to bring in more investment for all these conservation projects
too apart from ensuring the participation of all sections of the society in the conservation
process.

50. Forest department should come with proper scheme and mechanism to protect and
develop the plantations of the department which are developed over the years under
different afforestation schemes.

51. Government should come out with a package of green industries which are ecologically
very friendly and provide mass employment in rural area. Such sustainable development
programmes, then, can be taken up in Western Ghats & coastal region.

52. The Govt. of Karnataka should convene a high level intergovernmental meeting of the
Tamil Nadu, Keala, Goa, Maharastra & Gujarat states involving senior officers, scientists
and the civil society organization those who are working for the cause of conservation &
sustainable development of Western Ghats. Such an initiative would help in framing the
long-term conservation porgramme for the entire Western Ghats range and also to sort out
many administrative issues like interstate resource sharing, smuggling of forest produce &
wildlife products at border region etc.

Submitted by:
Sri Anant Hegde Ashisar
Chairman
Western Ghats Task Force
Dept. of Forest & Environment
# 307 / Vidhansoudha, Bangalore-01

><>><><>
 Govt. of Karnataka

Major Achievements of Western Ghats Task Force

(Report Submitted as part of Second Annual Progress Report)

Submitted to:
Sri B. S. Yeddyurappa
Hon. Chief Minister of Karnataka
Govt. of Karnataka
Vidhanasoudha
Bangalore

Submitted by:

Sri Anant Hegde Ashisar

Chairman
Western Ghats Task Force
and members
Dept. of Forest & Environment
# 307 / Vidhansoudha, Bangalore-01

28 September 2010
 Western Ghats Task Force, Dept. of Forest & Environment, Govt. of Karnataka

The Achievements

The Western Ghats Task Force has been involved in developing and implementing
all its programmes through dept. of Forest & Environment. Efforts are made to increase
overall awareness and concern among both the govt. departments and all the sections of the
society over the significance of Western Ghats. Some of the major achievements made
during 2009 -10 are briefly summarized here.

1. The scope of Western Ghats in terms of exact geographical area has now been finalized along
with the revenue Hobli-wise maps. Soon it will be published through govt. order, which can be
used for any purpose which demands the description of geographical area of the Western
Ghats in Karnataka.

2. As per one of the initial recommendations of the Western Ghats Task Force, the government
has not sanctioned or permitted any new mining projects in Western Ghats region of Karnataka
form June 2008.

3. A wide afforestation scheme (‘Vriksharopana Abhiyana’) was launched by dept. of Forest, under
the guidance of Task Force in June – August period of 2009, to plant more than two crore
saplings across the state involving local farmers, Panchayat Raj institutions, organizations,
educational institutions and students, religious leaders and so on. The chairman of the Task
Force himself had participated in places like Dandeli, Londa , Khanapura , Chikkaballpura,
Vazralli, Beegar, Kalache, Manchikeri, Kadtoaka, Masur, Gokarna, Hansagaru, Thirthahalli,
Vanaalli, Swarnavalli, Kiravatti, Taralu betta – Siddapura, Hankona- Karwara, Devabagah,
Mangalore, Gerusoppa, Mundgod, Sighndur, Tumari, Varadalli, Heroor, Bisgod , Mattur,
Manden Koppa, Shringneri, Haveri, Joida, Hulekal, Heggarni, Ponnampete, Areangadi,
Cahndkuli, Balehonnur, Kollibacchalu, Ashwinivana- Sakrebailu, Sonda among others.

4. The Coastal Green Wall Project has been launched after wide consultation with experts and
stakeholders in order to prevent sea erosion and mitigate the coastal ecosystem degradation.
This ecosystem restoration based scheme is first of its kind in the country. It involves the
components developing a vegetation barrier all along the coast beyond the High Tide Line
(HTL), protection of mangrove & estuaries, restoring runoff water channels, establishment of
coastal biodiversity parks etc. Special studies are also initiated at the coastal area of Karwara,
Honnavara, Kundapura and Mangalore forest divisions.

5. Sanctuary: Bhimagad Reserve Forest in Belgaum dist. has been declared as the Wildlife
Sanctuary (WLS) recently, through State Wildlife Board as per the provisions of Wildlife
(Protection) Act, 1972, to protect its pristine evergreen forest system with rare Bat species.

6. Similar efforts are being done for declaring Chincholi (Gulbarga dist.) & Kappata Gudda
(Gadag dist.) as ‘Wildlife Sanctuary’.
 7. Conservation Reserve: Four major ‘Conservation Reserves’ are declared recently by State
Wildlife Board under Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, without disturbing the bona-fide rights of
local communities. They are :
• Aghanahshini Valley in Utara Kannada district. (For its pristine evergreen forest valley
system with many RET & Endemic animal & plant species)
• Bedthi Valley in Utara Kannada district. (For its pristine evergreen & deciduous forest
valley system with many RET & Endemic animal & plant species)
• Dandeli forest region in Uttara Kannada district. (For its pristine deciduous forest system
with many RET & Endemic animal & plant species)
• Basur Amrutha Mahal Kaval (Chikamagalur dist.) for their wide range of wildlife including
traditional cattle breeds.

8. Natural Heritage Sites: The Karnataka Biodiversity Board has declared the following areas
as ‘Natural Heritage Sites’ as per the provisions of Biological Diversity (Conservation) Act, 2002.

I. Netrani Island, U. K.District

II. Vegetation area GKVK Campus, Bangalore
III. Hogrekhan, Chicmagalore District
IV. Ambargudda, Shimoga District

9. Heritage Trees: The Karnataka Biodiversity Board has declared the following trees as
‘Heritage Trees’ as per the provisions of Biological Diversity (Conservation), Act 2002. The
trees are:
No Name of the Tree Location
1 Adansonia digitata (Malvaceae) Bijapur taluk, Bijapur District.
2 Adansonia digitata (Malvaceae) Bijapur taluk, Bijapur District.
3 Tamarindus Indica (Legumnsoae) Devara Hippargi village, Sindagi Tq., Bijapura.
4 Azadirachta indica (Meliacease) T.Venkatapura village, Sidlagatta Taluk,
Chickballapur dist.
5 Ficus begalensis (Moraceae) Chickkahally village, Mysore taluk Mysore.
6 Ficus relegiosa (Moraceae) Manasagangothri Campus, Mysore.
7 Bombax ceiba (Bombaxaceae) Palace Gate, Mysore
8 Ficus bengalensis (Moraceae) Bangalore (U), Kethohalli
9 Araucaria cookie (Gymnosperm) Bangalore, Lalbagh
10 Ficus species (Moraceae) Jade, Shimoga District, Soraba taluk

10. The other ecologically sensitive areas are also being identified in Chikkamagalur,
Shimogga, Uttara Kannada & Dakshina Kannada districts. They may be protected with the
help of local communities either as ‘Natural Heritage Sites’ or ‘Conservation Reserve’.
Some of the area being identified are Sahasralinga, Kailasagudda, Yana,
Karikanammana Gudda, Kattale Kanu, Konkikote, Hosagunda, (Uttara Kannda),
Ammanaghaata, Kodachahdri (Shimogga dsit.), Hireakal Gudda (Arasikere), Charmadi,
Subramanya (Dakshina Kannada) etc.

11. Major support is given either to establish the new botanical gardens or rejuvenating the
existing ones in Ashvinivana, Tumari, Varadalli, Sighandur (Shimoga dist.), Sasyaloka ,
Heroor, (Uttara Kanada dist.) Siddharabetta (Tumakur dist.), Balehonnur,
Hogrekanugiri. (Chikamagalur dist.), Alamatti (Bagalakot) and Belgaum, Hoskere
(Bangalore), Chincholi, Ganagapura (Gulbarga), JSS College Campus Dharwad.

12. Efforts are made to initiate the mitigation efforts for the area with water and soil pollution in the
places like Dandeli (Kali river pollution by paper & pulp industry), Bhadravati (Bhadra river
pollution by industrial complex), Londa (Bone & sponge iron factory), Gokarna (municipal
sewage problem) etc. area by engaging with Karnataka Pollution Control Board (KSPCB).
13. Schemes are being evolved to promote agro-forestry practice through participatory
principle by organizing workshops in Bagalkot, Chikmagalur, Tumkur, Bijapura and
Banavasi. Efforts are also being made to document the agro-biodiversity in different
regions through Biodiversity Board. Special action is initiated in Uttara Kanada to develop
Betta (Minor forest with certain privileges to the farmers) with agro-forestry principle.

14. A special delegation was taken to Sri Jairam Ramesh, Hon. Minster of Forest &
Environment, GoI to appraise about various issues related to conservation and sustainable
development aspects of Western Ghats region in Karnataka.

15. Environment education is being considered as one of the major long term strategy to bring
in conservation principles in main stream development debate. In this connection, the Hon.
Chairman of Task Force has visited Universities of Mangalore, Dharwad, Kuvempu,
Tumakur to meet faculty & students and to have a detailed interaction and apprise them on
the need of taking up direct field action.

16. Efforts are made to protect the coastal zone protection with CRZ principles by involving
local people & organizations in Ullala, Mangalore, Udupi, Kundapura, Bhatkala, Bengre,
Honnavara, Mavinakurve, Kumata, Tadai, Gokarna, Ankola, Baithakola & Karwara.

17. Efforts are made to extend the network of people of working in the field of climate change
issues by taking major role in a conference on ‘Climate Change’ organized by MoEF,
Govt. of India, (called ‘Delhi Summit on Climate Change’) and similar effort with FRLHT,
Bangalore on conservation & sustainable utilization of medicinal plants.

18. WGTF has initiated the process of developing a model mine reclamation site in Bisgod
reserve forest in Uttara Kannada, which was once devastated by manganese mining,
through implementing schemes with active participation of local people.

19. Modules are being evolved to make use of NREGAs for effective natural resource
augmentation programmes like afforestation throughout the Sahydri area. Such model
progammes are taken up with the leadership of district administration in Shimoga dist.

20. Effective wildlife protection strategies are being promoted through forming & strengthening
the Eco-development committees in Protected Area of the state like, Nagarahole,
Bandipura, Bhadra, Kuduremukh, Mookambika Dandeli, Anshi, Shettihalli & Sharavati. The
conferences of Eco-development Committees are organized for this purpose.

21. More than thirty five major seminars, workshops and conferences were organized inviting
experts and scientists from different fields for suggesting policy inputs in the area like
wildlife protection, environment laws, sustainable development strategies, medicinal plant
conservation & promotion, eco-tourism, eco-sensitive area, Sacred Grove conservation,
coastal zone management, tribal welfare through forest conservation and so on.
Recommendations are being made out of such exercise. Such major conference/
workshops are:
N Theme Palce
1 State level Scientists conference on ‘Conservation & sustainable Bangalore
development of Western Ghats n Karnataka’
2 Orientation workshop for dept. staff and VFCs on ‘Conservational, Chikamagalur
enhancement & sustainable utilization of medicinal plants’
3 Orientation workshop for dept. staff and VFCs on ‘Conservational, Belgaum
enhancement & sustainable utilization of medicinal plants’
4 Orientation workshop for dept. staff and VFCs on ‘Conservational, Chmarajanagara
enhancement & sustainable utilization of medicinal plants’
 6 Orientation workshop for dept. staff and VFCs on ‘Conservational, Hasana
enhancement & sustainable utilization of medicinal plants’
7 Sustainable fisheries: Challenges & opportunities Mangalore
8 Promotion of Agro-forestry in plains of Karnataka. Bijapura
9 Village Forest Committees (VFCs) Conference Shringeri
10 Village Forest Committees (VFCs) Conference Mandya
11 Village Forest Committees (VFCs) Conference Gulburga
12 Conference on forest conservation n& tribal welfare Yellapaura
13 Conference on forest conservation & VFCs Sonda, Sirsi
14 Eco-development Committees conference Hebri, Udupi
15 Initgarriation of govt. policies & programmes in the context of Climate Bangalore
Change
16 Sustainable harvest & value addition of NTFP Yedhalli, Sirsi
17 Ficus species: The religious significance & their conservation Sagara
18 Conference on Conservation& promotion of Bamaboo Sirsi
19 Conference on Conservation Jackfruit variety diversity & value addition Sirsi
for its products
20 Workshop on strengthening Watershed Development schemes in Sirsi
Western Ghats region
21 Biodiversity Festival Swaranavalli, Sirsi
22 Conference on Garcinia sp. diversity & conservation Sirsi
23 District level refresher course for Eco-clubs I Chikkamagalaur Balehonnur,
Chikamagalur
24 Forest dwellers conference Biligiri Rangana
Betta,
Chamaraja Nagara
24 Workshop on CRZ rule provisions, challenges & opportunities Mangalore
25 Wildlife lovers meet KUVEMPU
University
Shimogga
26 Consultation workshop in Sacred Grove protection Siddhapura (U.K.)
27 Consultation workshop in Sacred Grove protection Ponnampete
28 Two day orientation camp on forest & environment protection for Mangalore
Mangalore University NSS students University,
Mangalore

22. Efforts are made to promote the use of alternate energy source by organizing workshops in
Sirsi, Shimoga & Bangalore. Support has been extended to establish small domestic hydel-
power project unit at Vanalli village in Uttara Kannada.

23. Efforts are made to reorient the forest staff training facilities by visiting training centers in
Dharwad, Tattihalla, Bangalore and Mysore.
24. Utmost emphasis is being given to form and strengthen the Village Forest Committees (VFC)
through out the state so that they become the prime vehicles of delivering conservation
programmes through real participatory approach. In order to achieve this, major VFC
conferences were organized by the Task Force in Yellapaura, Chamarajanagara, Hebri,
Shringeri, Mandya , Sirsi & Gulbarga.

25. The teams of senior officials and experts were taken to investigate the impact of the mining in
the Ambaragudda region (Shimoga dist.), landslides region in Karawar (Uttara Kannada) and
Neriya (Dakshina Kannada) and recommendations are made to the govt. on taking up
integrated eco-restoration works there. As a result of that, further mining is not allowed in
Amabragudda and now it is declared as ‘Natural Heritage Site’ by Karnataka Biodiversity
Board.

26. Efforts are made to rejuvenate nurseries in Gerusoppa, Dharwad, Mundgod, Tumkaur, and
Bangalore for effective large scale rising of medicinal, Bio-diesel & NTFP plant species.

27. Efforts are made to reach out to the large communities through organizing interaction
workshops in Shimogga, (MAMCOS, DVS college etc.), Karwar (PG centre), SDM College
Ujire, BVB College, Hubi, Engineering College, Yelahanka, Kumata (Baliga college),
Honnavara (Snehakunja), Sagara (Sevasagara Trust), Sirsi (Forestry College)
etc.

28. Consultations are done with expert, local people and Peoples’ Representatives to design the
programmes for conservation of natural resources in the buffer zones just outside Western
Ghats ranges, in Belgaum. Dharwad, Haveri, Davanagere, Tumakur , Chikamagalur, Hasana &
Mysore districts.

29. Integrated Jog development programmes are initiated in association with Jog Development
Authority by incorporating components like development of green corridor, eco-friendly tourism
initiatives, botanical gardens, VFC formation for management of tourist spots, establishment of
a new Medicinal Plant Conservation Area (MPCA) in the nearby valley etc.

30. WGTF took a firm decision on Bt Brinjol (genetically modified) issue by having wide
consultation with farmers, cooperative leaders, industries & experts and recommended the govt.
not to give permission for commercialization for the crop right now. It also suggested the govt.
for take up further in-depth and wide field studies to asses it’s ecological & socio-economic
feasibility. Government of Karnataka accepted these recommendations of the WGTF and urged
the govt. of India to take up policy decision on the same line.

31. The important schemes like protection of ‘Sacred Grove protection’, ‘Hasiru Samruddhi
Grama Yojana’ etc. have been implemented by the state government by making provisions in
the state budget itself. The WGTF has come out with scheme and action plans for all these
programmes. To support this process, the WGTF has initiated a project on survey &
documenting Sacred Groves in Uttara Kanada, Shimoga, Dakshina Kannada, Chikamagalaur &
Kodagu districts.

32. Recognizing the vacancy of staff at lower level of Dept. of Forest as the major hurdle in
achieving the efficiency in forest conservation and development works, efforts are being made
to fill-up those positions. The recruitment process is just now finished for 800 field staff.
Process is initiated for recruitment of further batch. Efforts are also being made to reserve at
least 50% ground staff vacancies for local tribal & forest dwellers by incorporating necessary
amendments in C& R rules.

33. The Chairman had conducted more than 120 consultations and review meetings at district,
taluk and filed levels in last year. This interactions and subsequent follow-up works actions
helped to identity the region specific problems along with policy lacunas for further deliberations.
Remedial actions are taken in many cases by involving all stakeholders. For example, NREGAs
is being effectively used for afforestation works and govt. has recently nominated the Deputy
 Conservator of Forest (DCF) of Social Forestry Wing of Zilla Panchayat as nodal officer to
coordinate all the works related Karnataka Biodiversity Board.

34. A major multidisciplinary ecological carrying capacity study of the most forested district of
Karnataka – Uttara Kannada, has been initiated through a Karnataka Biodiversity Board, which
being done by Centre for Ecological Science(CES), Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore.

35. The govt. has increased the compensation meant for the rural people in the case of causality,
injury or crop damage because of wildlife attack two times. The efforts are now going on to
make this process fast, transparent & efficient.

36. A major effort is done to streamline the research wing activities of the dept. of Forest by having
series of consultations. As per the suggestions of several experts, a proposal on a separate
KFD promoted ‘Research Institute’ has been drafted. It would be put forth for further
consultation so that govt. can come out with clear decision soon.

37. Efforts are initiated to rejuvenate the existing 13 Medicinal Plant Conservation Areas (MPCA) in
Western Ghats and Plain region though seeking further budgetary support and offering
rejuvenation plan. Efforts are under progress to identify new such area too.

38. The efforts to develop Gajanoor as a major eco-tourism centre by taking integrated protection
and development work involving dam, backwater, elephant camp, Ashvinivana botanical
garden, Shettihalli sanctuary, the bird sanctuary etc. are further strengthened this year by
allocating special grant and developing the programme.

39. Programmes are initiated to establish Mango, Jackfruit, Dalbergia, Bamaboo, Ficus and Kokum
clonal orchards in the research nurseries of the Dept. of Forest in Sirsi and Bangalore.

40. Schemes are being planned to provide minimum fire wood and fodder through systemic
methods to the rural poor, especially in the buffer zones like Haveri, Hangal, Mundgod,
Shikaripura, Kadur, Sakleshapura area.

41. Chairman visited more than 60 Village Forest committees (VFCs), 15 Eco-development
Committees, more than hundred Self Help Groups (SHG) across the state to get the feel of
their functioning. Now, the efforts are being made to design the programme to increase and
strengthen them, which can act as rural base for the activities of the dept. of Forest.

42. Efforts are being done to promote the e-governance procedure get implemented widely with
further accuracy ad efficiency up to Range Forest Officer level.

43. An action plan is being prepared for protect a forest patch of more than 700 hectors in Hoskere
Hobli off Kengeri in south of Bangalore, which is vulnerable to encroachment.

44. The work on documenting the native paddy varieties in Varada river basin in Uttara Kannda
and Shimogga district is going on by involving progressive farmers, NGOs, Karnataka
Biodiversity Board and the Dept of Agriculture. Now the efforts are being made to declare the
Varada river basin near Banavasi as ‘Agro-biodiversity Hotspot’, through Karnataka
Biodiversity Board.

45. A major in-situ conservation project is initiated by Department of Forest in the hill adjacent
Karwar town.
46. Awareness building programmes are widely taken up on the impact of plastic pollution and
reduce the use of polythene bags having colour and thickness lesser than 20 microns.

47. WGTF and the Department are trying to asses the continuing reserve forest encroachment in
the Sahydri range and the foothills of Western Ghats region due to the recent migration.
 48. Efforts are done to initiate to document the success stores of protection both by Dept. of Forest
and people’s initiative like ‘Community Forest’ at Heggade village in Kumata and Chinholi
forest in Gulburga.

49. The efforts are being done to reduce the elephant – man conflict, especially in Hasana, Kodagu
& Chamarajanagara districts, by strengthening CPT, watch & ward by extra ground staff force,
encouragement for local people on adopting alternate crop pattern etc. The facilities of
elephant camps managed by the dept. of forest at Sakrebail and Dubare are also being
enhanced to accommodate to more captured elephants.

50. Elephant protection and management strategies are being evolved by wide consultation with all
stakeholders in order to reduce their conflict with the rural people.

51. More than 50 individuals and organizations who are actively involved in biodiversity
conservation were facilitated by govt. at various occasions like World environment Day,
inauguration of ‘Vriksharopana Abhiyana’ etc.

52. Efforts of networking with educational and research institutions for the cause of involving them
in the conservation efforts are continued this year too. Some of the major research &
educational institutions that already consulted are: MOEF Panel on Western Ghats Ecology,
Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Institute for Social & Economic Change (ISEC),
Bangalore, Ashoka Trust for Ecology &Environment (ATREE), Bangalore, National Centre for
Biological Sciences (NCBS), Wildlife Conservation society (WCS) Bangalore, Universities of
Dharwad, Kuempu and Mangalore, Sri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara educational
institutions, Ujire, Forestry colleges at Ponnampete and Sirsi, Agriculture Universities in
Bangalore and Dharwad, Rasthrothhana Parishat schools in Dharwad, National Engineering
College, Shimogga, Vishweshwraiah Institute of Technology (VIT), Bangalore.

53. Because of the efforts & initiatives of WGTF, the Karnaytaka Biodiversity Board (KBB) could
able to take up several major initiatives which would go long way in conservation of the
biodiversity of the Western Ghats regoion in particular and the state in general. KBB has been
awarded with the best board award (First prize ) this year by National Biodiversity Authority and
this is a major recognition for the efforts Govt. of Karnataka in this direction.

Submitted
Submitted by:
Sri Anant Hegde Ashisar
Chairman
Western Ghats Task Force
Dept. of Forest & Environment
# 307 / Vidhansoudha, Bangalore-01

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