Mining Free Wildlife Corridors
Project Statement
Vanashakti
fought back against a proposal to give mining permissions in a crucial
wildlife corridor passing through the biodiversity hot spot of the Western
Ghats. Vanashakti helped compile a comprehensive database highlighting the
ecological sensitivity of the area and used the evidence to file petitions
and actively mobilise public support. As a result, the Honourable High
Court of Bombay ordered a complete ban on tree felling in the area,
protecting the existing green cover and wildlife habitat. The State Government
officially recognised the environmental concerns raised and was directed by the
Court to submit the final proposal for declaring the area an Eco-Sensitive Area
(ESA), which imposes restrictions on mining.
Project Intervention
Campaign
Advocacy: The Vanashakti NGO plays a pivotal role in advocating for the
protection of the Western Ghats in Sindhudurg. The NGO raises awareness about
the environmental impact of mining activities and mobilises public support
through campaigns and outreach.
Legal
Intervention: Vanashakti NGO actively engages in legal proceedings, filing
petitions and presenting evidence to support the case against mining in the wildlife
corridor. The NGO's efforts contributed to obtaining the High Court ban on tree
felling and the subsequent acknowledgment by the state government.
Environmental
Documentation: The NGO collaborates with environmental experts to compile
comprehensive documentation highlighting the ecological sensitivity of the
area. This information is crucial in presenting a strong case before the court
and influencing the decision to declare the region an Eco-Sensitive Area.
Media
Collaboration: Vanashakti collaborates with the media to ensure extensive
coverage of the campaign. This media exposure not only brings public attention
to the issue but also adds pressure on the authorities to address the
environmental concerns raised by the NGO.
In summary,
the collective efforts of Vanashakti NGO, legal interventions, public awareness
campaigns, and media coverage contribute to the positive outcomes of obtaining
a court-ordered ban on tree felling, state government acknowledgment, and the
directive to submit a proposal for declaring the area an Eco-Sensitive Area.
Project Outcome
High Court
Ban on Tree Felling:
Achievement:
The Honourable High Court of Bombay orders a complete ban on tree felling in
two talukas, namely Sawantwadi and Dodamarg.
Significance:
This decision serves as a crucial step in preventing further environmental
degradation and loss of biodiversity in the region. The ban on tree felling
protects existing green cover and wildlife habitat.
State
Government Acknowledgment and Media Coverage:
Achievement:
The state government files its reply, admitting that the area is ecologically
sensitive and that the case is being heard.
Significance:
The acknowledgement by the state government indicates a recognition of the
environmental concerns raised by the proposed mining activities. Media coverage
plays a vital role in raising public awareness and garnering support for the
campaign against mining in the Western Ghats.
Court
Directive for Eco-Sensitive Area (ESA) Proposal:
Achievement:
The court directs the state government to submit the final proposal for
declaring the area an Eco-Sensitive Area (ESA).
Significance:
This directive reflects a significant legal step towards officially recognising
and protecting the ecological sensitivity of the Western Ghats in Sindhudurg.
An Eco-Sensitive Area designation would impose restrictions on certain
activities to preserve the environment and biodiversity.
