Eshwar Khandre directs to conduct study on carrying capacity of Western Ghats region in Karnataka

Minister of Forest, Ecology and Environment Eshwar Khandre has directed officials to conduct a study on the carrying capacity of the Western Ghats region in the State.

The minister, in a note to the Additional Chief Secretary of the Department of Forest, Ecology and Environment Department has asked officials to conduct the study and submit a comprehensive report within three months.

In the wake of landslides recurring in parts of Dakshina Kannada, Kodagu, and other areas during the pre-monsoon showers, the Minister has instructed them to conduct a study.

He said that experts have raised concerns that many roads and other infrastructure projects are being developed in the Western Ghats, which has put the region in danger, causing property damage, crop damage, loss of life and wildlife as well.

He said that many experts, scientists, and environmentalists have said that if the Western Ghats decline, there is a risk of severe water scarcity in the coming days. In this backdrop, he has instructed the Member Secretary of the Biodiversity Board, the Evaluation, Planning, Research and Training, and the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests of the Forest Conservation Department to conduct a study.

“The Western Ghats, a biodiversity hotspot, has 60% of the forests in Karnataka, which are home to a variety of flora, fauna and insect species. The Western Ghats play a significant role in blocking the monsoon winds and bringing rain,” Mr. Khandre said.

Published - June 01, 2025 09:24 pm IST