Save western ghats

The outbreak of COVID -19 has placed an unprecedented situation before human beings .

1. It's high time to pause for while and rethink the importance of environment , biodiversity which we are undermining in the name of development.
2. With the current situation on process :- here it's another objectionable project approved by Karnataka Government - HUBLI-ANKOLA RAILWAY PROJECT
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4. The alignment of tracks is between the Kali Tiger reserve and Bedti conservation reserve and >80% of land cuts through Western ghats.
5. National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) has rejected this project citing no mitigation measures can undo the vast damage to forests. 
6. According to the report of NTCA , the project through which the railway line cuts supports 29 species of mammals , 256 species of birds, 8 species of reptiles and 50 species of butterflies .Majority of the mammals are in the IUCN red list and also protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act.
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8. This hasty decision in absence of forest minister cites the intense pressure from vested interests is playing a role.
9. Being an individual am not against development but when alternates can be discussed involving mainly the local people, environmentalists and other vested authorities.
10. These kind of decisions taken in haste weakens the people's belief in democracy and may give rise to serious problems like natural disasters , naxalism and so on.
11. In this pandemic era I thought it's better to act inspite of being silent and there by ensure people's participation in governance .
12. I seek support from all environment lovers and mostly to save forests, flora-fauna, humans .

Lalitha Angirasa    Contact the author of the petition