The National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) recently deliberated on the proposal to divert forest land from the Kali and Sahyadri tiger reserves for the Kalasa Nala water diversion scheme initiated by the Karnataka government.
Meeting Discussion
- Date and Participants: The Standing Committee of NBWL convened on January 30 to discuss the matter.
- Proposal Details: The Karnataka government proposed the diversion of 10.68 hectares of forest land, crucial for the tiger corridor between Kali and Sahyadri tiger reserves. This diversion was intended for constructing a diversion weir, jack well-cum-pump house, electrical substation, as well as laying pipeline and power lines for the Kalasa Nala Diversion Scheme in Khanapur Taluk of Belagavi district.
- Recommendations: The proposal received recommendations from the chief wildlife warden of Karnataka, the State Board for Wildlife, and the state government.
- NTCA Response: The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) refrained from commenting on the matter, citing its sub-judice status.
Decision and Action
- The Standing Committee deferred the decision on the proposal.
- It was decided to solicit comments from the NTCA in accordance with the provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
- The proposal is scheduled for reconsideration at the next meeting.
Kalasa-Banduri Project and Background
The Kalasa-Banduri Project, spearheaded by the Karnataka government, aims to divert Mahadayi river water into the Malaprabha river to augment the drinking water supply to several districts in the state.
Project Scope
- The project targets the enhancement of water supply to Dharwad, Belagavi, Bagalkote, and Gadag districts.
River Dynamics
- The Mahadayi river, also known as Mandovi in Goa, traverses through Karnataka and Goa before joining the Arabian Sea.
- It holds significance as one of the major rivers in the western region.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
- What was the recent decision made by the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) regarding the Kalasa Nala water diversion scheme?
- a) Approval of forest land diversion
- b) Deferral of decision
- c) Rejection of the proposal
- d) Conditional approval
- Which of the following entities recommended the proposal for diverting forest land for the Kalasa Nala Diversion Scheme?
- a) National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA)
- b) Karnataka State Board for Wildlife
- c) Goa Forest Department
- d) Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC)
- What is the objective of the Kalasa-Banduri Project initiated by the Karnataka government?
- a) To divert Mahadayi river water into the Arabian Sea
- b) To augment drinking water supply to certain districts
- c) To establish a tiger reserve
- d) To promote tourism along riverbanks