Activists warn of ecological threats at Nandi Hills amid growing tourism
Bengaluru: Conservationists and activists have raised concerns over the environmental damage to Nandi Hills, a popular tourist destination around 60 kilometres from Bengaluru, and urged the state government to protect it from increasing tourism and unregulated development. A city-based NGO has demanded that Nandi Hills, located in Chikkaballapur district, be declared a biodiversity hub.
In an event organised by the Universal Human Rights Service Foundation (UHRSF) on Thursday, former forest secretary A.N. Yellappa Reddy highlighted the ecological strain caused by rising tourist numbers at Nandi Hills. "At the same time, activities that affect the ecology of the hills are increasing. Projects like Nandi Hills Ropeway, which are being taken up to attract more tourists, will only bring harm to the area, making it susceptible to landslides. There is a rapid growth in the number of resorts, which has put pressure on the ecology. The government needs to wake up immediately. Else, it will face the consequences," the renowned environmentalist was quoted as saying by Deccan Herald.
UHRSF’s founder-president, C.D. Kiran, emphasized the historical and cultural significance of Nandi Hills, urging the Karnataka government to recognise its importance before irreversible damage occurs. He highlighted the need for the government to prioritise eco-friendly measures and the preservation of the natural habitat, which would help maintain the uniqueness of Nandi Hills while also supporting local communities.
Conservationist T.J. Renuka Prasad highlighted Nandi Hills' vital role in the region’s water supply. He said five rivers originate from Nandi Hills: Uttara Pinakini, Dakshina Pinakini, Arkavathi, Chitravathi, and Papagni. "It supports life and livelihood for lakhs of people in the region, who believe that the waters from the hills have medicinal and spiritual qualities. However, the springs have dried up due to lack of groundwater recharging. Managing groundwater is a key component in the conservation of the ecosystem," the publication quoted him as saying.
Activists further emphasised that representations have been made to 11 departments, but no action has been taken yet. They pointed to the recent landslides in Karnataka and Wayanad in Kerala, as cautionary examples of what could happen if the issue is ignored.
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Sujit Nair raises concerns over speculation of DMK-AIADMK understanding to block TVK
Chennai: Journalist and political commentator Sujit Nair has expressed concern over speculation that the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam could explore a post-poll understanding to prevent Vijay-led Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam from forming the government in Tamil Nadu.
In a social media post, Sujit Nair said the election verdict in Tamil Nadu reflected a clear public demand for political change and argued that the mandate should be respected irrespective of political preferences.
Referring to reports and political discussions surrounding a possible understanding between the DMK and AIADMK, he said he hoped such developments remained only speculative conversations and did not turn into reality.
Nair stated that if such an alliance were to take shape, it would raise serious questions about ideological politics in the country. He said TVK had emerged through a democratic electoral process and that the legitimacy to govern in a parliamentary democracy comes from the people’s verdict.
According to him, attempts to prevent an electoral winner from forming the government through unexpected political arrangements may be constitutionally valid, but many people could view them as politically opportunistic.
He further said that such a move could particularly affect the political image of the DMK, which has historically projected itself around ideology, social justice and opposition politics. Nair said that in ideological terms, the DMK appeared closer to TVK than to the AIADMK, and joining hands with its long-time political rival only to remain in power could weaken its broader political narrative.
He added that the same questions would apply to the AIADMK as well, as the party had spent decades positioning itself against the DMK and such an arrangement could create discomfort among its cadre and supporters.
Drawing a comparison with Maharashtra politics in 2019, Nair said he had expressed similar views when the Shiv Sena formed an alliance with the Indian National Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party after the Assembly elections.
He said post-poll alliances between long-standing political rivals often create a public perception that ideology and electoral mandates become secondary when political power equations come into play.
Nair also said such developments increase public cynicism towards politics and reinforce the belief among voters that ideology is often sidelined after elections.
He maintained that the Tamil Nadu verdict was emphatic and said respecting both the spirit and substance of the mandate was important for the credibility of democratic politics.
