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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Youngster, family members assaulted in Hubballi over alleged misconduct with girl; three injured
Hubballi: A youngster accused of misbehaving with a girl at a dance class and his family members were allegedly assaulted during a clash between two groups in Tumakuru Oni of Kamaripet area in Hubballi.
According to sources, a group confronted the youth, identified as Tilak, accusing him of behaving inappropriately with a girl at the dance class. The situation escalated after Tilak’s family members reached the spot and entered into an argument with the group.
As tensions grew, another group of around 50 to 60 people allegedly joined and attacked Tilak and his family members.
Three persons identified as Parashuram Nadiyada, Dileep Nadiyada and Tilak sustained serious injuries in the incident and were rushed to the Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) Hospital in Hubballi for treatment.
The victims have alleged that they were mistaken to be Muslims and were also subjected to caste-based abuse during the assault.
Police from the Kamaripet station reached the spot, brought the situation under control and registered a case in this regard.
