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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Karnataka govt seeks agency to manage rural drinking water units: Minister
Belagavi (Karnataka) (PTI): Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge on Wednesday said the state government is working to appoint an agency to manage clean drinking water units in rural areas.
The state Rural Development and Panchayat Raj minister was responding to a question by Hirekerur MLA U B Banakar in the legislative assembly.
"In the rural areas of the state, many clean drinking water units have been set up under corporate social responsibility (CSR) grants, including contributions by MLAs and MPs, and handed over to gram panchayats. After the maintenance period, problems have arisen in keeping these units operational," Priyank said.
He added that a proposal has been made to award a maintenance contract to one of the country’s reputed drinking water unit manufacturing companies, but so far, no companies have come forward to take up the work.
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"The government is continuing its efforts and will resolve this problem soon," he said.
On a query regarding fluoride content in water, the minister said water quality testing is being conducted monthly in all zilla panchayats.
"Laboratories have been opened for this purpose. Around 6.5 lakh water samples have been tested across the state, and water testing kits have been provided to villages," he added.
