Ratnagiri And Sindhudurg Districts: Summary Report Of The Maharashtra Government Consultation, 30Th September & Study Tour

lps abr ag adcse u ocad. h etais n te os spot rich support coast the and estuaries The orchards. nut fisheries. cashew tropical and and mango coast harbor slopes the on hill the crops; main the forest as coconut and rice produce valleys alluvial mangrove fertile the Today, plateaus. is region swept the wind the on flora herbaceous rich a and growth tree stunted of with inland, forest evergreen cover upon vegetation abut natural These The mangroves. by fringed estuaries stretch productive highly through sea the into flow latter The rivers. flowing west of number large a and India, Peninsular of rivers flowing east- major two Godavari, and Krishna of source towers, water country’s the of Western one are of Ghats, chain mountain the of part a Sahyadris, Maharashtra the Indeed to year. 3000 a between mm ranging rainfall 5000 high of tract a is It west. the on Sea Arabian and east the on nut areca coconut, crops, spice jackfruit, beauty natural with endowed India, of cost west the on of districts The settingThe 1550 hrs 24/11/10 (ii) (i) following perform,functions: the to been asked has The Panel the Expert WesternPanel. GhatsEcology a constituted region, this on climate of impacts change possible the as well as geography, its of nature interstate complex the and region Ghats Western the of significance ecological and sensitivity environmental the of view In WGEEPMandate figures. wellactionofknown many publicplaceof theater and birth been the has and the country, part of based gas literate highly natural a is Konkan and facility. power nuclear coal proposed a and Lote, mining, and industrial production at power up witnessed springing have hub times industry the chemical recent a been More with districts. development, therefore these have of economy tourism of and pillars traditional fisheries horticulture, Agriculture, centers. and forts sea pilgrimage and hill famous many with heritage, human and culture of land a also is Konkan Madhav Gadgil, Gadgil, Madhav report Maharashtraconsultation, of Government30 report the es sensitive zones under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. In doing so, the Panel the so, doing In 1986. Act, ecologically(Protection) Environment as as the areas under notified zones such sensitive be of notification to for need recommend which to and Region sensitive Ghats ecologically Western the within areas demarcate To region.WesternGhats of currentof status the ecology the assess To Supreme Court’s decisions, recommendations of the National Board for Wildlife and Wildlife for Board National Governments. concerned State all consult the of Hon’ble recommendations Report, decisions, Committee Ram Court’s Mohan Supreme the as such reports existing the review shall

of beaches of September &studytour,September 4 Ratnagiri , and known for tropical fruit like the the like fruit tropical for known and Ratnagiri , where, o where, , [email protected] and and and and Sindhudurg iity o niomn oet oenet o ni has India of Government Forests & Environment of Ministry n a clear clear a n Sindhudurg Ecology Expert PanelEcology a a day,

lie at the heart of Konkan, a charming a Konkan, of heart the at lie and kokam. The region is bordered by Sahyadri hills Sahyadri by bordered is region The kokam. and beautiful seashore, picturesque mountains and scenic and mountains picturesque seashore, beautiful you can see the sea-bed through a depth of 20 ft. 20 of depth a through sea-bed the see can you th delicious draftdistricts: Summary to 11 , Chairman, WesternGhats, Chairman,

th golden golden October,2010 Alphonso mango, cashew, mango, Alphonso stretch of land of stretch th long

institutional issues are very important in any endeavor involving conservation, protection and protection districts. conservation, these of ecology the involving of rejuvenation endeavor any in important very are issues institutional officials. concerned with consultation in confirmed noted been observations therefore The have was officials. below district many He with Ratnagiri Collector, groups. District of office community the at and experts meeting a technical also was There Board. Control Pollution State of officials by throughout accompanied and scientific of representatives, industry Government the by 4 from districts, briefing detailed a a 30 on Mumbai in following Mantralaya, participated at Maharashtra of Government Environment, Region Secretary, by Gadgil convened Maharashtra Ghats Madhav mandate, Western this the of consultation rejuvenation and should protection Panel the that specifies mandate The Sindhudurg of stretch entire the examine to Panel the asked subsequently has Ministry The (vi) (v) (iv) (iii) 1550 hrs 24/11/10 icsin wt h oa bys gt (td Gop, ad a fed vst t Cmo Effluent detailed Common to a visit had field We a Chiplun. and Group), near (Study Lote discussions and creek Dabhol to gat visits as well as areas, surrounding some and Plant Treatment at Abhyas MIDC local the industry with chemical on discussion of situation case the the of Consider monitoring inadequate environmental of very enforcement control, little for grievance measures redressal. unsatisfactory quite and ground, pollution is There including ‘no’. laws unequivocal an protection be to seems answer The environment beingIs effectively protected? information and made observations on tour. the coursestudy during of the obtained based questions these answer to made is attempt An issues: the Ministry of Environment and Forests.andEnvironmentMinistry of the in Government Central the by it to referred be may which those including Region, Ghats Western to pertaining issues ecological and environment relevant other any with deal To to body the professional with development sustainable a concernedstates. of all support its ensure be to and will region the which of ecology 1986 the manage Act, (Protection) Environment the under Authority Ecology Ghats Western of establishment the for modalities the recommend To 1986. Act, the (Protection) Environment the under zones eco-sensitive as Region by Ghats Western the in issued notifications the areas specific declaring Forests and of Environment of Ministry the in India implementation of Government effective for measures suggest To the of concernedStates.all the of Governments and rejuvenation and protection people involving process conservation, consultation comprehensive a following Region Ghats Western the for recommendations make To districts, including the coastalregion. the includingdistricts, process involving people and Governments of all the concerned States concerned the all of Governments and people involving process         th th September, 2010, and then undertook a study tour of of tour study a undertook then and 2010, September, to 11 to r eiinmkr t cnrs o oe wr f wa s hpeig on happening is what of aware power of centres at decision-makers Are development? leading to sustainable development policies Are path? development involvedinappropriate decidingupon an being people Are ofenvironment?involvedin goodmanagement being people Are acceptable? Inter-generational) Inter-class, Inter-regional, (Inter-sectoral, costs environmental of transfers Are costsacceptable? environmental Are protected? effectively being Is environment Are people’s civil being rights respected? people’s civil Are ground? th October, 2010, visiting a number of localities of interest , meeting many meeting , interest of localities of number a visiting 2010, October, Hence, this summary addresses the following key following the addresses summary this Hence, make recommendations for the conservation, the for recommendations make Ratnagiri and and We believe that believe We comprehensive Ratnagiri . In line with line In . Sindhudurg and

case at Sakhari Velas mine site (by the same company), villagers informed that mining was mining that informed villagers the than excavated was company), material more far and permission of same expiration the after even continued the (by site mine Velas Sakhari another in at Also trials. case just not and mining actual be to seems field in the but, in activity whatsoever, the clearance case, any any without taken be can pits trial such whether on information at Mining Ashapura by activity mining of cases clear are there mining, of context the In 550Ha.nearby on Petro area setup Chemical MIDCexisting new to problems these planningare they officerthat MIDC an by informed wewere problems, unrectified and persistent all With these communities. all With before. than remote more even action effective of chances any rendering Chiplun, fishing of to office Lote the transfer to be to seems done has Board Control members Pollution the that all persisting for of loss severe opportunities and pollution, chemical employment Lote to due creek Dabhol from landings fish in decline significant been has There book. to brought been has nobody but severalweeks, for stopped be Dam Boraj the in tanker but a light, via wastes toxic dumped has to party unidentified some recently, Very brought action. no been has there were cases such three Apparently, wells. bore through water ground into waste toxic pumping are Lote at industries many that understood is It area. ghat the in dumped hospital. the to children take to forward come not did and notice, no took involved company The Kotavale gases. affecting pollution Kotavale of poisonous of abatement inhalation to of due unconscious became MIDC Lote near no children School 30 around Sarpanch been has the there control, but saved, under Mumbai to and rushed brought was He water. stream being polluted the drinking not by suicide commit to is attempted Kotavale situation serving the streams into Since going plant village. the from effluent CETP untreated the of that overflows large revealed We saw defective. was highly is functioning It its and Gat. receiving, is it Abhyas effluent of the quantity the handle in cannot included not is pollution from suffered maximally has that village Kotavale of representative a demand, their of spite In years. two than more over meetings no with inactive, beentotally has Gat Abhyas the Mumbai, in meeting the in authorities by provided information to contrary that notable is It members. community many with 1550 hrs 24/11/10 close by these quarries. Such disposal has therefore been temporarily stopped. beentemporarilystopped. thereforeSuchdisposalhas byquarries. these close from sources water of pollution to lead will quarries such in disposal ash and fly porous that fear highly a is is there laterite the But permitted. now is mines in disposal and mines, are that claim these the with quarries, stone laterite in ash fly of disposal recent been has There ash. fly of quality the the approves in factory cement if utilization too that and ash % 25 Fly of tune is the factory. to only cement is sector it cement one only Apparently and bricks, plants. for demand no power is there based stones, coal laterite of abundance with from region this In industries. cement ash or brick in ash fly fly use to mandatory of disposal unsatisfactory is There of towers cooling the village. neighbouring Katalwadi wells and of However, generation. power free pollution RGPCL totally is this that claimed Reserve on down closed mining The of evidence some the is charged there obtained. Foresthaving anyClearancewithout been land forest already district, have Kolhapur official government neighbouring and In permission company. no is was there activity that told that officer Mining reported Umbershet, of case between In people. contradiction villagers local from is information and there said But official that government what seems completely. it Thus stopped only. monsoon during have stopped temporarily Velas Sakhari at activity mining and 2010, January around in company the to permission transport giving they stopped have and 2009 November around in over got Velas Sakhari of permission Environment Office, Collector Ratanagiri at (Mr.Bhoge) officer mining with discussion the per As quantity. permitted Umbarshet apparently suffer from engineering defects and some pollutant percolates into streams into percolates pollutant some and defects engineering from suffer apparently

People also reported that solid toxic sludge from industries was mixed with soil and soil with mixed was industries from sludge toxic solid that reported also People

without any permission as trial pits. We have as yet been unable to obtain definite obtain to unable been yet as have We pits. trial as permission any without ENRON

which is the water supply of Khed town. The town water supply had to had supply water town The town. Khed of supply water the is which plant has started operating as as operating started has plant RGPCL plant using natural gas. It is It gas. natural using plant . Also, in 2000 in Also,

Company

s wa s hpeig tdy h eomnain f bt hs eot r being are reports these both undue inflicting of surely therefore recommendations are We The practices. current today. the in happening violated comprehensively is what is This costs. environmental undue inflict to likely is exercises pains-taking two these in generated Ratnagiri [1] namely, documents, important two generate to analysis its and have data of gathering careful including effort, governments technical substantial in put central and state the view, in this With tolerance. of limits exceed not and does settlements and generates for it agriculturally load pollution the lands that fertile, ensure and industry fertile disperse to maintain important also less is It to industry. using prudent cultivation, is under it lands instance, productive For horticulturally use. land to capability land by inseveral in Thisways;particular, matching land isattempted use. planning of is proper ones unavoidable minimize and costs, environmental undue avoid to attempts our of element vital A Appraisal environmental costs. very unacceptable the we likely Committees, are incurring by EIAs defective very of acceptance and EIAs, proper of absence In rupees. of crores 5.6 was production this of value annual the that revealed has Sindhudurg of south the to km 150 some district Kannada Uttara of estuary Aghanashini in study recent A mudflats. tidal on production bivalve as such ignored, are that resources environmental important other are There endemic species. plant repository richest of these that Sanjappa, states Dr India fact, of In Survey them. surrounding Botanical valleys Director, in life and the livestock to for vital are fodder that of streams source of major sources a are plants, herbaceous endemic many of habitats flora herbaceous rich a and the or ‘sada’s the dismissing is p defect common of Another improper. quite is these impacts ignoring and factor, serious a environmental are these increases, production as such such issues, exception important without Almost Analysis. Benefit ( Assessment Impact Environmental the is acceptable interventions are human various of costs environmental whether on deciding for tool important An environmental Are costsacceptable? 1550 hrs 24/11/10 inadequate sample size and duration. It also suffers from the fact that it completely ignores the ignores completely it very that fact particular, the from in suffers also It flaws, duration. and serious size sample many inadequate has study negative This study. to experimental an up respect set now with has It region. cultivators the in stations Chikoo research has University the of although Plant, Power complaints Dahanu of impacts standing such long to attention the any paid despite before never issues has KKV Konkan that notable by is conducted scientificIt Dapoli. being Vidyapeeth, studies Krishi available experimental some The through to possibilities made being the slopes. is and attempt understand winds An substantial. high very Ghats be the could impacts Given the Western region, plants. the of herbaceous rains heavy temperate of on studies forests to limited and is information plantations cashew and SO like gases of impact the of understanding little have we instance, For region. the in interventions human ongoing the in imponderables many course of are There the interventions.major undertaking further before capacity upon build now should we that imperative is It biodiversity. of troves treasure in these for vital so continuity biodiversity, of conservation habitat of maintenance of role to attention adequate pay not does it instance, For of limitations. its levels has attempt this estimates However, one. by and one impacts, isolated than pollution rather cumulative, of activity. levels generating existing pollution district, additional the permissible of parts various of capacity unacceptable some R of objective important An districts.in damagethese environmental oa ta o iig o nuty (R Industry of Siting for Atlas Zonal thresholds AIZASI as barren land. These plateaus are very rich in biodiversity, being biodiversity, in rich very are plateaus These land. barren as . With this in view the report assesses the pollution load-bearing pollution the assesses report the view in this With . RZASI was to look at potential c potential at look to was angr Ratnagiri xrie ad lo aeul t te eins carrying region’s the at carefully look and exercise ZASI wind swept plateaus plateaus swept wind R goa egional EIAs

. Cery ilto f recommendations of violation Clearly, ). plateaus hs t ipraty bgn o examine to begins importantly it Thus, r lwd hy uiomy ignore uniformly They flawed. are wr tasiso lines transmission ower eeomn Development EIA umulative impacts umulative are, for their size, the country’s the size, their for are, ), including Environmental Cost- Environmental including ), 2 ihwith and NO and Plan stunted tree growth tree stunted (RRDP), and [2} and (RRDP), that may cross may that x on the mango the on s power As .

niomna ot n te arclue otclue ihr/ tuim sco f Ratnagiri- of sector tourism fishery/ development years, our Over been happening. has this that is considerable evidence There of horticulture/ infliction possible agriculture/ Hence, suicides. the rural isclearly undesirable.districts Sindhudurg farmer and on of number people, costs large young a environmental to of led preponderance has Maharashtra a of with state population the in distress rural Tragically, mounting. growing been has underemployment and unemployment our in market job the to entrants new absorb to sufficient rate a at opportunities growth employment sector create to organized failed The has services. organized and industry of that than lower far been has agriculture of growth of rate the Indeed, organized sector. unorganized the the and and rural, of urban, cost the at the sector favoured far so has India in development of pattern overall The Inter-sectoral the and generation present the between also and generations. future regions, different amongst society, the of segments social and economic different amongst benefits and to costs the of relevant allocation the at is look it Hence poorest. the amongst are who those by borne be overall to have costs the the and merely if acceptable not off, well already are who is those to flow benefits the it case in costs, the exceed then benefits economic growth, inclusive promote to is endeavour our If costs. the paying is who and benefiting, is who also but benefits, the exceed terms economic overall whether only not enquire to relevant is It new generate ( costs environmental of allocation of patterns Are to attempts inadequate the and air ignorance, avoid and try our and principle precautionary wealth.its forestforand in horticulturethisnoted district pollution the of apply to prudent be view would it understanding, In rains. during down shut fully the is experiment the since water, in dissolved pollutants of effect possible 1550 hrs 24/11/10 o rpdy bid jtis t aiiae dwlaig o ol t upr hi ucinn. These telling functioning. a their glaringly, More support crafts. to fishing of coal movements of restricted greatly downloading have facilitate jetties industrial to jetties build up for take rapidly support to to of recommendations lack committee from Savant and the permitted the industries action, been have beennowhile has ports, of there fishing development grounds Despite fishing jetties. the fishing to of development access reduced from pollution, unchecked from ways; water several in in tonnes suffering been 52000 have from Fisheries been falling today. have tonnes Ratnagiri 37000 of these to 1980 landings and annual region total with the years, of the activity over declining economic significant very a constitute Fisheries horticulture hard. export the marketisbound to hit inevitableloss of the harm the orchards, not frompowerdo plants as suchthermal turnsout pollution, that it if even their vicinity. So, be pollutingairindustries in seriously no there that demand standards global the for certification.given had Agricultural subsidy Board) Marketing State (Maharashtra Also theMSAMB pipeline. are in others certified, and Global their GAP madeorchards farmers GAP certification, Global opened have through MangoAlphanso the for market substantialcrops exportedquantities these are in both contrary. Moreover, provideto assurancethe Agriculturalanycertainly cannot the University by investigations inadequate highlyseriouslyongoing suffer air growingfromthe run and pollution; programmes.m NREGA These through population the economically weak lands of developmentsections onof also havebeen plantations nut of cashew numbers cashew andLarge mangonut. especially of production, fruit promotion to given thrustdistricts,and a naturalendowments of the of advantagethe taken have plans regional , Inter-class – Rurbandivide– , Inter-generational environmental costs in environmental, social, environmental, in costs environmental ango ango . Recently, the doors of the Global Global export of the the Recently,doors and cashew orchards may in the long may cashew and in orchards )acceptable? Inter-sectoral and some and ,

Inter- The 80 80

Lote employs around 11-12 thousand people, while the loss of employment amongst fishing amongst employment of loss the atthousand. 10-20around been estimated pollutionhasto duewater community while people, thousand 11-12 around employs reducing Lote at hub Industry Chemical greatly the Reportedly, terms. concrete very in distances, situation the analyse to need huge we Clearly, generation. employment course over of is activity economic new of benefit transmitted important An be the in lines to power under production Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg have horticultural of losses not huge the situation and will losses, topographical transmission a power offers the which advantage huge further Hill, that the have will Malabar location Such plant. the Jindal of site on current the to located identical be plant power based coal giant a that propose reasonably may the one requirements, huge to has Mumbai contributing If pool. national and requirements own their meeting than more are districts these So year. MWproposedwithin2-3 remainingMWand 300 a Months) JSW 900 MW, MW, Finolex 43 2200 RGPCL MW, 2000 (Koyna Megawatts 4,543 is production current the while year, a megawatts Megawatts 180 are districts these of requirements energy current The requirements. own their of development of focus the of resources mineral or So energy regions. other of requirements meeting to these and sacrifice strengths not inherent own its on region any of development focus to appropriate therefore is It efforts. development India’s of bane major a been have development in imbalances Regional Inter-regional impacts adversetourism.have onwill which plants certainly basedpower the of coal sightby arediscouragedto be beginning at Ganapatipule pilgrims However, 2008-2009. inthe year 16,70,000 goneuphas townGanapatipule temple the of in been prospering Tourism has Golap-Ranpar. at jetty fishing of construction the against Finolex by obtained order stay Court High the is example 1550 hrs 24/11/10 hs eetaie nry rsucs hv hi w pca datgs including advantages, special own their have resources energy decentralized Konkan. These in available water total of 30% only using megawatts 2000 as high as is it that shown of potential mini-hydel and micro- formerly the Pendse, assessed R has D Irrigation Shri Secretary, by headed Committee, Maharashtra of Government a that note to important is it context this In sector. any in resources of damaging least environmentally the tap first to prudent obviously is it generations, future on costs undue inflict not do we that ensure To Inter-generational fishing communities. to land. mining of restoration at failure and permission without roads transport of maintainence mining, pit for trial used material explosive of amount excessive include These well. as law of violations other of number a in involved been apparently have mines these fact In consent. his without Alsoland his Salgaonkar. Sunit on 60 mined and forcibly have Mines and Ashapura the Desai that deposed 5715 has Umbarshet at Sadashiv farmer a nos. allegedly, Desai, survey Atmaram village Desai, Kalane Mansingh from reported to as belonging fields; overburden farmers’ mine on instance, up For so. ends is often this that evidence considerable is There society. the of rapid India’s in developments of accompanying costs disparities environmental whether enquire to economic germane is it and Hence years. recent in social growth economic widening of evidence is There Inter-class

Examples have already been given above of considerable costs being passed on passed being costs considerable of above given been already have Examples Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg districts. Ratnagiri Ratnagiri - districts are being passed on to the weaker segments weaker the to on passed being are districts Sindhudurg – Sindhudurg may, very appropriately be put on meeting on put be appropriately very may, districts. The number ofdistricts.Thetouristsnumber visiting Ratnagiri district and district

Paryavaran Vahinis to promote a broadly participatory process of environmental monitoring and monitoring environmental of process participatory broadly a promote to Vahinis Paryavaran 11 the partnerships, promote to effort the of 11 the for Forests and Environment 1990’s during Kannada Dakshin like districts in effective were very citizens concerned deforestation and scheme pollution was programme The matter. the into enquire then would who Collector, District the to report as and this such excellent degradation Under environmental an monitor Vahinis. had to authority Paryavaran Forests conferred and level Environment district of of Ministry the scheme context this In environment. the monitoringmanaging, protecting, into inducted vigorously be people that important istherefore It taluka, Dapoli in lands hill private on anyrecordsscientific studies. recognized or official in not existencehasbeen whose growth forest secondary excellent saw also We taluka. in Dapolihectares Gudghe 9of at Pandhari whichgroveabout hectares, 40 sacred a includes of vegetation primeval untouched of patch remarkable a saw we instance, For Groves. Sacred of and conservation, nature of form the inare WesternGhats of vegetation indigenous of traditions remnants preserved best the of some rich has society Indian The environment. the protect to movements led have industry or Government not and people, that is over world experience The in today case people being Are involvedin management the good ofenvironment? is as sources, these to resistance public Sindhudurg strong is there if especially patient, be to reasonable very be may it and energy; nuclear or thermal with case is the than pace greater far a at rapid; very been has energy solar of development in progress the that evidence sector energy is the In there future. near in if available become options to likely are damaging options damaging less environmentally much into rush to not prudent also is It the through waste fish this through route. generated becan energy from generated being are route. fertilizer) biogas with (along at energy Foods of Gadre quantities of that is generation energy for model industries. scale small and fisheries, water fresh tourism, of development 1550 hrs 24/11/10 committee was in existence. It is further learnt that there have been a large number of public of have people of number sentiments unanimous large overwhelmingly the and a projects, various been about hearings have there that learnt further is It existence. in was committee a constitute to proposal a was there while 30 on Mumbai in officials level State by informed was I what the of office the at meeting a by the of functioning the that of member a and Samiti, Panchayat Khed Upsabhapati, Ambre, the in included not were village hit worst the Kotavale, from Representatives taken. was action no but wells, bore through water ground into industries some by waste toxic of disposal notice to brought had They followed. being not were The ago. years two in constituted the with meeting a had I Gat October Abhyas 5th Lote On Board. Control Pollution State Lote Maharashtra the of as help well as Collector, District Ratnagiri ‘ contacted immediately active I very a was there additionally MIDC. to Lote attached and Collector, District Ratnagiri the a by performed being was function similar in monitoring environmental in people the involving of programmes on-going any were there if enquired therefore I 2010, Septemebr, management. districts. districts. 2006, only two meetings have been held so far, the last being in 2008, more than more 2008, in being last the far, so held been have meetings two only 2006, During the meeting with Government of Maharshtra officials in Mumbai on 30 on Mumbai in officials Maharshtra of Government with meeting the During Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg . During the meeting, it was reported that although the the although that reported was it meeting, the During . Abhyas Gat Abhyas Lote Abhyas Ga Abhyas Lote had prepared some norms on effluent discharge, but these but discharge, effluent on norms some prepared had Ratnagiri District Collector District Ratnagiri has many food processing industries and large quantities of quantities large and industries processing food many has th Five Year Plan has strongly recommended that that recommended strongly has Plan Year Five angr-iduugRatnagiri-Sindhudurg Ratnagiri District Environment Committee Environment District Ratnagiri Ratnagiri District Environment Committee Environment District Ratnagiri th Lote Abhyas Gat Abhyas Lote t was thoroughly unsatisfactory. This was followed was This unsatisfactory. thoroughly was t Plan should revive the programme of district level district of programme the revive should Plan Ratnagiri on 7 on th despite their request. Shri Shri request. their despite September, 2010, I was told that told was I 2010, September,

districts. I was informed that a that informed was I districts. and the Steering Committee for Committee Steering the and th October, 2010. Contrary to Contrary 2010. October, . In this factory, substantial factory, this In . Lote Abhyas Gat Abhyas Lote Abhyas Gat Abhyas Lote Abhyas Gat Abhyas Lote

Another worthwhile Another Lote Abhyas Gat Abhyas Lote chaired by chaired Ratnagiri- , no such no , as a part a as with the with

insisted Sachin was th ’

ESAs are not at all meant to stop development in ways that would hurt local people, but to but people, and local friendly hurt environment would that is ways development in that development stop ensure to meant all at not are ESAs and human where the power under areas regulated prudently be but continue, will as activities thermal viewed be to of are ESAs generation Hence, taluka. as Dahanu in such chikoo of use cultivation human intense quite sometimes use, human under areas are Areas’ Sensitive ‘Ecologically parks. national the in even continue do activities related tourism and holes water of creation as such interventions management many reality in though interference, human from free entirely be to supposed is which park national a like area T WGEEP. Areas’ EcologicallySensitive Areas being also are that protecting in issues involved monitoringthe environment managing, way no environmental in are people to Clearly, government. state relating by ignored completely resolutions passed specifically have Samiti Panchayat Taluka Ratnagiri including Samitis, Panchayat and Panchayats, Gram several 17 on mine the to Clearance Environmental gave and ahead went Maharashtra of Government proposal, mining of rejection unanimous the Despite days. 57 after only available made were minutes summary These hearing. public the during minutes summary provided not were villagers The Kalane. in sources water natural on dependent hotritculture on was impact Adverse 2. Goa. in Chandel at river this on hearing scheme supply water on impact adverse and the therefore river Kalane of Pollution 1. : raised were objections several and and submitted was mining opposing 6-8-2008 dated Panchayat available Gram of resolution unanimous the not hearing, this At available. was made EIA Marathi on held again once held was hearing public The time, postponed. this At 20-9-2008. on opinionheld was hearing public Public first Taluka, the village, Rajapur Kalane In Jaitapur projects. these against at unanimously was 6) X MW (1600 Station power nuclear and Taluka Ratnagiri Ranpar at TPP coal MW) (1000 Finolex of hearing public In ignored. completely been 1550 hrs 24/11/10 local people have complained that under these regulations, not even an ambulance is allowed is ambulance an even not and regulations, these been rigid, under very that complained have been have people have local Matheran too, regulations, like The members. ones community local earlier from support The little far. so viewed with Group Action Environment Bomaby like groups outside been of initiatives of because constituted have these organic way under the farmlands from on carbon soil of sequestration Biological for the or plans climate change. combating for part of Indian a agriculture as under Fund, entitled Gene are National the they which from cultivars crop traditional to of maintenance for chargingspecially paid be also resources may as They Act. Diversity such biodiversity provisions legal for new of fees’ advantage ‘collection taking through incomes their to add to facilities special receive also could Areas Sensitive Ecologically in panchayats Gram on. so and youth of devices, harvesting team water rain plants, biogas technology panels, solar maintaining and green up setting in a trained of establishment or acid, hydroxycitric of source important of promotion like as resources such plant indiaca local programmes on special based enterprises from of benefit development could Area Sensitive Ecologically an of status the for opt that areas Thus well. as development environment-friendly of promotion positive about but regulation, about just not are Areas Sensitive Ecologically importantly, More regulations the instead, ESA; every in prevail would that land, commercial into agricultural of conversion on or industries, new all on ban as such regulations, set no are There basis.term long a onheritage ecological the preserve . Identification of potential potential of Identification . ) ) This interpretation of of interpretation This of concept the to related developments interesting latest The whose fruit has been traditionally used in very many ways, and is now known to be an be to known now is and ways, many very in used traditionally been has fruit whose he concept of ‘Ecologically Sensitive Areas’ is very different from that a protected a that from different very is Areas’ Sensitive ‘Ecologically of concept he ‘Ecologically Sensitive Areas’ Sensitive ‘Ecologically ‘Ecologically Sensitive Areas’ Sensitive ‘Ecologically should be should of Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg worked out with due respect to local context. local to respect due with out worked people oriented, as well as serves as well as oriented, people , though quite appropriate is different is appropriate quite though , Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 Act, (Protection) Environment 11-10-2008, 11-10-2008, area is an important mandate of mandate important an is area districts. th ratambi or kokam ( kokam or ratambi march 2009. Furthermore, 2009. march ‘Ecologically Sensitive ‘Ecologically after Marathi EIA was EIA Marathi after Garcinia to . ,

hi ilgs nta te sol tesle sget a evrnet ad epe friendly people direction. in this and steps environment an suggest taking are Gramsabhas these of Many appropriate. be to themselves believe they that system management should they instead villages; their in ESAs with associated regulations rigid no be need there that them to clear made been has It 9 on villages Bhalaval, as constituted Padvemajgaon, of Bhekurli, Kesri-Phansvde Udeli, Gharpi, Phukeri, Khadpade, Konshi, Otvane, Dabhil, Kumbhavde, Nivali, Sarmale, Tamboli, Bhikekonal, 25 Kalne, some district submitted Sindhudurg Ugade, Shirval, and Kolzar, same Zolmbe, Talkat, me the Panturli, Kumbral, in Asaniye, met including enough, villages also of Notably Gramsabhas Sindhudurg effect. same from the parties to different memoranda many to belonging leaders under brought be district inthe areas 6 on resolution a passed district Kolhapur be neighboring in Parishad will the Zilla background, this mills On them. to rice harassment more mean even only will mean that institution bureaucratic it Does mean? ESZ’ in of view prevalent the So prohibited? establishments industrial no ‘There does be what one And, shall zone? the does throughout night at how darkness total instance, be may or For night, at street lights below. no imply this 1 Does ESZ’. in used Box be will lighting in artificial ‘No that regulation indicated the interpret as regulations, unacceptable incentives, people positive to and any rigid, in without solely grounded is context this in proposed beingregime Life. The management Wild for Indian Board of the recommendation comply with a of extent a the Ghats on Western of deciding parts of many process in progress in currently is there Similarly, Matheran. enter to 1550 hrs 24/11/10 aua – Sawantwadi – Taluka th October and discussing the WGEEP conception of of conception WGEEP the discussing and October                 ‘Ecologically Sensitive Areas’ Sensitive ‘Ecologically It will be essential to guard heritage.natural to guard will essential It be Collector.District withoutpermission /revenue ofin cuttingprivateland be will No permitted tree entertained be will proposal new No ESZ. in mining and quarries stone no be will There establishmentsinindustrialESZ. no be shall There lightingwill in used ESZ.No artificial be inthe ESZ. noise nopollution be shall There green.free and maintained be will zone Buffer zone. buffer the within construction no be will There zone. buffer a as declared be will km 1 of area an ESZ of extent km 10 the Within for rules management proposed 1: Life Division’s Wild Kolhapur Box Pollution from vehicular willfromemissionscontrolled. be vehicular Pollution solid burning will resultingwastes banned.fromof be Pollution sewage. to will properly manage necessary It be will prohibited. hill slopes beon Construction establishments industrial plastic will banned.Use be of for sources pollution.water water prevent natural to taken be will care Similarly prohibited. be will buildings /residential of use Excessive etc will suchprotected. forts be as Human heritage species.plant effortsendangered to will save made beSpecial waterfalls, etc. Modifications caves noto be shall There

oaag hv asd rsltos rqetn hi ra o be to areas their requesting resolutions passed have Dodamarg / Ecologically Sensitive Zones around Protected AreasZones around Protected Sensitive Ecologically ‘Ecologically Sensitive Areas’ Sensitive ‘Ecologically ‘Ecologically Sensitive Areas’ Sensitive ‘Ecologically clgclySniieSensitive Ecologically . I had the opportunity of visiting many of these of many visiting of opportunity the had I . Zone around Protected Areas to Areas Protected around Zone is that this is yet another rigid another yet is this that is ‘Ecologically Sensitive Areas’ Sensitive ‘Ecologically designation. Several political Several designation. th October 2010 that no that 2010 October .

natural advantages and endowments were being promoted. These included m included region’s These promoted. the being were upon endowments and building advantages natural programmes development several Initially, no. seems answer The development Are policies leadingtosustainable development? Savant the by proposed districts Sindhudurg as of people the upon thrust ports being are fishermen of cost the fishing at companies power serve of development or to ports and generation basedenergy nuclear and coal and ignored being isthis but Committee; Committee, Pendse the by Zilla Samitis, proposed as power micro-hydel and mini- through development energy on keen very are people Panchayat in Panchayats, practiced being not certainly Gram is This including institutions Nagarpalikas. and Parishads democratic other and the made be communities; should face-to-face small in at arrived best are decisions should when prudently. spent is money solution the only that ensure and them own people will then only schemes, appropriate be there will then Only earmarked. is it benefit whose for those by decided primarily it contrary be By spent. that be that to experience powers vast are from rupees know we where of now crores of patronage, thousands the in how appropriate on grounded decide community development the outside is an practiced being currently is upon involvement. active their deciding with formulated be must therefore in and people, to benefits tobring meantare programmes development republic, democratic our In involved being people Are 1550 hrs 24/11/10 n big ifre n te mrig o 8 of morning the on informed being on wasshocked to people. I talking freely of the opportunity denied of being experience unfortunate of the had I life, in time first the For heritage suppressed. systematically being are feelings their expressing resource natural rich the nurturing of and development of process the in partners active being not people onlyare Not people’s Are rights civil being respected? Lote MIDC. attached to wasvery Abhyas a‘LoteGat’ active there Collector District Ratnagiri the by chaired Committee Environment ground on happening is what of aware the that is obviously problem the of Part happening is what of aware power of centres at decision-makers Are through effort direction. considerable with non-sustainable socially and environmentally an in headed be to seem policies development the out (RZASI) Industry of Siting worked for Atlas Zonal Ratnagiri [2} and (RRDP), Plan Development policies and use district Sindhudurg land in the tourism ignoring is It changed. of suddenly been have to promotion seems direction the now But and taluk. Ratnagiri funds, EGS using plantations cashew development path?development on ground? on is bound to bound is hnthen be in the hands of hands the in be is that the decision as to what the money should be spent on, where and where on, spent be should money the what to as decision the that is . . primary primary be counter-productive be responsibility of gram of responsibility those for whom the money is being spent being is money the whom for those angr-iduug districts Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg districts Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg hsi h a nomdta a that informed was I why is This . just eiinmkr tcnrso oe power of centres at decision-makers th coe ht m ln o il ii n open and visit field for plans my that October throwing money at problems will not work; on the on work; not will problems at money throwing . It is vital that how the money is to be spent is spent be to is money the how that vital is It .

sabhas ,and in urban areas mohalla sabhas mohalla areas urban in ,and But the brand of ‘development’ that ‘development’ of brand the But was in place in was This was simply not the case. not This was the simply hence such hence u hi ii ihs of rights civil their but , . When I talked to them, to talked I When . 1 [1] angr Regional Ratnagiri decision making decision . , and additionally and , Ratnagiri District Ratnagiri ango ango Such collective Such are simply not simply are cultivation, Ratnagiri- . Today, . The

upon thousands of letters from people all over the region that they wish to see the natural the see to wish they that region the over the all protect people from will letters of that thousands thousands path received upon have I a groves. sacred like path; practices through world development natural their preserved desirable years of thousands over a have that communities the on are These treasure. they decide that environment to ability the have Maharashtra of part literate most this of people the Surely karmabhoomi. his been has Konkan Kane. Vaman freedom Pandurang great the Bhave, of birth-place the was It resources. fighter, human of trove treasure a is Konkan remarks Concluding ENRON. by made commuities tolocalcommitments from isrefusingto over accept ENRON Limited, took that Corporation Power fishing Gas areas. now Ratnagiri forciblyfishermen’straditional to closingaccess also is basedTPP. Finolex to coal PVC to Resin tofrom produce Pipe it the was product changed Finolexecotourism setan upresort. it purchased to was being understanding that the on soldpeople land on apower plant up plans coal-based to set their now wishes. PTIANA against entries illegal these accept activities forced misled to examples being being and of people other notable are There have to 2007 in death unto removed. fast including agitation, prolonged to resort so without to had They records concurrence. full their with done be land only can this although them, their informing as much on rights’ ‘other as entered been had mining that ago years four in village Tamboli of Residents are ignored. these totally sentiments yet hearings, public in opposition near-unanimous meet activities such many Notably, 1). Annexure (see region the on imposed being activity development other or mining industrial, against dissent of expression districts Sindhudurg in protest of demonstration violent any been never has there that is understanding My 37(1)(3), Sec, 1951 Act Police Bombay promulgated had Collector the because modified drastically be to had people with consultations 1550 hrs 24/11/10 expert is to objectively bring out what is happening on the ground. This is a sincere attempt to so. attempt do sincere a an is This of ground. the job on happening limited is what The out role. bring objectively positive to is a expert play should too, they, course, of though, either, officials experts, pollution on the of on rely simply state cannot rely we that shows unsatisfactory officials by liberties very civil simply of suppression The the and control cannot role. positive we a play that should they show course, of Committees, though, Appraisal the by EIAs defective unsatisfactory highly of hundreds of submission the all after alone, experts by upon decided be not should It Sen. Amartya by enunciated as directions of development the taking at aim should we that believe I economic andmaking.decision political, engage in social, to capacity enhanced an to lead should healththese development all above education, that says He defined employment. shelter, gainful and care, air, has unpolluted He water, clean enjoy’. food, people adequate to that Access freedoms as: freedoms real expanding of life process lower ‘A far as a viewed but income, higher be should much development that per propound to on a goes or He Keralites. or Lankans GDP Sri have than expectancy in Blacks growth American merely all, not is after it incomes, that capita is answer clear His ‘ mean? ‘What asks, development He should Freedom’. as ‘Development book his in Tilak Lokmanya echoes Sen Amartya now is It development. to on leading economist, India’s enough, development means. whatNotably to enquire significant moved and cherished, he independence the achieved have We that declared had Tilak Lokmanya ago, century A empowered whobe so. shouldto protected.do is they their It region of heritage Lokmanya Tilak and and Tilak Lokmanya , yet such prohibitory orders are being routinely clamped to suppress any suppress to clamped routinely being are orders prohibitory such yet , of three of

Sindhudurg district Sindhudurg Dr. B R Ambedkar’s ancestral village lies in Konkan, and Konkan, in lies village ancestral Ambedkar’s R B Dr. Bharat Ratna Awardees; Dhondo Keshav Karve, Vinoba Karve, Keshav Dhondo Awardees; Ratna Bharat prohibiting public gathering of more than five people. five than more of gathering public prohibiting narrate that they suddenly discovered some discovered suddenly they that narrate "Swaraj is my birthright, and I shall have it!" have shall I and birthright, my is "Swaraj EIAs by experts, and acceptance of very of acceptance and experts, by EIAs Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg districts districts Ratnagiri-Sindhudurg

Ratnagiri- in these in

12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Sr.No. unacceptabletothem protests connectionwith against ‘development’ activities 37(1)(3)prohibitinggathering Ratnagiri ofpeople in district Annexure1: Some examples Policeofuse ofBombay Act Sec,1951 ------workthe mission this may in approached. detail be how out help to So happy be people. would WGEEP the task; this for undertake seriously and Forests of and Ministry people Environment the that the recommend strongly by I people. people, the empowering the in lie of must remedy democracy ultimate our in faith have I But 1550 hrs 24/11/10 17.9.08 to to 30.9.08 17.9.08 31.8.08 to 19.8.08 to6.8.08 6.8.08 2.8.08 to 2.8.08 to 30.7.08 15.7.08 to 30.6.08 19.6.08 to 12.5.08 28.4.08 to 30.4.08 16.4.08 to19.4.08 5.4.08 4.4.2008 to 22.3.08 11.12.07 to 9.12.07 11.9.07 to 28.8.07 Date 37(1)(3) 1951 Sec, Act PoliceBombay 37(1) 1951 Sec, Act PoliceBombay 37(1)(3) 1951 Sec, Act PoliceBombay 37(1)(3) 1951 Sec, Act PoliceBombay 37(1)(3) 1951 Sec, Act PoliceBombay 37(1) 1951 Sec, Act PoliceBombay 37(1)(3) 1951 Sec, Act PoliceBombay 37(1)(3) 1951 Sec, Act PoliceBombay UnderSection Bombay PoliceBombay 37(1) 1951 Sec, Act PoliceBombay 37(1) 1951 Sec, Act PoliceBombay 37(1) 1951 Sec, Act PoliceBombay Finolex Company Finolex Against Protest Jaigad Project at Jindal Finolex of Project, Ranpar against Andolan Reason Protest against against Protest Parties. Local MIDC by Parshuram Lote against Protest Shivsena Co. Khed by Pintoki against Protest MNSbyMIDC Lote against Protest Area Parshuram Lote in Polution Water against Samiti Sangarsh of Gaon 17 Protest Zone MIDC Parshuram Lote against of Villagers Protest Samiti. Sangarsh Golap of Ranpar Finolex against Protest Guhagar, Tal. of Dhopaveproject against Protest Company Finolex Against Protest 14 3 15 ofNumberDays 14 13 1 1 16 12 15 15 15

18 17 16 15 14 13 24/11/10 1550 1550 hrs 24/11/10 23.5.09 to to 1.6.09 23.5.09 to 26.2.09 12.2.09 to10.2.09 1.2.09 27.10.09 to 27.10.09 15.6.09 to 06.06.09 1. 28.6.09 to 18.6.09 37(1) 1951 Sec, Act 37(1) 1951 Sec, Act PoliceBombay 37(1)(3) 1951 Sec, Act PoliceBombay 37(1)(3) 1951 Sec, Act PoliceBombay 37(1)(3) 1951 Sec, Act PoliceBombay 37(1)(3) 1951 Sec, Act PoliceBombay 37(1)(3) 1951 Sec, Act PoliceBombay Parshuram Area Parshuram Lote in Polution Water against Samiti Sangarsh of Gaon 17 Protest Area Parshuram Lote in Polution Water against Samiti Sangarsh of Gaon 17 Protest Partiesother Shivsena andbyMIDC Lote agaisnt Protest Partiesother Shivsena andbyMIDC Lote agaisnt Protest work. to on take workers 11 of Question Pending andCo. Pintoco Total Number of Days Total lands Jaitapur-Madban against farmers to Compensation Area Parshuram Lote in Polution Water against Samiti Sangarsh of Gaon 17 Protest 10 10 15 10 191 1 11