The state government’s proposal to the Centre for environmental clearance for a cable car project near Jog Falls in Sagar taluk has met with resistance, particularly from Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre, who has voiced strong concerns about any development in ecologically sensitive areas. This development comes amid ongoing debates over the balance between infrastructure development and environmental preservation in the Western Ghats region.
Environmental Concerns Raised
The proposed cable car project is part of a larger development plan that includes the construction of a five-star hotel near Jog Falls. The project aims to connect the proposed hotel with an existing British bungalow over a distance of 500 metres, using around six acres of forest land. The hotel itself would replace an old inspection bungalow that is currently in a dilapidated state.
However, Forest Minister Khandre has made it clear that the government is committed to protecting ecologically sensitive areas and will not approve projects that could harm the environment. This stance has put the future of the cable car project in jeopardy.
Government’s Position and Justification
Despite the environmental concerns, local authorities have continued to push for the project. Sagar Assistant Commissioner Yatish Kumar confirmed that a proposal has been submitted to the Centre seeking forest clearance for the project. Deputy Commissioner Gurudatta Hegde also noted that the Jog Management Authority (JMA) already has a significant amount of land under its control for development projects, with landscaping and parking zone works currently underway as part of phase I of the project.
Hegde assured that the project would follow all necessary procedures to avoid legal complications and emphasised that no trees would be cut in the process. He also highlighted that the forest department would receive an additional five acres of land in return for the land used, which could be utilised for tree planting.
Opposition and Call for Reconsideration
Not everyone is convinced by the government’s assurances. Anant Hegde Ashisara, the former chairman of the state Western Ghats Task Force, has warned of potential environmental risks associated with the project. He pointed out that heavy machinery required for the cable car’s construction in the Sharavathy valley could lead to landslides, posing a significant threat to the region’s fragile ecosystem. Ashisara urged the government to reconsider the cable car project in light of these potential dangers.
Conclusion
The proposed cable car project near Jog Falls has sparked a significant debate between development goals and environmental preservation. As the state government awaits the Centre’s decision on the forest clearance, the project’s future remains uncertain, with growing calls to prioritise ecological sustainability over infrastructure development.