Greens slam mangrove destruction in Karnataka

The Karwar Urban Development Authority (Kuda) has axed several acres of Kandla (mangroves) in Devbagh area near here and has created a public outcry. Activists suspect it has been done to make way for industrial ventures.

Local green activists headed by advocate and activist KR Desai told DNA that Kuda had cleared the Kandla forests without seeking the permission of the forest department. By doing so, it had committed a grave crime against environment.

“The Kuda has created this space at Devbagh estuary area for making way for industries. But it says it has acquired this land for housing projects. Only a fool will buy a housing site in an estuary and by the side of the river and sea. We think it has been cleared for bringing up hazardous industries and the close proximity to the sea and the river to the site is indicative of quick dispensation of effluents into the water bodies,” Desai said.

BV Patil, another green activist, pointed out that the area belonged to the housing zone and the Kuda was trying to convert it into an industrial zone. The Kandla forests in Devbagh had been classified as highly endangered but the Kuda axed hundreds of Kandla trees and there were plans to axe more in this area, Patil said.

Kuda official remained silent on the issue. But local civic chief Ganapathy Ulvekar expressed shock over the issue adding he would investigate into the incident.

In the meantime, the greens have complained to the forest department.