Karnataka's Forest Minister Sounds Alarm: Western Ghats in Peril

Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre has issued an urgent call to action to protect the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and biodiversity hotspot. Citing recent landslides and ecological disasters, Khandre announced the formation of a task force to clear illegal encroachments in the region. "If we don't wake up now, the next generation won't forgive us," he warned. The Western Ghats, crucial for biodiversity conservation and monsoon regulation, face threats from deforestation, unplanned development, and climate change. The task force will target illegal resorts, homestays, and other unauthorized constructions, emphasizing the need for immediate action to preserve this ecologically vital mountain range.

 

Sources: The Indian Express, Deccan Herald, UNESCO World Heritage Centre