Post 2023-04-04 18:29:57 |
Share: Facebook | | Twitter Whatsapp | Instagram Visits: 813
Shola forests of Western Ghats are well known for the rarest tree species. The dense forests are known as the best carbon sinks in the country. Sometimes even botanical experts find it difficult to identify the species. One such Shola forest in Kotagiri is subject to unfortunate felling of trees over 100s of years old. But definitely the locals deserve kudos. In a massive show of solidarity, hundreds of people from several villages in the Kotagiri district of Tamil Nadu came together to protest against the construction of a concrete structure inside the Longwood Shola Forest. The 120 acre shola forest is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, is also the primary source of water for nearly 20 villages in the region for more than a hundred years. The protest saw people from Jacanarai, Kairbetta, Sakatakombai and other nearby villages participating in large numbers. Kotagiri Consumer Protection Sangam, The Heritage Foundation , Karuvi Trust, Beru Foundation and Island Trust also joined in the protest, raising their voices against the ecological impact that the construction of the concrete structure would have on the forest.
During the protest, it was revealed that many native trees had already been cut and uprooted using a JCB Backhoe machine. Shockingly, the Ranger of the Kotagiri division was not present during the entire agitation, leaving the people and activists to fend for themselves. After the JCB was seized by the Village Administrative Officer, it was impounded in the Kotagiri Thasildar Office. Charges are now being pressed against the Kotagiri Forest Ranger and the JCB owner for their blatant disregard for the environment and the people who depend on it. The Longwood Shola Forest is a critical ecosystem that supports a wide range of species and provides livelihoods to thousands of people in the surrounding villages. With the construction of the concrete structure, the water source of the forest would be severely affected, leading to irreversible damage to the environment and the loss of livelihoods for the local communities. A Bhoopathi, Founder, Kotagiri WIldlife Assocaition said that the Forest department proposed to construct buildings inside the dense forest area and is determined to stop the efforts lock, stock and barrel.
Dilip Srinivas of Heritage Foundation says, 'the protest is a stark reminder of the need for environmental protection and conservation. The people of the region have shown that they are willing to stand up for their rights and the protection of the environment. The matter has been escalated and brought to the notice of Tamilnadu Gvovernment. It is to be seen whether the authorities to take swift action against those who have been responsible for the destruction of the Longwood Shola Forest.'
NEWS
SOUTH EXPRESS