Govt warns against I-Day special adventure drive in Kudremukh

The roar of engines and thrill of muddy trails could come at a heavy environmental cost in the ecologically sensitive Kudremukh region of Western Ghats. Rural development and panchayat raj minister Eshwar Khandre warned organisers of an upcoming off-road adventure event that any damage to village roads or contamination of water sources will invite strict legal action.

The off-road adventure event is scheduled to be held in Kudremukh, Chikkamagaluru district, during the Independence Day weekend (Aug 15-16). According to sources close to the minister, a Bengaluru-based adventure group has been promoting the event, which reportedly involves river crossings, driving through muddy tracks and negotiating steep hill slopes.

In a written direction to the chief executive officer of Chikkamagaluru zilla panchayat, Khandre asked officials to ensure the event does not turn into an environmental hazard. He specifically directed authorities to prevent adventure vehicles from entering rivers, streams or canals that serve as drinking water sources and to ensure rural roads are not damaged.

Khandre said modified vehicles fitted with off-roading tyres driven aggressively on rain-soaked roads could severely damage them and accelerate soil erosion.

The minister also flagged the potential for noise and air pollution and harm to wildlife and other organisms from such activities. Citing Article 51A(g) of the Constitution, he said protecting forests, rivers, lakes, wildlife and the natural environment is a fundamental duty of every citizen.

Previously, forest department had cracked the whip on such off-roading events inside the protected areas of Sakaleshpur in Hassan, Chikkamagaluru and seized more than 40 vehicles.

Source: The Times of India