Opinion

Opinion       01/01/2019                  1640. SUB : Report of the Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel - Part II : Actionable points for the WGEA : Annexure-I: Western Ghats Expert Group: Work Plan : Appendix: Dahanu Taluka Environment Protection Authority (DTEPA) REF : Appendix: Dahanu Taluka Environment Protection Authority (DTEPA) A unique prototype of a democratic institution set up to protect the ecology, natural resources and livelihoods of a region, the Dahanu Taluka Environment Protection Authority (DTEPA) has for a period of ten years been more than just a watchdog institution. Recognising the ecological politics of control over natural resources, the Authority has unwaveringly stood by the principles of social justice and equitable rights for local communities. With its landmark orders and judgments, the DTEPA has contributed to the environmental discourse and debate in India. *The huge Ba...

Opinion       29/12/2018                  1635. Sub : Report of the Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel - Part II : Actionable points for the WGEA : Annexure-I: Western Ghats Expert Group: Work Plan Ref : Annexure-I: Western Ghats Expert Group: Work Plan 1. Our Western Ghats Expert Group has a challenging assignment ahead of us. Our mandate is: - i. To assess the current status of ecology of the Western Ghats region. ii. To demarcate areas within the Western Ghats Region which need to be notified as ecologically sensitive and to recommend notification of such areas as ecologically sensitive zones under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. In doing so, the Panel shall review the existing reports such as the Mohan Ram Committee Report, Hon’ble Supreme Court’s decisions, Recommendations of the National Board for Wildlife and consult all concerned State Governments. iii. To make recommendations ...

Opinion        27/12/2018                     1628. Sub : Report of the Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel - Part II : Actionable points for the WGEA : Annexure: Minutes of the Meetings of the WGEEP: Ref : Annexure: Minutes of the Meetings of the WGEEP: Minutes of the First Meeting of the Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel held on 31st March 2010 at 10.00 am at ATREE, Bengaluru.: The first meeting of the Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel was held at Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and Environment (ATREE), Royal Enclave, Srirampura, Jakkur Post, Bengaluru 560 064 on 31st March, 2010. The following were present : 1. Prof. Madhav Gadgil Chairman 2. Shri. B.J. Krishnan Member 3. Dr. Nandakumar Mukund Kamat Member 4. Dr. K.N. Ganeshaiah Member 5. Dr. V.S. Vijayan Member 6. Prof. (Ms.) Renee Borges Member 7. Prof. R. Sukumar Member 8. Dr. Ligia Noronha Member 9. Ms. Vidya S. Nayak Member...

Opinion        26/12/2018                     1624. Appendix 3 : Objections Raised at UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues to Indian Proposals UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, Tenth Session, New York, 16–27 May 2011: Agenda Item 3(c): Follow-up to the recommendations of the Permanent Forum: free, prior and informed consent (Tuesday, 17 May 2011) Joint Statement on Continuous violations of the principle of free, prior and informed consent in the context of UNESCO’s World Heritage Convention Submitted by: UNESCO’s World Heritage Centre Budakattu Krishikara Sangha, Karnataka, Western Ghats, India (representing indigenous peoples of Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, Brahmagiri Wildlife Sanctuary, Talacauvery Wildlife Sanctuary, Padinalknad Reserved Forest, Kerti Reserved Forest); Pothigaimalai Adivasi Kanikkaran Samuthaya Munnetra Sangam (Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve, Weste...